Ontario Invests $20,000 to Support Vaughan Pizza and Stuffed Food Festival 

June 24, 2025

Investment will celebrate Canadian and local culture, boost tourism and strengthen Thornhill’s economy 

THORNHILL – Ontario is investing $20,000 through the 2025 Experience Ontario program to support the Vaughan Pizza and Stuffed Food Festival. This is part of a nearly $20 million investment in festivals and events across Ontario to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses. The announcement was made by the Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill, Laura Smith. 

“Festivals and events showcase the best of Ontario, its people and its culture all while inviting people near and far to experience and enjoy our province. They help create local jobs, provide economic benefits and bring communities together,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it is important that we come together to take part in made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and support local communities.”  

In total, Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province.  

“Festivals like the Vaughan Stuffed Food Festival are more than just a celebration of food, they’re a celebration of community, creativity, and culture. These events bring people together from all walks of life and showcase the incredible talent and diversity that define Ontario.” said Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill. “I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the value of events like this that bring our communities together to enjoy made-in-Ontario experiences that celebrate our collective identity and strengthen our local economies.”  

“We’re thrilled to receive $20,000 in support from the Experience Ontario program this year. This funding has enabled us to welcome the entire community free of charge and connect a staggering 25 local vendors with attendees.”  

-Davide Venti  

Community Outreach Manager  

Vaughan Stuffed Food Festival  

QUICK FACTS  

• Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy, in 2023 visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 325,000 jobs. 

• Since 2021, the Ministry’s Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported over 2,000 Ontario festivals and events.  

• In 2024-25, the Ministry invested more than $20 million to support over 250 festivals and events around the province.  

• Festivals and events supported by Experience Ontario benefit communities by drawing more visitors who stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.  

• The Experience Ontario 2025 application period launched on November 28, 2024, with direct outreach to over 4,000 stakeholders and closed on December 30, 2024. To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2026, email experienceontario@ontario.ca   

• In 2024-25, our government invested over $192 million in the tourism sector through funding programs, Regional Tourism Organization grants, Destination Ontario, Ministry attractions, and tourism agencies.  

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MEDIA CONTACTS  

Office of MPP Laura Smith  

905-731-1178  

laura.smith@pc.ola.org