Oosterhoff announces over $1 million in provincial funding for local festivals and events

The provincial government is investing just over $1 million through the Experience Ontario Program to support 19 local festivals and events across Niagara. The announcement was made earlier this month by Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. 

The Experience Ontario Program provides financial support for festivals and events with a tourism impact, which helps both municipalities and event organizers offer locals and tourists new opportunities and experiences. 

“Aligned with the Destination Niagara Strategy, these critical investments in festivals and events in Niagara help unlock the full potential of our region and are another example of how our government is protecting Ontario,” said Oosterhoff. 

“This critical provincial support for our region as a world-class, four-season tourism destination will not only help Niagara attract more visitors from coast to coast across North America, but from around the globe,” Oosterhoff added. 

Among the largest investments include $125,000 for the Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series in Niagara-on-the-Lake, $125,000 for the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, $125,000 for the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, $125,000 for the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival in St. Catharines, and $125,000 for the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival in Port Colborne. 

Grants range from $10,000 to $125,000 depending on the size and scope of the event. 

Tim Jennings, Executive Director of the Shaw Festival Theatre, spoke out about what the $125,000 investment will mean for the Shaw Festival. 

“As Niagara’s largest cultural charity, we are deeply grateful to the province for this important investment in both arts and tourism through the Experience Ontario Program,” said Jennings. “This funding will help us continue to deliver world-class theatre while strengthening Niagara’s position as a premier cultural destination.”

“Cultural tourists typically spend three times that of other tourists, meaning this impact extends far beyond our stages – for every dollar they spend at the Shaw Festival Theatre, our patrons spend more than seven times that amount with other local businesses in our community and across the region,” Jennings added.

Oosterhoff’s Cabinet colleague, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho, also commented on the investments. 

“From Ontario’s charming small towns to its dazzling urban centres, festivals and events bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase the best of our communities,” said Cho. “As we work to protect Ontario, these homegrown experiences play a vital role in celebrating our shared identity, bolstering main street businesses and ensuring our province remains a place people are inspired to explore – and proud to call home.”