tourism development fund ontario

CEDC Tourism Development Fund (TDF)

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Tourism Development Fund (CEDC Tourism Development Fund, formerly known as the  CEDC MAT Fund) is supported by tax revenues collected quarterly by the City of Thunder Bay through the administration of the  Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) .

The Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) is levied on short-term stays 30 days or less at hotel, motel, and other accommodation properties in the City of Thunder Bay, at a rate of 4%. The  Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission  (CEDC) administers 50% of this tax revenue to support continued tourism growth and development by providing funding through two funding streams outlined below.

Funding Streams

• The  CEDC Tourism Event Fund  provides financial support to tourism events that demonstrate a capacity to attract out-of-town visitors and generate overnight stays at accommodation properties collecting the Municipal Accommodation Tax in Thunder Bay. The CEDC Tourism Event Fund will fund up to a maximum of $50,000 or 25% of the total event budget.
• The  CEDC Tourism Product Development Fund  provides financial support for tourism projects that enhance, create or improve tourism experiences an opportunities in the City of Thunder Bay. The CEDC Tourism Product Development Fund will fund up to a maximum of $500,000 (over a two-year instalment of $250,000 per year) or 33% of the total project budget for not-for-profit/public entities and 20% for for-profit entities.

The CEDC Tourism Investment Committee accepts applications year-round. Applicants are encouraged to apply 90 days prior of the event or project occurring if requesting $50,000 or less, and 120 days prior if requesting over $50,000.

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Tourism Development Fund (TDF) – Funding for 2024

• August 20, 2023
• By: Events Resource Centre
• Categories: Funding

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Status:  Open

You must submit your application by Thursday, September 14, 2023 by 5:00 p.m. ET.

Description

The Tourism Development Fund Program is a cost-sharing program designed to provide non-capital funding to projects that:

• encourages the development of innovative new tourism products
• supports tourism investment
• builds the capacity of Ontario’s tourism industry to foster new tourism investments

The Tourism Development Fund Program aims to support projects that will increase tourist visitation and visitor spending in Ontario by:

• developing innovative tourism products and experiences
• increasing domestic and/or foreign private sector tourism investment
• strengthening the skills, resources and abilities of the tourism industry to attract or support new tourism investments

Eligibility

Eligible organizations.

• municipalities and destination marketing organizations (regional tourism organizations are not eligible)
• Indigenous organizations
• not-for-profit organizations (with a clearly defined tourism focus)
• for-profit tourism organizations
• for-profit tourism businesses

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Tourism Development Fund program you must:

• have consulted with staff at the Investment and Development Office or the Regional Development Advisor to confirm project and expense eligibility
• be Ontario based, incorporated or legislated entities, in existence for a minimum of three years or more as of the date of application deadline. This includes those that are established by or under legislation; are federally or provincially incorporated; or are band councils as defined under the  Indian Act
• have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applying organization, at a Canadian financial institution conducting business in Ontario
• not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario
• be able to begin your project within 60 days of notification to ensure performance metrics will be met

If successful, you will enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) with the province. As part of the TPA, the organization that applies must also be the organization that will incur and pay the project expenses and report back to the ministry on usage of the funds.

Number of applications allowed

• maximum of one application per lead organization/project (within same fiscal year)
• no multi-year applications will be considered
• expenses must be incurred after notification of funding approval and be fully spent before March 31, 2024

Program Guidelines

Tourism Development Fund program guidelines

Consult with your  Regional Tourism Advisor , or email  [email protected]  with questions.

Events Resource Centre

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We look forward to helping you with your Event Resources in 2024! Don't forget you can book your 2024 resource needs now for next year!

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The Tourism Development Fund was established by the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) for the purposes of promoting and growing the tourism industry in Greater Sudbury. The TDF direct funds for tourism marketing and product development opportunities and is managed by the GSDC’s Tourism Development Committee.

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is supported through funds collected annually by the City of Greater Sudbury through the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).

It is recognized that in these unprecedented times there is a need to identify new opportunities to support the tourism industry. The aftermath of COVID-19 will frame a new normal. This program can be used to help support creative and innovative projects in the short to long term.

