A Number of Mississauga Festivals Are Receiving Provincial Support

Say what you will about the Ontario government, no one can accuse them of ignoring arts and culture.

The Ontario government recently announced that it's investing in a record number of festivals and events "to boost the growing tourism sector, create jobs and offer residents and tourists more reasons to discover and explore the province."

This year, the province is supporting 328 festivals and events—the highest in the history of the program—through its Celebrate Ontario program.

The province says that support from Celebrate Ontario helps festival and event organizers enhance programming, activities and services to better offer new experiences and create job opportunities.

Some successful Mississauga-based Celebrate Ontario applicants include the Mississauga Marathon ($27,329), Carassauga ($36,500), Credit Goes Country 2.0 ($100,000), #Bollywoodmonster Mashup ($48,875), Halal Food Fest TO 2018 ($61,812), Muslimfest 2018 ($56,000), The Mosaic Festival 2018 Tourism Initiative ($51,000), Mississauga Italfest ($20,400) and Diwali Razzmatazz ($50,000).

The province says it's investing more than $20 million in Celebrate Ontario 2018.

Every year, festivals and events, beyond being fun for locals, support tens of thousands of jobs throughout the province and generate millions of dollars in revenue. According to the province, past recipients' data shows that every $1 of Celebrate Ontario funding triggers $21 in visitor expenditures.

Tourism is a major economic driver, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs and generating over $32 billion of economic activity.

"Our government's continued support for festivals and events is an investment in the livelihood of communities all across Ontario," says Daiene Vernile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

"Festivals and events are powerful economic drivers and play an important role in bringing communities together. Our diverse events give visitors and Ontario residents a reason to visit, discover and experience the riches of this wonderful province."