Ontario Investing $20 Million to Support Festivals and Events

The Ontario government is investing nearly $20 million in more than 350 festivals and events across the province this year. The funding, made through Experience Ontario 2025, will help boost tourism, strengthen local economies and celebrate the best of Ontario’s communities.

Today’s announcement was made by Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, along with Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan, at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay.

“Ontario’s festivals and events showcase the best of our province, while instilling pride, creating jobs and boosting local economies,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support our local communities.”

The Experience Ontario 2025 program provides support for festivals and events with a tourism economic impact, helping municipalities and event organizers in offering locals and tourists alike of all ages with opportunities to enjoy new and familiar experiences of all kinds. Today’s investment includes support for two festivals in Thunder Bay that promote Canadian heritage and culture, create jobs and attract visitors:

• Bayfest, a rock music festival taking place at Fort William from July 18 to 20, is receiving $125,000.

• The Wake the Giant Music Festival, an event celebrating all cultures with a focus on Indigenous artists, which will be held on Thunder Bay’s waterfront on September 6, is receiving $55,000.

Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy, generating billions in revenue while bolstering the province as an attractive destination for international and domestic visitors to explore.

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