Eligibility

Grants are being considered for product development and major event bids or hosting. All projects must show broader community impact and should not solely increase the benefit of one organization.

For more information on eligibility please review the TDF Guidelines .

The Tourism Development Fund is open to for-profit, not-for-profit, public sector, private sector, and partnerships with the City of Greater Sudbury.

Applications will be assessed based on criteria to achieve the following results to grow tourism in Sudbury, where applicable:

• Increase in tourism visitation, overnight stays and visitor spending
• Generates economic impact from the project or event
• Provide positive regional, provincial, national or international exposure
• Enhance Sudbury’s tourism offering to attract visitors
• Strengthens Sudbury’s position as a destination
• Support or creation of direct and / or indirect jobs

Application Process

Grant applications may be completed online though our  Tourism Fund Application Portal  .

There will be a continual intake of applications for the Fund. Preference will be given to events or projects that provide a 90-day window before the proposed start date.

Additional Resources:

• Review Greater Sudbury’s Tourism Strategy 2019-2023
• Learn more about our Economic Development Plan: From the Ground Up – A Community Economic Development Plan for Greater Sudbury
• You can learn more about the City of Greater Sudbury’s  Municipal Accommodation Tax   and how funds are being used in our community
• Visit the  Tourism Industry Association of Ontario  (TIAO) for a comprehensive list of Funding & Grant opportunities for the Tourism Sector

Briana Fram Business Development Officer Phone:  705-674-4455 ext. 4417 [email protected]

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Funding Opportunities

Grants Ontario

Grants Ontario is your source for grants provided by Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries as well by several Ontario ministries and agencies. Grant Ontario provides you with one-window access to information about grants that are available to you, how to apply for grants, and how to check the status of your application.

Funding & Grant Opportunities for the Tourism Sector

There are many funding and grant opportunities to support tourism businesses in Ontario. Here is a look of the most recent opportunities to apply for.

Ontario Trillium Foundation

(OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and Canada’s largest granting foundation. Over $110 million is awarded annually to some 1,000 nonprofit and charitable organizations across the province. Apply to any one of the different granting programs to meet different needs.

Tourism Development Fund

The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) provides non-capital, project-based funding to support investment attraction, product and experience development on a pan-provincial or multi-regional basis, and industry capacity building to help develop Ontario as a successful tourism destination.

ITAC Indigenous Tourism Fund Micro & Small Business

This funding program recognizes market readiness standards set by The Original Original Accreditation Program, taking into account factors such as resource availability, cash flow, and market dynamics.

Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program

TIAO’s Tourism Workforce Sustainability Program aims to expand and diversify Ontario’s tourism workforce while helping employers retain employees for the long-term sustainability of their businesses and the industry.

Advanced Digital and Professional Training (ADaPT)

ADaPT meets employer needs and provides post-secondary graduates with 70+ hours of no-cost training on in-demand skills through professional and digital workshops and alternative pathways to meaningful careers.

Tourism Growth Program in Southern Ontario

The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences.

Summer Experience Program (SEP)

The Summer Experience Program (SEP) is an annual summer employment grant program providing career-related employment opportunities for youth in a variety of areas including tourism, citizenship,cultural, sport and recreation sectors.

Young Canada Works (YCW)

Offers eligible employers wage subsidies and access to a pool of talented youth with innovative ideas and competitive skills. Subsidies to eligible employers enable the creation of about 2,300 job opportunities per year in the fields of heritage, arts, culture. and official languages.

Save On Energy Small Business Programs

The Save On Energy programs and incentives make it easy to upgrade your business with energy efficient retrofits to help improve your bottom line and your impact on the environment.

Canada Cultural Investment Fund

Provides financial assistance for projects involving multiple partners that help arts and heritage organizations improve their business practices and diversify their revenues.

Canada Ontario Job Grant Program

Provides direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia who wish to purchase training for their employees.

Ontario Arts Council

The Ontario Arts Council currently offers more than 65 grant programs to individual artists, collectives, ad hoc groups and organizations in twelve sectors.

