Ontario Supporting Festivals and Events in Scarborough

Funding will help draw visitors and boost Scarborough’s economy

NEWS

August 18, 2023

SCARBOROUGH – 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. The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, located in north Scarborough, will receive $23,328 funding to host their Spring Festival Celebration 2024.

“The festival and event industry plays a vital role in strengthening local economies in communities throughout the province,” said Raymond Cho, MPP for Scarborough North. “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.”

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.

“Experience Ontario Grant will greatly enable the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto to enhance and elevate the Spring Celebration Festival 2024 to a spectacular level. We will be able to showcase our rich culture through festive traditions and performing arts,” said Angela Chan, President of Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. “This important initiative will not only benefit our local community, but it will attract out-of-town visitors as well making it possible to generate tourism spending and positive economic impact.”

Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting approximately 395,000 jobs and generating over $38 billion in spending. This funding aims to support local events, including those in Scarborough 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.”