Federal government invests funding for three Hamilton festivals

The Canadian government announced Friday an investment of $320,000 for three festivals enhancing tourism in Hamilton.

MP Filomena Tassi for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas, visited Mills Hardware in downtown Hamilton to make the announcement on behalf of Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions and responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

She was joined by Lisa Hepfner, the Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain and parliamentary secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

A press release quotes Tassi saying, “part of what makes Hamilton such a special place to call home is the vibrant community events and activities that not only breathe life into our city, but also showcase our rich diversity and fuel economic growth.”

“Through the Tourism Growth Program, we are ensuring that these festivals continue to enrich our lives, our community and our economy,” it further reads.

At the announcement, Tassi said that through a Tourism Growth Program investment, Sonic Unyon Records will receive $185,000 to enhance the 2025 Because Beer Craft Beer Festival in Hamilton and expand to Guelph in the summer.

The Italian-Canadian Festitalia will be receiving $100,000 to attract more visitors to the festival’s 50th Anniversary Expo, to enhance the marketplace, and cultural programming.

With the support, the festival is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors over the two-day event in June.

The Centre Francophone Hamilton will be obtaining $38,500 in support, to implement a tourism strategy for summer 2025’s FrancoFEST. The project is expected to enhance festival programming and potentially attract new visitors for 2025 and in future years.

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