June 15, 2026
Investment aims to draw visitors and boost Vaughan’s economy
VAUGHAN – Ontario is putting in $55,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to back the Vaughan Pizza Festival X – Tenth Anniversary. This funding is part of a larger government initiative of over $20 million to assist municipalities and event organizers in providing quality experiences for everyone. “Events like Pizzafest help create the traditions, experiences, and sense of pride that make our community such a special place to call home,” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “Our government is proud to support events that bring people together, celebrate our collective identity, and support local businesses while inviting people near and far to experience everything our community has to offer.” “For ten years, Vaughan Pizza Fest has brought our community together through great food, culture, and family-friendly entertainment,” said Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge. “Ontario’s investment through the Experience Ontario program will help ensure this milestone celebration continues to attract visitors, support local businesses, and highlight the best of what Vaughan-Woodbridge has to offer.” “From Ontario’s charming small towns to its dazzling urban centres, festivals and events bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase the best of our communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As we work to protect Ontario, these homegrown experiences play a vital role in celebrating our shared identity, bolstering main street businesses and ensuring our province remains a place people are inspired to explore – and proud to call home.” In total, Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting nearly 400 festivals and events of all sizes across the province, strengthening tourism and supporting local economies while celebrating the people, places and traditions that make Ontario unique. “It is great that the Experience Ontario program continues to support long running events in Ontario,” said Remo Palladini, Festival Chairman of Pizzafest. “Their support lets us enhance our events to bring better overall experiences to our guests.” QUICK FACTS Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events. The government also supports festivals and events through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund which provides eligible organizations with funding for marketing and promotional costs. Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy: in 2024 visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs. -30- MEDIA CONTACTSMicah Dodo
Office of MPP Laura Smith
Micah. dodo@pc. ola. org
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