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The Ontario government is investing more than $259,000 to support 10 festivals and events across Simcoe-Grey through the 2026 Experience Ontario program.
Simcoe-Grey MPP Brian Saunderson announced the funding last week, saying the investment will help attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen communities across the region.
The following local events are receiving funding support up to:
- $20,000 for the 2026 Stonebridge Wasaga Beach Blues Festival
- $55,000 for the Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival
- $20,000 for Collingwood Fashion Week
- $20,000 for the Barrie Fair 2026
- $19,270 for Clearview’s Small Halls Festival
- $20,000 for the Creemore Arts Fest 2026
- $20,000 for Wasaga Beach’s Hootenanny and Mayor’s Rodeo
- $55,000 for Collingwood Pride 2026
- $20,000 for Sidelaunch Days
- $10,000 for the Frost and Flavour Festival
Ontario says the Experience Ontario program is providing more than $20 million this year to support nearly 400 festivals and events across the province. The province noted tourism generated $33 billion in visitor spending in 2024 and supported more than 300,000 jobs province-wide.
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