Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Expected to Generate More Than $85 Million in Economic Activity
The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million to support the 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Markham, a move aimed at strengthening the province’s sport tourism sector while driving economic growth, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.
The event, the only Canadian stop on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar, is scheduled to take place from August 14 to 16, 2026. Provincial officials expect the three-day race weekend to attract more than 150,000 attendees and generate more than $85 million in economic activity through tourism, hospitality, retail and event-related services.
The investment is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to position the province as a leading destination for major international sporting events while expanding opportunities for economic development across local communities.
Markham Begins a New Era for Canada’s Historic Indy Race
The 2026 event marks a significant milestone as the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy relocates to Markham after nearly four decades at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. The race is recognized as IndyCar’s second-oldest street race, making its move one of the most notable changes in Canadian motorsport in recent years.
Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport, said the event builds on Ontario’s recent success in hosting major international competitions.
“The Indy’s debut in Markham marks an exciting new chapter for one of Canada’s most recognized annual motorsport events,” said Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport. “Following a landmark summer of international sport, Ontario has once again demonstrated that we are where the world comes to compete. Supporting this iconic event as it hits the track in Markham, our government is building on that momentum, growing sport tourism and reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
The provincial funding will help support race operations, improve the fan experience and attract additional domestic and international visitors, further increasing the event’s economic impact.
Economic Benefits Extend Beyond the Racetrack
Officials say the Indy race is expected to provide a significant boost to Markham and the surrounding region by increasing visitor spending across hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and local retailers.
In 2025, the event generated more than $85 million for Ontario’s economy while welcoming over 160,000 visitors. The government expects the relocation to Markham to continue delivering strong economic returns.
Jeff Atkinson, President of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, welcomed the provincial investment.
“Bringing the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy to Markham represents an exciting new chapter for our event, and the investment from the provincial government is pivotal in making it a reality,” said Jeff Atkinson, President of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham. “This support not only allows us to deliver a world-class motorsport experience for fans, but also drives significant tourism, supports local businesses, and showcases Markham and the entire region on a global stage.”
Province Continues Investing in Sport Infrastructure
The Indy funding forms part of Ontario’s wider investments in sport infrastructure and event hosting.
The province has committed $500 million through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to build new and upgrade existing recreation facilities. According to the government, these investments aim to improve access to community sports while helping municipalities attract high-profile events that stimulate local economies.
Ontario has also supported other major sporting events, including a $1.5 million investment in the 2026 RBC Canadian Open in Caledon and $97 million in funding and provincial services for FIFA World Cup 2026™ activities in Toronto. The FIFA investment is expected to create more than 8,700 jobs and generate over $1.3 billion in economic activity across the province.
Additionally, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program continues to support national and international amateur sporting events designed to increase tourism, showcase Ontario’s venues and provide high-performance competition opportunities for athletes.
Local MPPs Welcome the Investment
Local Members of Provincial Parliament said the event represents a major opportunity for York Region and the City of Markham.
Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham—Stouffville, said:
“For the people of Markham-Stouffville, welcoming the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy to our community is an exciting opportunity. This world-class event will bring thousands of visitors to Markham, creating new opportunities for local businesses, supporting jobs and giving families the chance to experience one of Canada’s premier motorsport events close to home. This is a major moment for Markham-Stouffville and I am incredibly excited to see our residents and local businesses at the heart of it.”
Billy Pang, MPP for Markham—Unionville, added:
“Bringing the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy to Markham-Unionville is an exciting milestone and a tremendous opportunity for our local community. This $1.5 million investment will help attract visitors, support local businesses, create jobs, and showcase Markham-Unionville as a world-class destination for major sporting events. I look forward to welcoming racing fans from across Ontario and beyond as this iconic event begins an exciting new chapter in our community.”
Logan Kanapathi, MPP for Markham—Thornhill, said:
“The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy coming to Markham is an exciting opportunity for our community. This world-class event will attract visitors, support local businesses, and showcase Markham on the international stage. Our government is proud to support initiatives that strengthen the local economy and enhance Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.”
Laura Smith, MPP for Thornhill, also highlighted the expected regional benefits.
“I’m proud that our government is supporting the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy as it begins an exciting new chapter in Markham. This world-class sporting event, hosted here in York Region, will attract visitors, boost tourism and strengthen our local economy by supporting local businesses and showcasing our community to audiences from across Canada and beyond.”
With thousands of visitors expected and substantial economic benefits forecast, the 2026 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy is positioned to become one of Ontario’s largest annual sporting events and a major contributor to the province’s tourism and hospitality sectors.