MPP Jordan News Release – Ontario Supporting Six Festivals and Events in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

July 31, 2023

Smiths Falls – Ontario is investing $19.5 million to support festival and event organizers with carrying out innovative, in-person experiences that connect people with their communities and increase tourism spending.

Experience Ontario 2023 program funding will support events in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston and enable recipient organizations to expand programming to draw visitors who will stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers, and support local businesses.

“Our government understands the importance of tourism and culture to Ontario’s economic success. These sectors bring our communities to life,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Our government’s support for festivals and events through the Experience Ontario program demonstrates that we are supporting organizations across the province that are creating new and innovative opportunities to bring Ontarians together.”

John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, announced today that the following local events are receiving funding support:
• $29,280 for the Stewart Park Festival in Perth
• $9,379 for the Smiths Falls Ribfest
• And over $142,000 for four events in Kingston (Kingston Canadian Film Festival, Kingston WritersFest, FOLDA and Kingstonlicious)
“The festival and event industry plays a vital role in strengthening local economies in communities throughout the province,” said John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “I am pleased that we are supporting event organizers right here at home who are creating innovative experiences that help people engage with their communities while creating jobs and boosting the local economy.”

Experience Ontario is a provincial grant program that supports festivals and events that motivate visitors to rediscover Ontario, while connecting people with local experiences and increasing visitor spending. The 2023 program is providing $19.5 million in support to over 280 festivals and events across the province.

“On behalf of the Stewart Park Festival, I want to say a sincere thank you to MPP John Jordan and the government of Ontario for the financial support provided to our festival,” said Delores MacAdam, Chair of the Stewart Park Festival. “This funding provides an opportunity for us to put on a three-day music and cultural festival that is available to all, regardless of their economic status.”

Leslie Richardson, Executive Director for the Smiths Falls & District Chamber of Commerce said, “We are so honoured to receive this support from Experience Ontario. This grant enabled us to showcase our small-town hospitality and UNESCO World Heritage site while providing a family friendly food experience and supported local culture through our partnership with the Highlands on the Rideau Scottish Festival.”

MPP John Jordan Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
john.jordan@pc.ola.org
613-284-1630
Facebook: John Jordan, MPP Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston
Twitter: @john_jordanlfk