Canadian Experiences Fund

The Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) provides $58.5 million ($6 million in Atlantic Canada) over two years to support communities across Canada as they create, improve or enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences.

Multicultural Community Capacity Grant Program

This program provides funding to not-for-profit organizations that focus on newcomers and ethnocultural groups for projects that promote diversity and inclusion. This is to make it easier for newcomers and ethnocultural communities to fully participate in all facets of life in Ontario.

The Ontario Music Fund

The Ontario Music Fund (OMF), administered by the Ontario Music Office (OMO), is aimed at stimulating growth in Ontario’s music companies and supporting this growing sector. The Fund is designed to drive activity and investment to support Ontario’s music companies/organizations in expanding their economic and cultural footprints within Canada and around the world.

Supports communities across Canada as they create and enhance tourism products, facilities and experiences.

Digital Main Street

Digital Main Street is a digital “how to” guide and program to help you grow your business. The program is supported in partnership with the Province of Ontario.

City of Greater Sudbury

Tourism development fund guidelines .

With the Province of Ontario’s passage of Bill 127, the Stronger Healthier Ontario Act, municipalities were authorized to establish a transient accommodation tax within their jurisdictions. The implementation and administration of the accommodation tax is authorized under Section 400.1 of the Municipal Act and Ontario Regulation 435/17.

Where a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) by-law is in place the tax is mandatory and providers are obligated to collect the tax from purchasers of accommodation and remit the tax to the municipality. Municipalities are required to share the revenues with eligible not for profit tourism entities for the exclusive purpose of promoting tourism and product development within the municipality.

In Greater Sudbury, Council designated the City of Greater Sudbury Community Economic Development Corporation (CGSCDC, operating as Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, or GSDC) as its Eligible Tourism Entity. The GSDC, as an existing non-profit board with an economic development mandate that has long encompassed tourism as a priority, took on the responsibility for the investment of the applicable funds for the purposes of promoting and growing the tourism industry in Greater Sudbury.

The Tourism Development Fund was established for the purposes of promoting and growing the tourism industry in Greater Sudbury. To guide investments by the GSDC, its established Tourism Development Committee, updated the Tourism Strategy 2019-2023 with values and goals to achieve growth in the sector. Familiarize yourself with the Tourism Strategy 2019-2023 found online at  www.investsudbury.ca

Program Objectives

To provide funding support in line with the priorities identified in the Tourism Strategy  in order to foster the growth and development of the tourism sector. How does your project align?

• Granting of assistance in any one year or over severalyears is not to be interpreted as a commitment to future years’ funding.
• Decisions regarding the Tourism Strategy are recommended by the Tourism Development Committee and ratified by the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation.
• Some exemptions to the eligibility criteria may apply and are at the discretion of the committee. Please  contact staff  should you have any questions.

Eligibility

Grants are being considered for product development and major event bid or hosting. All projects must show broader community impact not solely increasing the benefit of one organization.

Product Development Projects

Projects may be either Planning, Start-up/Expansion, or Capital.

Planning : Support for feasibility studies and business plans that investigate the potential for the development of increased visitation and/or hotel room nights.

Start-up/ Expansion : Support for new/enhanced projects that will increase visitation and/or hotel room nights. (eg. new festival/event, infrastructure, marketing and packaging costs).

Capital : Support the capital costs associated with the development of increased visitation and/or hotel room nights.

*Note - Operating support is not being considered at this time.

Event Bid or Hosting Projects

Project may be either for bid submissions or for hosting.

Bid Submission : Support for costs of development and submissions of bids to host future meetings, conventions or sporting events (eg. bid fees, familiarization tours, general bid requirements).

Hosting : Support for hosting events awarded through bids or have been designated as significant by the Tourism Development Committee and City; includes capital and operating expenses, including, but not limited to, event rights fees, technical estimates/reports, facilities to be built or upgraded, equipment, hospitality, etc..

Tourism Development Fund is open to for-profit, not-for-profit, and both public and private sector and partnerships with the City of Greater Sudbury.

