Festivals, events and tourist destinations bring people together, strengthening communities and making southern Ontario a must-see destination. These experiences attract thousands of visitors to our region each year, creating significant economic impact in communities across the region.

“Hamilton and all of Ontario are home to some of the most amazing events such as Supercrawl and destinations like Theatre Aquarius. They are key drivers to the growth of our local economies, attracting visitors to our region throughout the entire year. The Government of Canada’s Tourism Growth Program is growing our economy while empowering organizations to bring people together to share new experiences.”
- The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West−Ancaster−Dundas

“Southern Ontario’s tourism industry is an incredibly important economic driver and provides jobs for Canadians from all walks of life. Through the Tourism Growth Program, the Government of Canada is supporting local organizations like Supercrawl Productions and Theatre Aquarius. As we continue to invest in the industry, we’ll help bring more domestic and international visitors to the region to discover all that it has to offer.”
- The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism 

“Supercrawl is a staple of our community here in Hamilton, with locals and tourists coming from far and wide to experience all of the arts and culture that Hamilton has to offer. Supporting projects like Supercrawl across southern Ontario, to expand these offerings allows the arts sector to continue to thrive economically.”
- Chad Collins, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East−Stoney Creek

“The support announced today is going to have a lasting impact on Supercrawl, Theatre Aquarius and events, festivals and destinations across all of southern Ontario which is not only vital for economic growth, but also strengthens the social fabric of our community.”
- Lisa Hepfner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain.

“We’re always thrilled to bring Supercrawl to audiences, whether via our September festival or year-round concert events. The support of partners like FedDev Ontario is critical to our mission, and enables us to dream bigger and deliver greater impact for our communities."
- Tim Potocic, Festival Director, Supercrawl

“The funding provided by the Tourism Growth Program comes at an important time for the theatre as we head into our 51st season and look to new ways of building and growing audiences. As Hamilton’s only professional theatre company, we welcome some of Canada’s most extraordinarily talented theatre creators to our spaces and we are committed to sharing the magic of the live theatre they create with as many audience members as we can.  We’ve seen the potential of the economic impact to the tourism and hospitality industries in our region with recent shows like Maggie and Beautiful Scars and this funding will only serve to enhance that impact – not only for our theatre but for other local businesses and industries.”
- Kelly Straughan, Executive Director, Theatre Aquarius

• Incorporated in 2011, Supercrawl Productions, a not-for-profit organization, delivers the annual Supercrawl Festival in September in Hamilton and events throughout the year, which attract 300,000 visitors annually. 

• Incorporated in 1973, Theatre Aquarius is Hamilton’s only professional theatre company and a celebrated leader in presenting world-class theatre experiences to its audiences. The Aquarius Theatre School offers year-round theatre arts training and education programs for children, youth and adults. In 2023, Theatre Aquarius launched the National Centre for New Musicals providing opportunities for musical theatre creators across the country to develop new work. 

• Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering the $108-million Tourism Growth Program, over three years, to support businesses and organizations to help diversify regional economies. These investments in tourism products and experiences will encourage visitation to and within Canada. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $30 million through the program.

• A new application intake for the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario is now open and receiving applications until September 17, 2024. Tourism businesses and organizations can visit the Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario page to see if they are eligible and submit an application. 

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $415 million in nearly 1,450 tourism-related businesses and organizations, estimated to have supported over 24,500 jobs.

Associated links

• Supercrawl
• Theatre Aquarius
• FedDev Ontario
• Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

FedDev Ontario Media Relations
feddevontariomediarelations-relationsmedias@feddevontario.gc.ca

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