As the nation’s capital, Ottawa draws millions of visitors each year to its tourist attractions, major events and sites of natural beauty and historic significance.

“Major festivals and tourist attractions in Ottawa are vital to the local economy for Ottawa residents and visitors. Ottawa Bluesfest attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the city of Ottawa—bringing in significant revenue and creating jobs throughout the region. Today’s investment will help Ottawa Bluesfest and local tourism operators bounce back from the pandemic and once again bring high profile musical talent, increased tourism revenue to local business and economic growth to our nation’s capital.”
– The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Ottawa Bluesfest is a globally-renowned event that is near and dear to the city of Ottawa and has been sorely missed during the past two years, as have the tourist attractions and events across our city. Revitalizing and restoring vibrancy to our downtown core following the pandemic, is a priority for our federal government. With the support announced today for Ottawa Bluesfest and local tourism operators, these companies will work to enhance their offerings and bounce back. Ottawa is open for tourists!”
– Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

“Festivals and tourist attractions such as Ottawa Bluesfest make Ottawa a destination of choice for visitors from near and far, with far-reaching impacts on our local economy. Investments like those made today are helping to build a strong and resilient future.”
– Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans

“Our government is committed to ensuring the tourism, events and cultural sectors have the supports they need to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The investments announced today for Ottawa Bluesfest and three local tourism operators are making a difference for these organizations that attract visitors and add to the vibrant culture that makes Canada so special.”
– Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier 

“Ottawa Bluesfest and other local tourism projects bring critical economic impacts for the National Capital Region. Investments like today’s announcements ensure that our economy can continue a strong recovery, and that residents can continue to enjoy what makes our region such a special place.”
– Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer

“After a difficult two years of Ottawa Bluesfest being cancelled due to the pandemic, this contribution through FedDev Ontario’s Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative is going to ensure the viability and growth of the festival in 2022 and beyond. With this support, we look forward to seeing Ottawa Bluesfest come back bigger and better than ever."
– Mark Monahan, Executive Director, Ottawa Bluesfest

"As a creative tourism business, it quickly became clear we would not survive the pandemic with innovation alone. The investment provided by FedDev Ontario through the Tourism Relief Fund was a critical piece in the puzzle of how to adapt to survive and thrive during the most challenging period in our company’s long history.”
– Glen Shackleton, Founder, Haunted Walks Inc.

• Since 1994, the annual Ottawa Bluesfest has featured some of the highest profile musical talent in the world. The festival is a landmark event in Ottawa, and according to Billboard Magazine, is one of the top 10 music festivals in the world.

• The Original Haunted Walk inc. in Ottawa takes visitors on a ghost tour of the national capital’s spookiest spots, included Bytown Museum, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and historic jail.

• Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals offers of leisure equipment including bicycles, stand up paddleboards and e-scooters, and provides private and group bike tours in the Ottawa region.

• Alicja Confections Inc. offers chocolates and confections including its most popular product—a chocolate bar that can be mailed. To date, the company has mailed more than 50,000 bars of chocolate. 

• The Major Events and Festivals Support Initiative (MFESI) is a $200 million national fund to support major Canadian festivals and events that have been hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19 as they adapt and enhance their events. The program is delivered in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.

• The Government of Canada’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund is helping tourism-oriented businesses and organizations recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth, with a minimum of $50 million of the Fund allocated to supporting Indigenous-led projects or Indigenous focussed projects. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario.

• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $190 million in over 180 projects in Ottawa region, creating and maintaining nearly 8,000 jobs and maintaining over 6,000 jobs. This includes almost $50 million for tourism projects in Ottawa region.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Ottawa Bluesfest and tourism industry receive Government of Canada support

Associated links

• Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative
• Tourism Relief Fund
• Ottawa Bluesfest
• Ottawa Ghost Tours | The Haunted Walk inc.
• Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals
• Alicja Confections Inc.

Monica Granados
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
monica.granados@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca

Stay Connected

Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca

Subscribe to our Southern Ontario Spotlight monthly newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more information on how we are growing businesses, cultivating partnerships and building strong communities in southern Ontario.