Ontario Boosting Cultural Tourism in Windsor—Essex
March 19, 2026
WINDSOR– The Ontario government is protecting and promoting the growth and sustainability of cultural tourism in Windsor. Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh, announced today that the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County will receive $30,000 in funding through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF).
The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County will receive funding to support the development and presentation of Carrousel of the Nations 2026; an award-winning multicultural festival held throughout Windsor-Essex County. The annual event has been recognized by Attractions Ontario as a Top Festival and Event in Ontario for the past three consecutive years.
The 2026 festival will continue to expand its cultural programming and community engagement initiatives, further strengthening connections among Windsor-Essex’s diverse communities while enhancing the visitor experience. The festival will also introduce a new collaboration with the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF), creating additional opportunities to highlight international arts and storytelling as part of the overall celebration.
“Our government is proud to support Carrousel of the Nations through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, helping to grow cultural tourism in Windsor-Essex and strengthening our community,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “We look forward to supporting the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County in attracting even more visitors, boosting local businesses, and showcasing the unique cultural experiences Windsor-Essex has to offer.”
Today’s announcement is part of the government’s overall investment of $6 million into OCAF projects across the province over three years.
“Arts and culture organizations across Ontario enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike by providing one-of-a-kind events that proudly showcase the best that our province has to offer,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “This investment will help bring these projects to life, while boosting local business, creating jobs and enabling audiences of all ages to experience unique, made-in-Ontario programming that will create lifelong memories.”
“We are grateful to the provincial government for this important investment through OCAF in support of the MCC’s Carrousel of the Nations,” said Fred Francis, Executive Director. “This funding will help us expand our reach, attract increased cultural tourism, and welcome more residents to experience Ontario’s top festival. It strengthens our ability to celebrate cultural diversity while delivering meaningful economic and community impact.”
Every year, OCAF supports cultural tourism events and attractions across Ontario that offer distinct and diverse programming for residents and visitors. OCAF funds are provided as partially repayable loans, enabling the government to support a broader range of new attractions and special events. For every $1 that the Ontario government invests, $1.67 is in turn invested into the cultural tourism sector.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 1999, OCAF has supported more than 1,000 events, festivals and exhibitions across Ontario, which have attracted over 91 million attendees.
- OCAF provides support to a broad range of cultural tourism events, from large art and music festivals to smaller events that celebrate local Ontario culture and heritage.
Additional Resources
- OCAF continues to accept applications for new events and offers applicants flexibility regarding project timing and scope. Please visit the OCAF website for more information on the organization and to view a full list of recipients.
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