Further to Simcoe County’s announcement earlier this week that they have approved 62 successful applications totaling $400,000 through the 2024 Tourism, Culture, and Sport Enhancement Fund, the Town of Collingwood is pleased to share that the municipality will receive $6,500. The following Collingwood-based organizations are also receiving funding: The Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) $6,300, Collingwood Pride $6,500, Collingwood Music Festival $6,500, Collingwood Paddling Club $1,040, and the National Ski Academy $6,500.
“We are thankful for this investment in our community's tourism industry because it enhances the experience of both visitors and residents, creates jobs, and supports all of the great places to eat, stay, and play!" says Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “I can’t wait to see these projects in Collingwood come to fruition, congratulations to all the successful funding recipients.”
As noted in the County’s media release, through this funding, the County is building up supporting and enhancing tourism, culture, and sport in Simcoe County by:
- Investing in initiatives that promote awareness, access, participation and appreciation of the diverse tourism, culture, and sport offerings within the County of Simcoe
- Encouraging industry collaboration and partnerships
- Enhancing the visitor experience by supporting innovative and accessible programming
- Building organizational capacity in tourism, culture, and sport organizations
- Contributing to the County of Simcoe’s overall economic health and sense of place
How Each Organization will use the funding
Town of Collingwood - The grant funding will support advertising of the Town of Collingwood's Discover Collingwood App which features downtown highlights, culinary talent, hidden gems, and immersive arts and culture experiences. Promotion of the app will be done through digital and print advertising as well as inviting bloggers/influencers to discover the amazing experiences featured on the Discover Collingwood app.
BIA - The funding will be used for 'Art on the Street' - a Celebration of the Arts in Downtown Collingwood, that will take place throughout Collingwood's Historic Downtown from May to October. Anchored by Art Banners on the light standards, featuring reproductions of all forms of visual arts and hand-painted Art Chairs, it will also promote the existing art installations that can be enjoyed through a self-guided tour encompassing murals capturing the community history and new creations, 10 artist wrapped utility boxes, and working pianos featuring local artwork, which will bring the visual and performance art together in a unique way.
Collingwood Pride - With its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and inclusive atmosphere, Pride has had a profound impact on promoting diversity and acceptance in the region, becoming a beacon of equality and empowerment. Its annual Pride events and initiatives not only celebrate love and identity but also contribute significantly to the tourism draw of Collingwood, attracting visitors from far and wide to experience its welcoming spirit and vibrant culture. This year's festival will be held July 12th and 13th, 2024 in the heart of Collingwood's downtown area. The funds received will help support marketing efforts to attract visitors to the event.
Collingwood Music Festival - 2024 marks its fifth anniversary with Summer Serenades; a week-long celebration featuring an array of world-class music events set to enchant downtown Collingwood from July 5th to July 12th, with over 120 musicians such as Tomson Highway, Gino Quilico, Jackie Richardson & Joe Sealy, Daniel Vnukowksi, and many others, including special youth events. The funds received will help support marketing the event.
Collingwood Paddling Club - The funding is going towards a Canoe Kayak Regatta on June 8th, 2024. This regatta brings athletes and spectators from across Ontario to come and race in our magnificent harbour; a great opportunity for those in Collingwood to get outside to enjoy watching a fun event on the harbour.
National Ski Academy - As the only specialized high-performance ski academy of its kind in Canada, National Ski Academy is thrilled to be one of the six Collingwood-based recipients of the County of Simcoe Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund for 2024. This funding will help enhance digital advertising strategies to reach other regional alpine ski markets, increase awareness of the four-season benefits of Simcoe County, encourage visitors, and drive our student-athlete enrollment.