Ontario Investing in $125,000 Festivals and Events in Timmins

Timmins – Ontario is investing $125,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support the 2026 Rock on the River festival in Timmins. This is part of amore than $20 million government investment to help municipalities and event organizers deliver high-quality programming and experiences for people of all ages.

George Pirie MPP for Timmins, announced today that the following local events are receiving funding support:

$125,000 to the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee for the 2026 Rock on the River

“Festivals like Rock on the River are so important because they bring people together, strengthen our sense of community, and showcase everything that makes Timmins a great place to live,” said George Pirie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Timmins. “That’s why I’m proud our government is investing $125,000 through the Experience Ontario program to support this annual event. This investment will attract visitors and showcase why Timmins is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting 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.

QUOTES

“We are incredibly grateful to receive $125,000 through the Experience Ontario program,” said John Olavson, Chair of the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee. “This investment will help us continue delivering high-quality events that bring people together, attract visitors, and support our local economy. On behalf of the Committee, I want to thank MPP George Pirie and the Government of Ontario for their continued support. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and this funding, we can continue growing events that showcase everything Timmins has to offer and make our community a destination and a source of pride.”

QUICK FACTS

Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy: in 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs.

Since 2018, the provincial government has invested over $1.4 million into the Timmins Festivals and Events Committee and Rock on the River.

This year, Rock on the River will be using the new stage that was previously supported with $485,000 in funding through the NOHFC.

Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700Ontario 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.