What’s New for Celebrate Ontario 2016?

The Tourism Event Marketing Program is merging with the Celebrate Ontario program to streamline the application process for festivals and events. New and existing events may now apply for marketing funding through the Celebrate Ontario 2016 program. The newly combined program will continue to strengthen Ontario’s tourism offerings through closely aligned and focused programming and marketing support.

Applicants are encouraged to better understand their obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The AODA makes it possible for people of all abilities to be a part of their communities every day. The Government of Ontario has published a Guide to Accessible Festivals & Outdoor Events for organizers of festivals and outdoor events to improve accessibility and to better understand their obligations under the AODA. Expenses related to improved accessibility and services are eligible under the 2016 Celebrate Ontario program. Next year, the Celebrate Ontario 2017 program will consider how applicants have met their obligations under the AODA as part of the scoring criteria.

Applicants are invited to consider Canada’s 150th in their planning. For events occurring between January 1, 2017 and March 31, 2017, organizers might consider an enhancement activity that celebrates or commemorates Canada’s 150th ─ the anniversary of Canada’s Constitution Act, 1867, which established the Confederation of Canada ─ in planning their events.

The deadline to submit your Celebrate Ontario 2016 application is November 4, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) via the Grants Ontario System.

For more information including the new Ontario Blockbuster 2016 streams, and how to apply, please visit the program website