Rae Announces Experience Ontario Funding
[Perth-Wellington] – Today, Matthew Rae, Member of Provincial Parliament for Perth-Wellington announced that several local tourism operators will receive a total of $310,000 through the Experience Ontario program.
“The tourism and culture sector are essential to our local economies,” said MPP Rae. “This provincial funding will allow our tourism operators to continue to provide valuable programing, while supporting local businesses and workers.”
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.
“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.”
“Stratford Summer Music is grateful for the vital support of the Experience Ontario program,” said Crystal Spicer, Executive Director of Stratford Summer Music. “Now more than ever, the arts need our collective investment. This funding is essential to the sustainability of our organization and the wider arts sector. Ongoing support from all levels of government helps ensure that the arts remain vibrant, accessible, and a meaningful part of our communities.”
In total, Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province.
Funding as provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming:
| Experience Ontario Recipient | Project | Funding Amount |
| Stratford Festival | 2025 Season: Reflections on Harmony, Love and War | $125,000 |
| Stratford Tourism Alliance | Lights On Stratford 2025/26 | $55,000 |
| Stratford Summer Music | Stratford Summer Music 2025 | $55,000 |
| Here For Now Theatre Company | Here For Now Theatre Company’s 2025 Summer Season | $55,000 |
| Hermione Presents – SpringWorks Festivals | World in a Weekend: International Puppet Festival | $20,000 |
| Total | $310,000 |