The Ontario government is providing $257,997 in grants to support nine festivals and events in the Brockville area. Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced the funding on May 1, 2026, as part of a larger provincial initiative to boost tourism and support local economies.
The investment is provided through the Experience Ontario 2026 program, which is funding nearly 400 events across the province this year. In the Brockville region, the funding is distributed among nine local organizations to help expand programming and attract more visitors.
The recipients include the Aquatarium, which received $55,000 for its Mermaid March Break 2027 event. Other notable allocations include $50,000 for the 1000 Islands Regatta and $42,997 for the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. Additional funding was awarded to the Brockville RibFest, Le FestivÎLES in Gananoque, Kemptville Buskerfest, the Lombardy Kioti Pro Rodeo, the South Grenville Bluegrass Festival, and the Rideau Canal Nautical Heritage Festival.
Local organizers say the support is vital for growth and economic activity. Thomas Harder, executive director of the Aquatarium, noted that their event has become a defining draw for the area during the shoulder season. Similarly, Ingrid Bjornson, general manager of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, stated that the funding strengthens the local tourism economy by supporting professional theatre that brings audiences to Prescott and surrounding communities.
The provincial program has supported more than 2,700 festivals and events across Ontario since 2018. According to the province, the tourism sector remains a significant driver of the regional economy, with visitors to Ontario spending $33 billion and supporting over 300,000 jobs in 2024.
