NEWS
Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
Join the Festivities and Celebrate Ontario's 150th Anniversary!
Province Supporting Exhibitions and Events Across the Province in 2017
January 24, 2017 11:45 A.M.
In celebration of Ontario's 150th anniversary, the province is supporting 367 exciting local
initiatives -- including multicultural events, art exhibitions, sporting events and local food
festivals -- that will bring people together to commemorate the qualities and values that define
Ontario and revel in this historic milestone.
Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was at Yonge-Dundas Square in
Toronto today to announce the recipients of the Community Celebration Program, which
supports communities in hosting their own celebrations for Ontario's anniversary. Toronto, one
of Ontario's historic capital cities, is one of many communities across the province receiving
funding that will host a number of events and celebrations throughout the year. These will
include My City My Six, a participatory public art project, and Miiyuu Pimaatswiin Series
(meaning Living a Good Life in James Bay Cree), which will offer lectures, discussions and
workshops by Indigenous cultural healers.
Local band Ginger Ale & The Monowhales was on hand at today's announcement to perform A
Place to Stand (Ontario Song), Ontario's unofficial anthem. The 50-year-old song has been
refreshed for Ontario's 150th anniversary, to instill a sense of pride and belonging for all
generations.
Details of the other celebrations and events across Ontario will be announced in the coming
weeks and throughout the year that will provide opportunities for people across the province to
celebrate. Customized programming and events will also be taking place in the province's other
two historic capitals -- Kingston and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Investing in cultural programming and infrastructure to mark Ontario's 150th anniversary is part
of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
QUOTES
" Ontario’s 150th anniversary is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible
province we live in. Through the Ontario150 program, we are supporting initiatives that
recognize the people, places and events that make Ontario great. The Community Celebration
Program will ensure that people in every corner of the province can recognize our 150th year
and explore our heritage."
- Eleanor McMahon
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
QUICK FACTS




Ontario is investing $7 million in the Community Celebration Program to support 367
unique initiatives across the province.
Ontario is recognizing the historical significance of 2017 with Ontario150, a year-long
commemoration that will honour Ontario's past, showcase the present and inspire future
generations.
The Community Celebration Program is one of three community-based Ontario150 grant
programs that will promote community engagement, empower young people and
contribute to economic growth.
The song, A Place to Stand (Ontario Song), was first introduced at Expo 67. English,
French and bilingual versions of the song are available as well as lyrics, sheet music and
choral arrangements.
LEARN MORE


Community Celebration Program recipients
Read more about how the province is celebrating this anniversary and listen to our
unofficial anthem, A Place to Stand (Ontario Song)
Jeff Costen Minister’s Office
416-314-4266
Mary Ellen Beninger Ontario150 Secretariat
416-314-5298
Available Online
Disponible en Français