$110,000 to Support Local Festivals
April 25, 2025Investment will celebrate Canadian culture and boost Nipissing’s tourism and economy
NORTH BAY—Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government is investing $110,000 through the Experience Ontario 2025 program to support two festivals in Nipissing. Funding supports festivals and events with an economic impact on tourism, helping municipalities and event organizers offer locals and tourists of all ages opportunities to enjoy new and familiar experiences.
“Festivals and events supported by Experience Ontario benefit our community by drawing more visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers, and support main street businesses,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Now, more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate Canadian culture and highlight the best of our province has to offer.”
Today’s investment includes support for two festivals in Nipissing that promote Canadian heritage and culture, create jobs, and attract visitors:
- $55,000 for the Town of Mattawa for Mattawa Voyageur Days
- $55,000 for les Compagnons for the Carnaval des Compagnons
Mattawa is holding its 26th Annual Voyageur Days July 25 – 27, 2025. The event is one of the best Northern Ontario Music Festivals. Mayor Bélanger is appreciative of the funding and states that “the support from the Province of Ontario and MPP Vic Fedeli enables the Town to provide a safe and accessible festival to be enjoyed by all.”
“We are pleased and thankful for the support of the Ontario Experience Fund for le Carnaval des Compagnons. This funding allows us to share our Francophone traditions while creating an inclusive space that brings our community together. Thanks to this initiative, we are able to offer an event that celebrates the joys of winter across the entire district of Nipissing and provide opportunities for local artists and artisans to showcase their talents.” – Arnaud Claude, Executive director at les Compagnons des francs loisirs.
Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy, generating billions in revenue while bolstering the province as an attractive destination for international and domestic visitors to explore.
Quick Facts
- Since 2021, the ministry’s Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported over 2,000 Ontario festivals and events.
- The Experience Ontario 2025 application period launched on November 28, 2024, with direct outreach to over 4,000 stakeholders, and closed on December 30, 2024. To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2026, email experienceontario@ontario.ca
- In 2024-25, the government invested over $192 million in the tourism sector through funding programs, Regional Tourism Organization grants, Destination Ontario, ministry attractions and tourism agencies.