Credit: Ontario Place
The government of Ontario is investing $9 million to support municipalities and event organizers during COVID-19 to create online, drive-through and other safe innovative experiences during COVID-19.
As per the news release, through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program organizers can develop creative programs such as virtual Remembrance Day events, reverse holiday parades with drive-by static floats, drive-in music concerts and movies, holiday tree lightings and New Year’s Eve displays that light-up iconic buildings. The government says funding may be used for eligible expenses such as programming and production, promotion, mobile applications and website development, and implementation of health and safety measures.
“COVID-19 has had an unprecedented and devastating impact on our local festivals and events,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “This important investment through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program will continue to support Ontarians as they reconnect and experience all their local communities have to offer.”
The Reconnect Festival and Event Program is open to organizers with a minimum $50,000 operating budget and the capacity to safely reconnect Ontarians with their communities.
The application period for the Reconnect Festival and Event Program runs from October 8 to December 1, 2020.