Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker has announced that the 2020 Celebrate Ontario program is open for applications from interested organizations.

Celebrate Ontario 2020 supports programming improvements at new and existing festivals and events that attract tourists for longer stays, create great experiences for visitors and support communities across Ontario. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 5 p.m.

“Bruce and Grey Counties are home to a number of outstanding local festivals that draw in visitors from across the province. These festivals and events bring people together, showcase authentic Ontario experiences, and support our diverse and thriving communities,” said Walker. “I strongly encourage community organizations in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound to apply for funding through this program.”

There have been some changes to the program. Applicants are advised to please make sure to read the Celebrate Ontario 2020 Application Guide carefully for information on eligibility, funding priorities and program details.

Walker encourages local organizations to visit the Celebrate Ontario 2020 website below to get more details and information about the program.

The 2020 Celebrate Ontario program is now receiving applications via the Transfer Payment Ontario System.

Program Objectives

Celebrate Ontario supports programming improvements at new and existing festivals and events that attract tourists for longer stays, create great experiences for visitors and support communities across Ontario.

Applications must demonstrate:

• Programming improvements that increase tourist visits and spending

• A strategy to grow the event’s tourism attendance and an evidence-based rationale for the proposed programming improvements

• Strong community and regional economic development focus source:: media release, MPP Bill Walker