Expanded festivals and events draw visitors to southern Ontario
From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
June 20, 2024
Festivals and events attract millions of visitors to our region each year, which contributes to the Canadian economy. These activities play a key role in supporting our tourism and hospitality sectors and in return contributing to Ontario’s growth. These events also bring people together and strengthen communities, and make southern Ontario a must-see destination.
Today, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism, attended an event hosted by Ontario Culture Days. The Minister spoke to attendees about the importance of the tourism sector to the nation and province’s economy. She also highlighted a number of festivals and events that have expanded their offerings, through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Growth Program, to attract more visitors and foster economic growth.
For example, Ontario Culture Days, is receiving an investment of $200,000 to test an events framework in select hub cities across southern Ontario during Culture Days, which will take place from September to October 2024. These locations will offer specialized programming, increased amenities for incoming visitors, and provide information about Culture Days events and attractions in the surrounding communities. These will serve as anchor events to support future growth and sustainability of the festival across the province.
The Beaches International Jazz Festival Society is also receiving an investment of more than $110,000 to expand its Beaches Jazz Concert Series across southern Ontario through to December 2024. The series features Canadian artists who present a variety of musical tribute performances. This project will draw new visitors to the performances, attract repeat attendees, grow the organization’s following and support future festivals.
For more information about 10 additional festivals and events receiving support, please see the backgrounder.
The Government of Canada is committed to supporting festivals and events of all sizes so they can continue to grow and attract visitors to the region while contributing to the local economy and positioning Canada as an all-season destination of choice.
Quotes
“The local tourism economy in Toronto and across southern Ontario is fueled by community events large and small. Investing in the growth of festivals, events and tourism operators directly supports the growth of regional economies while fostering community spirit. Our government will continue to invest in initiatives that ensure positive growth for our tourism sector across southern Ontario.”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism
“Festivals and events, like Ontario Culture Days and the Beaches International Jazz Festival, are so important to the growth and prosperity of local communities and local economies, attracting countless visitors annually to our region. Through the Tourism Growth Program, our Government is helping communities to attract new guests and fuel local economies.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Every fall, the Ontario Culture Days festival unites audiences with over 1,000 arts, culture, and heritage events across the province. With this funding, we will develop solutions to facilitate visitors’ engagement with the fall festival, enhancing their experiences and connecting them with Ontario’s diverse communities.”
– Ruth Burns, Executive Director, Ontario Culture Days
“The Beaches International Jazz Festival Society is honoured to have received support to help launch our new Concert Series. This new program will see the creation of 28 live musical performances that will take place across southern Ontario in 11 municipalities.”
– Lido Chilelli, Executive Producer, Beaches International Jazz Festival Society
Quick facts
- Incorporated in 2015, Ontario Culture Days is a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto that works with organizers of all disciplines to produce the Ontario Culture Days festival. The Ontario Culture Days festival was established in 2010 by the Ontario Arts Council, and is a part of the nationwide Culture Days celebration of arts and culture. Each year, the festival brings together over 1 million people from across the province.
- Incorporated in 1993, the Beaches International Jazz Festival Society is responsible for the summer’s multi-week music festival, offering various jazz-infused live performances and showcasing emerging and internationally recognized Canadian talent. Beaches International Jazz Festival Society hosts other music and cultural events into the shoulder season in communities across southern Ontario. It’s now one of Canada’s largest free jazz festivals with nearly 1 million attendees, throughout its month-long span.
- Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) is investing $108 million, over three years, directly to businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.
- Support for additional projects will be announced over the coming months. The next application intake for TGP funding will open in Fall 2024. Follow FedDev Ontario’s website for up-to-date information.
Associated links
- Ontario Culture Days
- Beaches International Jazz Festival
- FedDev Ontario
- Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
Contacts
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
FedDev Ontario
Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca
NT6


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