The new chair of Ottawa Festivals said he hopes more than $2 million in provincial funding for 25 local festivals announced Thursday will help spark investment from other levels of government.
Foster employee wellness and show your appreciation with Ingenium
Helping employers better connect with employees, and their families, is the thinking behind the corporate memberships offering from Ingenium.
Oakview Capital Inc. is the solid option for your real estate investment portfolio
You know a real estate investment is sound when your advisors put their own money behind it.
“You’re getting new dollars coming into our community,” Mr. Naqvi said. “Restaurants love you. Shopping loves you. This is an economic plan. This is very much not only for promoting, arts, culture and festivals but also boosting our economy.”
Mr. Wilson, who is also artistic director of the Ottawa International Writers Festival, said the Celebrate Ontario program providing the funding is the only one he knows of that’s been introduced in the last 10 years that says “we have to recognize this important industry, we’ve got to support the knowledge economy, support quality of life, support good jobs and celebrate community.”
Mr. Wilson said investing in festivals is a wise move for any government that wants to promote a jobs agenda.
“For every dollar we get from the province of Ontario, our individual members turn that into anywhere from $9 to $15 for the economy, so from my point of view, that’s a return on the investment that’s amazing,” he said.
While Mr. Wilson called Thursday’s announcement a “real good news story for Ottawa,” he pointed at the city’s arts investment strategy as an area that needs work.
“There are serious issues with municipal support,” he said. “The arts investment strategy which was to get us to average levels of support municipally, a six-year plan to get to average, that has not been funded in a couple years so there is a big fight to get that back on track.”
Mr. Wilson said 400 community members were part of a year-long consultation process that was unanimously approved by the previous city council. He said with two years left, the strategy is about $4 million under its target, but he is hopeful the city will recognize that it must invest in more than just Ottawa 2017 celebrations.
“You also have to strengthen and support the festivals and events that have been here for many, many years and will be here long after this anniversary year is over.”
Ottawa Tourism CEO Michael Crockatt, who also chairs the board at the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, said it was “fantastic” to see local festivals get funding, adding the chamber works with the city on a number of initiatives to help businesses grow.
“Anything that can be demonstrated to be on the side of business growth and sustainability is a great thing,” he said.
Ottawa Festivals receiving provincial funding from the Celebrate Ottawa program:
Glowfair – $46,050
Ontario Festival of Small Halls 2016 – $38,908
Ottawa International Writers Festival – $56,864
2016 Eat, Drink, Spring – $48,612
2017 Cracking-up the Capital Comedy Festival – $54,856
Chamberfest – $227,584
Ottawa International Children’s Festival – $104,907
2016 CityFolk – $296,662
TD Ottawa Jazz Festival – $287,407
Canadian Tulip Festival – $146,600
Buskerfest – $11,250
Summer Solstice Aboriginal Festival – $22,500
Ottawa Capital Pride Festival – $22,500
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend – $33,300
The Great Canada 150th Hogmanay Festival – $45,000
Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival – $96,650
RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest – $315,100
“The World in One City” Muslim Summer Festival – $18,000
Carivibe Festival – $1,220
Ottawa Craft Beer Festival – $24,764
Music and Beyond 2016 Festival – $105,700
Festival Franco-Ontarien – $90,000
The Capital Fair Pow Wow – $5,050
Haunting Season at Saunders Farm – $81,905
Oktoberfest Ottawa – $600
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
