FedDev Ontario announces over $7.2 million to bring back popular summertime activities to boost local economy
August 19, 2022 - Toronto, Ontario
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has been a summer highlight in Toronto for over 140 years. One of the largest fairs in North America, the CNE welcomes more than 1.5 million attendees each year. Following cancellations in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CNE is set to return today through September 5, bringing millions of visitors to Toronto. The Government of Canada is committed to revitalizing major events and festivals, like the CNE, and positioning them for a strong future.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario ), Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Member of Parliament for Beaches-East York, announced a non-repayable investment of over $7.2 million to support the return of two important Toronto summer events: the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and the Canadian International Air Show.
With a non-repayable investment of $7-million, provided through the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative (MFESI), the CNE will return with modernized on-site offerings, such as new heritage-themed programming, a new pyrotechnics and drone stage, and the addition of a new structure at the Kids World pavilion. The funding also supports the redesign and improvement of the event's digital presence and enhanced COVID-19 safety measures.
In addition, a non-repayable investment of $250,000 for the Canadian International Air Show, through the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF), will allow the organization to develop new audio and video content to attract virtual visitors to the Toronto waterfront for the first time through its online platform, expanding the visitor reach beyond the in-person experience. Each year, the Air Show draws nearly 1 million spectators to Toronto's waterfront.
The investments announced today will support these events to be better than ever, enhance vibrancy in the city and support spillover economic benefits to the community.