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria to achieve the following results to grow tourism in Sudbury, where applicable:

• Increase in tourism visitation, overnight stays and visitor spending
• Generates economic impact from the projector event
• Provide positive regional, provincial, national or international exposure
• Enhance Sudbury’s tourism offering to attract visitors
• Strengthens Sudbury’s position as a destination
• Support or creation of direct and/or indirect jobs

Applicants can apply for funding directly to the Tourism Development Committee (TDC) who will make approval recommendations to the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC).

The Tourism Development Fund is a discretionary program with a limited funding allocation. A project or event that meets all program criteria may not be approved for funding as other projects may more effectively meet the criteria.

Projects seeking a total contribution of $250,000 or more from the GSDC require Council endorsement. Projects requesting support over more than one calendar year will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. No more than one third of TDC’s annual funding allocation can be committed to multi-year projects.

In kind contributions may be included for consideration but will not be eligible toward contribution.

Eligible Costs

• Research or consulting services related to feasibility or business planning
• Hosting fees to events rightsholders
• Marketing and promotion costs
• Rental, lease or purchase of equipment/infrastructure
• Project specific licenses and permits
• Travel and registration expenses
• Fees for artists, speakers and related costs
• Signage and wayfinding costs
• Salary costs that can be directly linked to project deliverables
• Business hospitality expenses (food & beverage, gifts, transportation)
• Training and development costs related to project
• Defined event legacy funding (case by case basis)

Ineligible Costs

• Alcohol for re-sale
• Pre-existing deficit funding (grantor loan)
• Operating costs
• Legal, audit, or interest fees
• Prize money
• Expenses related to charitable component (i.e. lottery licenses and raffle expenses)

Application Process

• Applications must be submitted online. A two-phase application process will be required.
• Priority will be given to applicants who apply a minimum of 90-days out from the date of their event or start of the project. This will allow lead time for evaluation of potential funding and then if funding is approved, ensure the logistics and marketing required to attract out-of-town participants and/or spectators can be met for a successful tourism event.
• All funding shall be for future projects. Retroactive funding will not be considered.
• All completed applications will be reviewed by the GSDC’s Tourism Development Committee.
• Applicants will be required to make a presentation to the committee as part of the review process.
• Applications, if recommended by the Tourism Development Committee, will be forwarded to the GSDC Board for final approval. If additional information is requested or the project is not recommended, City of Greater Sudbury Tourism Staff will communicate results with applicants.
• Approved projects will be confirmed through funding agreements and clearly outline deliverables and reporting. A minimum of 10% of the project will be held back until project completion.

For more information, please email [email protected] .

Tourism Development Fund

Jan 10 2020 12:00 am (est).

Home / Tourism Development Fund (TDF)

Tourism Development Fund (TDF)

Apply for funding

Status:  Open

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

You must submit your application by Thursday, September 14, 2023 by 5:00 p.m. ET.

Description

The Tourism Development Fund Program is a cost-sharing program designed to provide non-capital funding to projects that:

• encourages the development of innovative new tourism products
• supports tourism investment
• builds the capacity of Ontario’s tourism industry to foster new tourism investments

The Tourism Development Fund Program aims to support projects that will increase tourist visitation and visitor spending in Ontario by:

• developing innovative tourism products and experiences
• increasing domestic and/or foreign private sector tourism investment
• strengthening the skills, resources and abilities of the tourism industry to attract or support new tourism investments

Eligibility

Eligible organizations

• municipalities and destination marketing organizations (regional tourism organizations are not eligible)
• Indigenous organizations
• not-for-profit organizations (with a clearly defined tourism focus)
• for-profit tourism organizations
• for-profit tourism businesses

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Tourism Development Fund program you must:

• have consulted with staff at the Investment and Development Office or the Regional Development Advisor to confirm project and expense eligibility
• be Ontario based, incorporated or legislated entities, in existence for a minimum of three years or more as of the date of application deadline. This includes those that are established by or under legislation; are federally or provincially incorporated; or are band councils as defined under the  Indian Act
• have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applying organization, at a Canadian financial institution conducting business in Ontario
• not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario
• be able to begin your project within 60 days of notification to ensure performance metrics will be met

If successful, you will enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA) with the province. As part of the TPA, the organization that applies must also be the organization that will incur and pay the project expenses and report back to the ministry on usage of the funds.

