Ottawa Festival Network praises Province for record Celebrate Ontario investment

38 local festivals and events receive over $4.1 million that will generate an estimated $82 million in visitor spending  OTTAWA – March 09, 2017 – The Ottawa Festival Network (OFN) lauded the Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport today for their record $4.1M investment towards Ottawa’s local festival and event industry through the Province’s Celebrate Ontario program. “This is an amazing story for Ottawa in this very special year as we celebrate Ontario’s and Canada’s 150th anniversaries,” said Sean Wilson, OFN President and Artistic Director, Ottawa International Writers Festival. “The Province has essentially doubled their investment in our community. We are grateful and see this as a clear sign that they understand the important role our industry plays for Ontario and our city.” Locally, Ontario has invested over $4.1 million in 38 festivals and events. By the Province’s estimation, this investment will create about $82 million in visitor spending in Ottawa. The increase, up dramatically from  $2.2 million in 2016, is a result of support for more events, including a greater commitment to many festivals that are previous funding recipients. “We have very supportive local MPPs, and are humbled by the confidence that they show in us. This investment empowers us to enhance our programming to draw more tourists, create more jobs and more significantly impact our community’s economy and quality of life. They are making an investment where it matters - with our local festival industry that has the networks and the savvy to leverage this funding successfully, year after year. We encourage other levels of government to follow Ontario’s lead to provide much needed investment in Ottawa’s festivals, special events and fairs,” said Wilson. “This is an exciting announcement for Ottawa’s festivals and events industry that includes arts, culture, heritage, recreation and sport,” said Carole Anne Piccinin, OFN Executive Director. “The Province’s investment will better enable our industry’s entrepreneurs, producers and curators to do far more to make Ottawa shine as Canada’s Festival Capital. We look to make the most of every opportunity to build momentum throughout 2017, and as we look towards 2018 and beyond.” About the Ottawa Festival Network The Ottawa Festival Network advances a dynamic industry through research, advocacy and education. We create an effective networking environment for festivals, special events and fairs in Canada’s Capital Region. A not-for-profit service organization, we work cooperatively with members and partners towards a vibrant, inspired and prosperous festival capital.