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Providence Bay Agricultural Society – Experience Ontario Grant

August 16, 2025

August 16th – On behalf of the Province I was happy to present a certificate of congratulations and a funding announcement to the Providence Bay Agricultural Society

Ontario Investing $55,000 to Support Festivals and Events in Providence Bay

Investment will celebrate Canadian and local culture, boost tourism and strengthen Manitoulin Island’s economy

Providence Bay, Manitoulin – Ontario is investing $55,000 through the 2025 Experience Ontario program to support Manitoulin Island festivals and events. This is part of a nearly $20-million investment in festivals and events across Ontario to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.

The announcement was made by Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, with the following local events receiving funding:

  • $55,000 for Providence Bay Fair & Concert

“Festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario, it’s people and its culture all while inviting people near and far to experience and enjoy our province. They help create local jobs, provide economic benefits and bring communities together,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support local communities.”

In total, Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province.

 “I’m proud to support funding for the Providence Bay Fair & Concert, which plays an important role in promoting tourism and showcasing the vibrant spirit of our region. Events like this bring people together, boost the local economy, and highlight everything that makes Manitoulin Island such a special place to visit.” MPP Bill Rosenberg

“As President of the Providence Bay Agricultural Society and on behalf of our Board of Directors, we want to sincerely thank the Experience Ontario grant program. It has allowed the Providence Bay Fair to expand our entertainment and to provide excellent arts and cultural opportunities to our community and visitors to Manitoulin Island. I hope that the Providence Bay Agricultural Society can be considered for future opportunities to continue to grow and improve our community fair.” Providence Bay Agricultural Society President, Jack White.

QUICK FACTS

  • Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy, in 2023 visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 325,000 jobs.
  • 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.
  • In 2024-25, the ministry invested more than $20 million to support more than 250 festivals and events around the province.
  • Festivals and events supported by Experience Ontario benefit communities by drawing more visitors who stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.
  • 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, our government invested over $192 million in the tourism sector through funding programs, Regional Tourism Organization grants, Destination Ontario, ministry attractions, and tourism agencies.

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MEDIA CONTACTS                                                             Robin Horwath Executive Assistant to MPP Rosenberg 705-842-6556