Number of applications allowed

• maximum of one application per lead organization/project (within same fiscal year)
• no multi-year applications will be considered
• expenses must be incurred after notification of funding approval and be fully spent before March 31, 2024

Program Guidelines

Tourism Development Fund program guidelines

Consult with your  Regional Tourism Advisor , or email  [email protected]  with questions.

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Tourism growth program in southern ontario, 1. what this program offers.

• 2. How funding works
• 3. How projects are assessed
• 4. When to apply
• 5. How to apply as a business
• 6. How to apply as a not-for-profit

The November 2023 to February 2024 intake period is now closed.

Next intake period: later in 2024.

Indigenous applicants may apply anytime. Contact [email protected] for more information or to request an application form.

Regions and communities across Canada host many exciting tourist attractions that bring people in and drive economic development. We want to celebrate the businesses behind those attractions and make sure they can grow and thrive. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides $108 million over 3 years to support communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The RDAs will work in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and tourism partners to ensure the program is complementary to other supports for the tourism industry, helps to diversify regional economies and contributes to Canada’s economic growth.

The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy , which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada's tourism industry, from coast to coast to coast.

Indigenous applicants

Indigenous tourism is vital to our communities and to the economic development and growth of Canada's tourism industry. That is why it is a priority under the TGP. Through the $108-million TGP, approximately 15% will support Indigenous tourism-led initiatives. Indigenous applicants may submit their applications anytime by contacting us at [email protected] .

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• incorporated small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the tourism industry
• Indigenous-owned businesses (including Indigenous sole proprietors) or Indigenous tourism organizations
• not-for-profit organizations (including tourism associations and economic development organizations)
• governments (municipal/provincial/territorial and related entities)

Eligible activities

Eligible projects should provide added value to existing activities in the tourism industry and focus on business and economic growth. Priority may be given to projects that:

• support the Indigenous tourism industry
• increase tourism benefits for communities by driving visitation from urban areas to rural areas
• support economic, environmental and cultural sustainability
• support active outdoor experiences
• extend the tourism season (e.g., new or expanded tourism offerings outside of the traditional high season)
• complement support provided through provincial programs

Financial assistance

• contributions will normally be repayable
• contributions will normally be non-repayable

Other activities could be eligible. Please contact us directly / consult How funding works for additional information on the types of project activities that could be supported and the program's funding parameters.

By email: [email protected] or at 1-866-593-5505 to ask questions about this program.

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Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Supporting and delivering tourism and cultural experiences, and championing participation in sport and recreation activities across Ontario.

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We help Ontario's economy and quality of life through strategic support and investment by:

• working with the tourism industry and regional tourism organizations to support businesses and attract international investment
• investing in festivals and events across the province
• promoting the arts and the creative economy
• funding public libraries and community museums
• supporting community projects and engagement
• promoting a culture that values sport and physical activity
• supporting growth of the sport sector through investments that increase tourism and provide athletes of all abilities and circumstances the opportunity to participate in sport at all levels
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• Tel : 416-326-9326
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Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport 6 th Floor, 438 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario M5G 2K8

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The ministry operates and manages the following historical attractions:

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The ministry administers the following legislation:

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• Royal Ontario Museum Act
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• Special Hockey Day Act, 2018
• St. Lawrence Parks Commission Act
• Status of Ontario’s Artists Act

Tourism Development Fund (TDF): Up to 50% in Grants

Tourism has had a profound impact on Ontario’s reputation as one of the most economically successful, culturally diverse, and geographically beautiful regions on earth. By hosting tourism events and investing in new tourism-related initiatives, there is opportunity to bring long-term improvements and sustain this reputation.

Thankfully, the Ontario provincial government offers organizations several funding programs that support innovative tourism projects. One of these is the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) , which helps not-for-profit organizations and municipalities to develop R&D based innovation and emerging tourism sectors, tourism investment attraction, and support industry capacity building.

