Ontario Supporting Festivals and Events in Dufferin-Caledon
Funding will help draw visitors and boost Dufferin-Caledon’s economy
Dufferin-Caledon – Ontario is investing $19.5 million to support festival and event organizers with carrying out innovative, in-person experiences that connect people with their communities and increase tourism spending. Experience Ontario 2023 program funding will support events in Dufferin-Caledon and enable recipient organizations to expand programming to draw visitors who will stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers, and support local businesses.
“Our government understands the importance of tourism and culture to Ontario’s economic success. These sectors bring our communities to life,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Our government’s support for festivals and events through the Experience Ontario program demonstrates that we are supporting organizations across the province that are creating new and innovative opportunities to bring Ontarians together.”
Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, announced that the Theatre Orangeville Summer Arts Festival is receiving $31,193 funding support.
Experience Ontario is a provincial grant program that supports festivals and events that motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, while connecting people with local experiences and increasing visitor spending. The 2023 program is providing $19.5 million in support to over 280 festivals and events across the province.
“The festival and event industry plays a vital role in strengthening local economies in communities throughout the province,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “I am pleased that we are supporting event organizers right here at home who are creating innovative experiences that help people engage with their communities while creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”
“We were so grateful to receive the Experience Ontario 2023 grant, which allowed us once again to engage and host a myriad of local and visiting artists. With these talented Theatre creators, we successfully delivered a brilliant selection of diverse, inclusive, thought provoking and financially accessible live performances that touched the hearts sparked the imaginations of patrons of all ages,” said Sharyn Ayliffe, General Manager for Theatre Orangeville.
QUICK FACTS
- Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting approximately 395,000 jobs and generating over $38 billion in spending.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Heather Grégoire, EA for Sylvia Jones, MPP Dufferin-Caledon
heather.gregoire@pc.ola.org