Hamilton, Ontario
The City of Hamilton is home to many iconic festivals and events, including free, fun family and children's activities; live music, theatre and performing arts; sports and exhibitions. These activities play a key role in supporting our tourism and hospitality sectors and in return contributing to Ontario's growth. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting communities, small- and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences so they can continue to grow and attract visitors to the region while contributing to the local economy.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, visited Mills Hardware in Downtown Hamilton. While there, MP Tassi announced a combined investment of over $320,000 for three festivals that are enhancing tourism offerings in Hamilton. MP Tassi was joined by Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain.
As part of this Tourism Growth Program investment, Sonic Unyon Records is receiving $185,000 to enhance the 2025 "Because Beer Craft Beer Festival" in Hamilton and expand to Guelph in summer 2025, featuring live music and performances with craft beer, cider and spirits. Support will allow the festival to develop new partnerships with local hotels and transportation providers to attract more visitors and incentivize out-of-town tourist visitation and overnight stays.
Festitalia is receiving $100,000 to attract more visitors to the Festitalia 50th Anniversary Expo in Hamilton with an enhanced artisan marketplace, and cultural programming with musical groups, food tastings and family-friendly activities. With this support, the festival is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors over the two-day event taking place in June 2025.
With $38,500 in support, Centre Francophone Hamilton is implementing a tourism strategy for the FrancoFEST taking place in summer 2025. The project will enhance festival programming as well as support new marketing tools to maximize the festival's potential and attract new visitors for 2025 and beyond.
Through these investments, the Government of Canada is supporting exciting visitor attractions that bring people in and drive economic development, positioning Hamilton and Guelph, as destinations of choice for activities for all to enjoy. Support through the Tourism Growth Program is building longevity for a strong tourism industry across southern Ontario and all of Canada.
