Ontario investing more than $7 million in local and virtual events

By Michael Ranger

The pandemic has forced the cancellation or postponement of most festivals and events over the last year, but Ontario us hoping to change that with the launch of a new program next month.

The Ford government is investing more than $7 million in the Reconnect Festival and Event Program that supports more than 100 events and initiatives.

The program aims to support festival and event organizers by offering Ontario communities safe events as the pandemic continues. Toronto is set to get over half of the province’s funding.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has had an unprecedented, devastating impact on arts, tourism and culture in the province – our sectors were hit first, hit hardest, and will take the longest to recover,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries.

“It is critical that our government continues to support organizations that are finding new ways to engage with and reconnect Ontarians, while preserving jobs and supporting local economies. The Reconnect Festival and Event Program will help support the economic and social recovery of communities across Ontario.”


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The program is supporting more than 100 events including reverse holiday parades with drive-by static floats, drive-in music concerts and movies, walking trails and light shows.

Some of the funded events:

  • The Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience: Spring Edition, a virtual and live event showcasing the best in Canadian agriculture, food and equine sport
  • Field Trip Life Launch, live and virtual performances to launch the return of the Field Trip and FieldTripLife.com festival
  • Lights On Stratford, a winter lights festival illuminating heritage buildings, theatres, parks and storefronts in Stratford
  • Hot Docs Podcast Festival, an online ticketed event showcasing popular podcasters
  • Haunted Walk “Bubble Tours,” which include adapted in-person and digital ghost tours in Ottawa.

 

MacLeod was joined by Toronto mayor John Tory to make the announcement.

“As part of our rebuilding efforts, we will rely heavily on the events that were essential to the vibrancy and livelihood of our city. I want to thank Minister MacLeod and the provincial government for providing this funding and for demonstrating their commitment to rebuilding the arts, culture and tourism sector in Toronto,” said Tory.

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