On World Tourism Day, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament for Davenport, announced an investment of over $3.1 million through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP) for 22 organizations in Toronto to draw new visitors to the region through expanded offerings. This includes support for four projects that support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Toronto, which are creating culturally rich experiences that celebrate, preserve and teach Indigenous culture.
| Recipient Name | Project | Funding Contribution |
|---|---|---|
Toronto Tourism |
||
Cabbagetown Business Improvement Area |
Expand the Cabbagetown Street Festival, which took place September 7-8, 2024. |
$90,000 |
Destination Toronto |
Create a Tourism Growth Plan for Toronto and region. |
$200,000 |
Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area |
Expand the IllumiNite Festival taking place in February 2025. |
$200,000 |
Evergreen |
Implement a sustainable off-season tourism plan and create new active outdoor experiences at Evergreen Brick Works. |
$200,000 |
Kensington Market Jazz Festival |
Enhance the 2024 Kensington Market Jazz Festival taking place September 27-29, 2024. |
$17,500 |
MOCA Toronto |
Develop and implement a strategic long-term tourism plan. |
$185,000 |
MonstrARTity Creative Community |
Expand the food festival at the annual #BollywoodMonster Mashup festival, which took place in July 2024. |
$65,000 |
Nia Centre for the Arts |
Develop and execute a marketing plan to promote the Little Jamaica neighbourhood. |
$135,000 |
Sinfonia Toronto |
Implement plans to attract tourism in the shoulder and winter seasons. |
$74,400 |
The Theatre Centre |
Enhance cultural tourism events in the West Queen West area as part of a "re-engagement" strategy. |
$150,000 |
The Bentway |
Enhance the visitor experience through cultural and recreational events. |
$200,000 |
Toronto Biennial of Art |
Deliver the 2024 Toronto Biennial of Art Exhibition, which takes place September 21 to December 1, 2024. |
$200,000 |
Uma Nota Culture |
Create a new "Destination Geary" tourism experience on Geary Avenue through local art and events. |
$45,000 |
Word Media Group Inc. |
Create the "Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour," a visitor experience showcasing Black Canadian musical artists, producers and locations. |
$90,000 |
Toronto-based southern Ontario wide Tourism |
||
Ontario Museum Association |
Develop and implement an action plan to equip rural museums with digital skills and capacities to boost local tourism. |
$200,000 |
The New Business |
Create a one-stop solution tourism stakeholder management application. |
$200,000 |
TIAO - Tourism Industry Association of Ontario |
Develop and implement an Ontario-wide tourism strategic plan to grow the economic impact of the tourism industry. |
$250,000 |
Transportation Options |
Enhance and promote regional trails in southern Ontario through an outdoor, group hiking experience to natural and historical hiking trails throughout southern Ontario. |
$50,000 |
Indigenous Tourism in Toronto |
||
50/50 Performing Arts Collective |
Expand the November 2024 Tkaronto Music Festival (TKMF), including an Indigenous food and artisan market. |
$145,000 |
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund |
Present the 2025 Indigenous Music & Arts Festival in June 2025, showcasing more than 50 Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. |
$200,000 |
Indigenous Music Alliance |
Production of the June 2024 iteration of the International Indigenous Music Summit, one of the largest Indigenous music events in the world. |
$200,000 |
The Vision Quest Project Giidwin |
Create an Indigenous art and canoe exhibition titled "Ishkwanidiwin: Strength, Resilience & Resistance" at the Alton Mill Arts Centre. |
$66,000 |
