Ontario Supporting Five Festivals and Events in Leeds & Grenville

Funding will attract visitors to Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes and boost the local economy

Brockville – The Ontario government is investing more than $97,000 through the Experience Ontario 2024 program to support five festivals and events in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. This is a part of the $19.5 million investment that is being made in communities across the province to encourage Ontarians to explore all that these communities have to offer – staying longer in local accommodations, eating in restaurants and supporting small businesses.

“I’m pleased our government recognizes the importance of supporting local events and the hardworking organizers who make them happen,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “We are fortunate to have so many exciting attractions across the region and I look forward to attending many of them this year.”

MPP Clark announced today that the following local festivals and events are receiving funding support:

• $20,000 for Aquatarium – Mermaid March Break
• $19,950 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville – Brockville Ribfest
• $20,000 for the City of Brockville – River of Lights
• $17,500 for the Town of Gananoque – Le FestivîLES
• $20,000 for Valley Grass – South Grenville Bluegrass Festival

“Festivals and events enrich the lives of Ontarians and strengthen local economies,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “I am proud that our government is supporting festival and event organizers through the Experience Ontario 2024 program, helping them to create unique local experiences that will attract visitors, create jobs and promote economic development.”

“Since 2019 the City of Brockville has hosted the River of Lights, a winter light show on our waterfront,” said Kendra Lorimer, Economic Development Coordinator with the City of Brockville.  “As this event has expanded over the years it has become one of our primary attractions, drawing visitors during the winter months. Having the funding for this secured early in the year has allowed the city to plan ahead and offer the best show to our visitors and locals.”

QUICK FACTS:

• This program, originally established in 2007 as Celebrate Ontario, has invested more than $284 million in over 3,600 Ontario festivals and events.
• Festivals and events are also supported through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF), which provides eligible organizations with funding for marketing and promotional costs.
• Tourism makes significant contributions to Ontario’s economy, supporting approximately 360,000 jobs and generating over $35 billion of economic activity.