Ontario Investing $3 Million to Boost Sport Tourism
Province accepting applications for next round of Sport Hosting Program to support sport tourism and local economies
The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the first intake of the 2026-27 Sport Hosting Program, which provides funding support to communities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions. This program is one more way the government is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by boosting tourism, creating jobs and strengthening local economies across the province.
“Sport tourism is a powerful economic driver, and an important part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Our Sport Hosting Program helps communities unlock the benefits of hosting major events and gives our athletes the opportunity to compete here at home, while reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events.”
With an annual investment of $3 million, the program has supported over 230 events since 2018, contributing approximately $220 million to Ontario’s economy. Recent events supported through the program include Canada Basketball’s 2025 Globl Jam in Toronto, the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in St. Catharines, the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Ottawa and the 2025 Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League Women’s National Championship in Durham Region.
By helping communities host these events, the program not only drives economic activity and boosts local tourism, but it also gives Ontario athletes the elite-competition experience they need to excel on the world stage, right here at home.
Organizations can apply for the Ontario Sport Hosting Program – Intake I funding online through Transfer Payment Ontario until January 12, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program brings together on average approximately 9,500 amateur athletes, 3,000 volunteers and 100,000 community supporters to Ontario.
- Successful applicants can use this funding to help with operational costs, including venue, staffing, participant expenses (such as accommodations and meals) and legacy projects.
- Through the 2025-26 Sport Hosting Program – Intake II, Ontario is investing more than $1.6 million to support 20 national and 10 international amateur sport events, which are expected to attract 10,000 athletes and generate $34 million in economic activity for Ontario.
- The government’s investments through Ontario’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund are helping communities upgrade sport facilities, paving the way for more hosting opportunities.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love