Celebrate Ontario 2017 grant funding available to York Region festivals and events

YorkRegion.com
Sept. 8, 2016
Chris Simon  

Festival and event organizers are encouraged to apply for Celebrate Ontario 2017 funding.

This provincial grant program supported 200 festivals and events last year. Organizers of existing large festivals and events can apply for multi-year funding now, which can help provide improved experiences for visitors and, hopefully, attract more tourists.

“The 2017 program will invest in cultural events, community celebrations and music festivals across the province, which helps to create jobs and grow our tourism industry,” Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Eleanor McMahon said in a press release. “Through the program, we are strengthening this vibrant sector so festival and event organizers can offer unique and enhanced experiences that attract visitors from all over Ontario and the world.”

Applicants are also encouraged to add enhancements that celebrate or commemorate the 150th anniversary of Canada or Ontario, she said.

In York Region, the Newmarket jazz+ Festival ($44,775) and Markham’s jazz ($26,100) and Taste of Asia ($73,666) festivals received funding in 2016, according to the province’s grants.gov.on.ca website.

Between 2009 and 2014, grant recipients reported an increase of 8.5 million tourists and $1.7 billion in visitor spending due to Celebrate Ontario support. Since 2007, Celebrate Ontario has supported more than 1,900 festivals and events across the province.

The application deadline is Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit ontario.ca/celebrateontario.