The Tourism Development Fund offers non-repayable funding of up to 50% of total eligible costs.

There is an ongoing intake for this program , but applications should be submitted a minimum of four months prior to the start of the project.

Deep Dive into the Tourism Development Fund (TDF)

The Tourism Development Fund was designed to encourage the competitiveness of Ontario’s tourism sector organizations, support the development of quality tourism products, improve the rate of attendees to tourist attractions, and encourage private sector tourism investment in Ontario. Via the program, successful applicants may receive up to 50% in Ontario government funding.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants interested in tourism grants offered by the program must be in existence for one year or longer and operate as one of the following:

• Municipality
• Tourism Association (excluding Regional Tourism Organizations)
• Not-for-Profit Organization
• National and/or Provincial Sector Association

Eligible Projects

The Tourism Development Fund encourages three key streams:

• Tourism Product Development Stream : Develop and/or implement research-based innovative and emerging tourism sector projects.
• Tourism Investment Attraction Stream : Encourage new private sector tourism investment in Ontario.
• Industry Capacity Building Stream : Ensure that the tourism industry is well positioned to make future strategic decisions, address issues and opportunities, and improve its image as an economic driver for Ontario.

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses include:

• Research costs
• Consulting services and project management
• Organizational development and capacity building
• Tourism sector strategic planning
• Project-related permits, fees, and other similar charges
• Business plan support, economic assessments, and feasibility studies
• Conference organization costs including speaker fees
• Other costs deemed reasonable

Expenses cannot be incurred prior to approval and the project duration is typically one year.

Access Ontario Government Funding for Tourism

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and should be submitted a minimum of four months prior to the start of the project.

If your organization and project meet the above eligibility criteria, please contact Mentor Works and we can kick off your application!

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Tourism Economic Development & Recovery Fund

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis..

The Tourism Economic Development and Recovery Fund (TEDRF) is an application-based, cost-sharing program designed to provide non-capital funding to projects that either:

• encourage the development of innovative new tourism products
• support tourism investment
• build the capacity of Ontario’s tourism industry

The program also supports innovative tourism recovery projects aimed at increasing tourism within Ontario to address the reduction in global travel as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• municipalities and destination marketing organizations (regional tourism organizations are not eligible)
• Indigenous organizations
• Ontario tourism industry associations
• not-for-profit organizations (with a clearly defined tourism focus)
• for-profit tourism organizations

In addition, to be eligible for the  TEDRF  program, your project must meet all the following eligibility requirements:

• project must take place in the Province of Ontario
• applicant organization must be a legal entity, incorporated in Canada and in existence for a minimum of one year, as of the date of submission
• applicant must not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario (for example, Ontario Trillium Foundation)
• information provided in the application must be true, correct and complete (as verified by an authorized official)

If you are successful, your organization will enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement with the province.

Program guidelines

Tourism Economic Development and Recovery Fund – Application guide

If you are from a tourism sector industry associations, please contact  [email protected] .

All other interested parties can contact either:

• [email protected]
• Your regional tourism advisor: Beverley Cameron  (705) 760-6329 [email protected]

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News Release

Ontario Supporting Local Cultural Tourism Events

$8.4 million investment will boost local economies and create good-paying jobs

April 26, 2024

Tourism, Culture and Sport

Table of Contents

Quick facts, additional resources.

HAMILTON — The Ontario government is investing more than $8 million over the next three years to support cultural tourism in communities across the province. $2.4 million of this funding will be provided this year through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) to help 40 arts, heritage and cultural organizations develop, promote and present high-quality, high-profile events that strengthen local economies and create good-paying jobs.

“Ontario’s cultural tourism events and attractions provide residents and visitors alike with unique experiences that create lifelong memories,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “The investments that our government is making through OCAF will help to bring these one-of-a-kind events to life, boosting local businesses, creating good-paying jobs and enabling audiences of all ages to experience the best that Ontario has to offer.”

