Ontario — Marquee Event Program

Program Description

Supports Ontario municipalities and organizations hosting large-scale, high-impact international events, covering up to 50% of eligible event cash operating expenses to a maximum of $3 million. For 2026-27 the program is invitation-only: everyone submits an Expression of Interest, and only events the ministry selects are permitted to file a full application in Transfer Payment Ontario.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must be an Ontario-based legal entity that has been in existence for one year or longer as of the application submission date
• Eligible organization types are Ontario municipalities that have identified hosting major events as part of their tourism strategy, and for-profit or non-profit organizations that have event management and/or hosting as part of their mandate
• Applicant must have a Canadian bank account in the legal name of the applicant at a Canadian financial institution conducting business in Ontario
• Applicant must not be in default of the terms and conditions of any grant or loan agreement with any ministry or agency of the Government of Ontario
• Incorporation documents must be supplied with the full application (this requirement does not apply to municipalities)
• Applicant must provide its most recent audited financial statements, final versions prepared by a Chartered Professional Accountant
• The event must be a major international event in Ontario with cash operating expenses totalling $1 million or more (in-kind expenses do not count toward this figure)
• The event must be of a size and scope sufficient to draw tourists to Ontario and generate significant economic impact for the province
• The event must be of national and/or international prominence, attracting significant media exposure across Canada and/or globally
• The event must occur in the Province of Ontario during the 2026-27 fiscal year (April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027)
• The event must be open to the public at large without membership in a club or group
• Proposals are expected to target a minimum of 10,000 visitors as a general benchmark
• Only one application per organization and event will be considered, including affiliated organizations — only one organization in a group of affiliated organizations is eligible to apply
• Events still in the bidding process are ineligible
• Amateur sporting events receiving funding under the Ontario Sport Hosting Program are ineligible
• Events that seek to attract only a special interest audience or recruit new members (for example religious or political gatherings and workshops) are ineligible
• Trade fairs and events of a primarily commercial nature (consumer shows, symposia, conventions, meetings and conferences, seminars and clinics) are ineligible
• For 2026-27 the program is invitation-only — a full application can only be submitted if the ministry invites the organization after reviewing its Expression of Interest
• Successful recipients must carry at least $2 million commercial general liability insurance naming the Province as additional insured before the agreement can be executed