TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing more than $3 million in sport tourism funding to help communities attract national and international amateur sporting competitions, increase visitor spending and support local businesses.
The province opened applications on November 4 for the first intake of its 2027–28 Sport Hosting Program, which provides financial assistance to municipalities and sporting organizations hosting major competitions.
The initiative aims to strengthen Ontario’s tourism economy while creating opportunities for athletes to compete at home.
Ontario Sport Hosting Program Supports Tourism and Economic Growth
Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program provides approximately $3 million annually to support amateur sporting events that attract competitors, spectators and visitors from across Canada and internationally.
The funding helps host communities manage event-related expenses while generating economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and other local businesses.
“We’re continuing to take action to support major competitions and showcase Ontario as a premier destination for sport,” said Brian Saunderson, Minister of Sport. “By helping communities attract major events, we’re bringing in visitors, supporting local businesses and giving our athletes more opportunities to compete here at home.”
Since 2018, the province has invested nearly $20 million through the program, supporting more than 300 national and international amateur competitions. According to government figures, those events have contributed $278 million to Ontario’s gross domestic product.
Major Sporting Competitions Bring Visitors to Ontario Communities
Recent events supported through the program include the U20 Canadian Curling Championship and U21 Canadian Mixed Doubles Championship in Sudbury, as well as the 2026 North American Open Kickboxing Championships in Markham.
The upcoming 2026 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Soccer Championship in Cambridge is another event receiving support.
The province estimates that the program brings together approximately 12,500 amateur athletes, 3,500 volunteers and 100,000 community supporters annually.
These competitions can provide economic opportunities for smaller municipalities and regional tourism destinations seeking to attract visitors beyond traditional peak travel periods.
Funding Helps Communities Cover Event Hosting Costs
Successful applicants can use provincial funding for eligible operational expenses, including venue rentals, staffing, athlete accommodations, meals and projects designed to provide lasting community benefits.
Applications for the first 2027–28 intake must be submitted through the province’s Transfer Payment Ontario system by January 11, 2027.
The initiative complements Ontario’s $500-million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which supports upgrades to existing recreational facilities and construction of new infrastructure.
Sport Organizations Highlight Benefits of Provincial Investment
Sporting organizations say provincial assistance has helped communities deliver major championships while strengthening local participation.
“The 2024 and 2026 Baseball Canada National Championships would not have been the exceptional and successful events they were without the support of the Ontario Sport Hosting Program. This provincial funding support helped create an outstanding experience for athletes, coaches, officials, and fans while showcasing Tecumseh as a premier destination for national sport. We sincerely thank the Government of Ontario for its commitment to amateur athletics and community success in Ontario.”
— Jamie Kell, President, Tecumseh Baseball Club
Canada Artistic Swimming also highlighted the importance of funding for international competitions.
“The Government of Ontario’s support through the Sport Hosting Program has been instrumental in bringing major artistic swimming events to the province, from our World Cups and Canadian Championships in Markham to the 2026 World Cup Super Final and Canadian Masters Championships at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. These events showcase the lasting legacy of the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, inspire the next generation and bring communities together. We are grateful for the province’s partnership, which has helped lay the foundation for Ontario to continue welcoming the world as a premier host of future World Cups.”
— Steve Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Canada Artistic Swimming
Long-Term Benefits Extend Beyond Sporting Competitions
Ontario Snowboard emphasized the importance of hosting international competitions domestically.
“Hosting world class international events here at home is one of the most powerful things we can do for Ontario athletes, and the Government of Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program makes that possible. We’re grateful to the Ministry of Sport for an investment that supports athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and our resort communities.”
— Janet Richter, Executive Director, Ontario Snowboard
University of Waterloo athletics director Roly Webster said the program supported national women’s hockey championships in 2025 and 2026, including community initiatives promoting youth participation and women’s hockey development.
Boccia Canada also credited provincial support for helping deliver national championships for Para athletes, with Mississauga scheduled to host the 2027 Boccia National Championships.
Ontario Positions Sport Tourism as an Economic Development Opportunity
The latest funding round reflects Ontario’s efforts to use amateur sport as a driver of tourism, community investment and regional economic activity.
With applications open until January 2027, municipalities and sporting organizations have another opportunity to secure financial support for major competitions that could generate visitor spending, strengthen local businesses and leave lasting recreational benefits across the province.
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