Brockville festivals receive $190,000 boost through Ontario grant program
Local festival organizers and cultural groups in Brockville are among those who will benefit from a new $20 million provincial investment aimed at supporting more than 350 festivals and events across Ontario.
Announced by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Neil Lumsden, the funding is part of the Ontario government’s effort to revitalize the tourism and events sector—an industry still recovering from pandemic-related disruptions.
Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark announced that the Experience Ontario 2025 grant program will be giving $190,000 to festivals and events in Leeds and Grenville. This grant will go towards supporting six beloved local tourism events that serve both the local community and tourists from afar.
According to Clark, the funding breakdown for these events will be as follows:
- $55,000 for 1000 Islands Regatta, Brockville
- $55,000 for Brockville Tall Ships Festival
- $20,000 for South Grenville Bluegrass Festival, Spencerville
- $20,000 for Brockville Ribfest
- $20,000 for Le FestivILES, Gananoque
- $20,000 for Mermaid March Break 2026, Aquatarium Brockville
“Thank you to the volunteers who work so hard in communities across Leeds and Grenville to organize these special events, which add so much to our quality of life while also supporting our local businesses,” said MPP Clark in a release on Friday April 25, 2025. “I’m thrilled our government is providing financial support to help these events grow to add more programs and attractions. It will ensure even more visitors are making plans to come to our beautiful corner of Ontario and contribute to our tourism economy.”
Brockville Mayor Matt Wren responded to the good news on his own Facebook page, writing “Very happy and appreciative to hear about this fantastic news of support for area festivals including four that take place here in the City of Brockville.”
Thanks to this investment, Brockville is set for another exciting season of festivals and events that will bring people together, support local businesses, and showcase everything the Leeds and Grenville community has to offer.