Minister Lumsden announced the funding today at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, which received $60,000 to support its 50th anniversary season that runs from March 26 to June 16. Programming includes the world premiere production of Tom Wilson and Shaun Smyth’s “Beautiful Scars”, inspired by the book “Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home” by Tom Wilson.

“We’re thankful to the Ontario government for the funding that it has provided to our organization through OCAF, which will enable us to expand our marketing efforts in our 50th season,” said Kelly Straughan, Executive Director of Theatre Aquarius. “We’ve assembled a world-class team led by Tom Wilson for the world premiere of his new musical Beautiful Scars, which has a deep connection to Hamilton. It’s a celebration of Indigenous identity that will resonate with theatregoers in the region and beyond.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of OCAF, which has supported more than 900 events, festivals and exhibitions across Ontario since 1999 and attracted over 91 million attendees.

OCAF funds are provided as partially repayable loans, which enable even more projects to be supported. For every $1 that the Ontario government invests, $1.69 is in turn invested in cultural tourism.

“On behalf of the OCAF board, we thank the Ontario government for the support and confidence in this three-year renewal of the Fund,” said Mary E. Hofstetter, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Chair. “It will allow us to invest in more wonderful projects like the 50th anniversary of Theatre Aquarius and other great events happening across Ontario this spring, summer and fall.”

• OCAF provides support to cultural tourism events that range in size from large art and music festivals to smaller events that celebrate local Ontario culture and heritage.
• OCAF continues to accept applications for new events and offers applicants flexibility regarding project timing and scope. Please visit the OCAF website for more information on the organization and to view the full list of recipients.

OCAF website

Media Contacts

Alan Sakach Press Secretary, Minister’s Office [email protected]

Denelle Balfour Communications Branch [email protected]

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Shoshana wasser, ontario arts council’s 2024-25 operating allocation confirmed by government of ontario at $60 million.

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is pleased to share that Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) has confirmed that OAC will receive $60 million as its operating allocation for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

“We are delighted with the government’s affirmation of the importance of investment in Ontario’s arts sector,” said Rita Davies, CM, OAC chair . “On behalf of OAC’s board and of artists and arts organizations across the province, we thank Minister Neil Lumsden and the Government of Ontario for their recognition of the critical role that arts funding plays in building a better Ontario.”

“The Ontario Arts Council is an important partner in our government’s ongoing efforts to promote a thriving arts and culture sector in Ontario,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport . “This funding will ensure that artists and arts organizations can continue to enrich the lives of Ontarians, boost local economies and contribute to building the dynamic communities in which we are proud to live, work and play.”

What is the impact of arts funding across Ontario through OAC?

• In 2022-2023, OAC invested  $57.1 million  in  224 communities across Ontario through 2,344 grants to individual artists and 1,042 grants to organizations.
• Generate an economic impact of  $1 billion  from direct spending, and contribute significantly to an annual  $11.4 billion  in arts and culture tourism visitor spending in Ontario.
• Provide over  $109 million  in direct and indirect tax revenues from their direct spending, and contribute significantly to the  $1.9 billion  in provincial tax revenue for the province from arts and culture tourism.
• Welcome  20 million  audience members from across Ontario and around the world.
• Facilitate arts education opportunities for  more than 4 million  people.
• In a recent study on arts and tourism in Ontario , Forum Research found that the average arts and culture trip to Ontario has nearly triple the economic impact of non-arts and culture trips.
• A 2023 Nanos report on arts and quality of life in Ontario  found that 90% of Ontarians agree that an active local arts scene helps make a community a better place to live.

Learn more about OAC and arts funding impact

• Reset.Renew.Revitalize. : OAC’s strategic plan for 2022–27.
• Arts for All Ontarians : A whirlwind tour of what OAC funding has helped make possible over the past six decades.
• Investing in the Arts: The Ripple Effect : A showcase of how arts investment adds value in communities across Ontario.
• Impact of the Arts in Ontario : Key statistics about the impact of Ontario’s arts sector.

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For 60 years, the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians. In 2022-2023 , OAC invested $57.1 million in 224 communities across Ontario through 2,344 grants to individual artists and 1,042 grants to organizations .