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CBC
13-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
3 Hamilton festivals get loans from Ottawa to help in a year with tourism uncertainty
Three prominent Hamilton festivals — FrancoFEST, Because Beer, and Festitalia — are receiving loans worth $320,000 from the federal government to support their growth, attract more visitors and boost the local economy. The funding for these festivals is being provided by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of its Tourism Growth Program. The funding was announced on March 7. While the financial support will help expand the events, some of the festival organizers are worried about the impact of ongoing tariff war, including a possible decline in U.S. attendance this year. Lanciné Koulibaly is director general of Centre Francophone Hamilton which runs FrancoFEST, an event serving the local Francophone community that has been running for more than 35 years. It takes place over three days in June. Koulibaly said despite the new funding, he feels worried about the year ahead. "We are expecting some decline in U.S. attendance, especially with the current economic climate and the tariff situation," he told CBC Hamilton this week. But the funds will help, he added, and allow FrancoFEST and other local festivals to make a bigger impact, particularly in attracting new audiences locally and creating economic opportunities for Hamilton's local businesses. FrancoFEST is expecting about 6,000 people this year, he said. Because Beer expanding to Guelph Meanwhile, Tim Potocic, founder of Sonic Unyon Records which runs the Because Beer Craft Beer Festival, is hoping a favourable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar could encourage U.S. visitors. The funding will allow his team to expand the festival into Guelph, in addition to Hamilton, and to "enhance the overall experience," said Potocic, whose team also runs Supercrawl and event space Bridgeworks. Because Beer, which first launched in 2014, is expecting about 10,000 people to attend in Hamilton this year — it runs at Pier 4 Park in July — and another 3,000-5,000 in Guelph. However, Potocic emphasized, funding awarded to the festivals is not a grant but a repayable loan. The $185,000 Because Beer received has a two-year repayment plan starting in January 2027, he said. Both Potocic and Koulibaly said that their team had applied for a higher amount but are happy with what they received. FrancoFest is receiving $38,500 and Festitalia $100,000. "It's allowing us to finance an expansion at a higher level than I would have been able to on my own," Potocic said. CBC Hamilton reached out to the organizers of Festitalia, which celebrates 50 years this year during a two-expo in June, but did not receive a response before publication.
CBC
07-03-2025
- General
- CBC
Here's how to celebrate International Women's Day in Waterloo region
Social Sharing There are many ways to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) in Waterloo region this year, including attending a market for entrepreneurs, enjoying music and sitting down to a meal. International Women's Day falls on Saturday, March 8 this year and serves as a global celebration of all women in social, economic, cultural and political fields. The day is also a reminder of issues surrounding gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women. The official International Women's Day website notes that this day has been around for over a century, beginning in 1911 with a gathering of over a million people. The day is not specific to any one country, group or organization but is recognized by many people across the globe. This year's theme is Accelerate Action. Waterloo region is home to many events happening leading up to and on the day. Below is a list of some ways to celebrate the achievements of the women in the region and beyond. International Women's Day Market Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. CIGI Campus, Waterloo Waterloo Region Small Business Centre has partnered with the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to create a market that features local women entrepreneurs. They're advertising a wide range of products and the opportunity to familiarize yourself with some of the women-owned businesses in the area. Register in advance to be entered into a draw. Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cambridge City Hall Soroptomist International of Cambridge is inviting everyone to meet up at Cambridge City Hall, grab a sign, and walk to the University of Waterloo School of Architecture, where keynote speaker Daryn Brito will give a speech and indoor festivities will take place. Water and a small snack will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and bring donations of feminine hygiene products. Admission is free but there will be registration at city hall before beginning the walk. Femme Folks Fest 2025 March 8-16 Across Kitchener and Waterloo This festival is a mix of events, performances and art pieces in venues across Kitchener and Waterloo. It was created in 2020 in response to data from the national Equity in Theatre Initiative, which aims to promote, platform and present femme works. The nine-day celebration presents over 25 new art pieces that can be found at Studio Theatre, Centre in the Square, Uptown Waterloo Visitor Centre, Upper Rotunda, Kitchener City Hall, InterArts Matrix Performance Space and the SDG Idea Factory. Details can be found here. International Women's Day Breakfast, Victoria Park Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Victoria Park Pavilion Waterloo Region Small Business Centre is also hosting an IWD breakfast. Tickets are free but there is currently a waitlist. International Women's Day Breakfast, Bingeman's Friday, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Bingeman's Embassy Room The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual breakfast for IWD in partnership with Karen Redman, chair of the region. It typically highlights important speakers in the community who champion women's achievements. Tickets appear to be sold out already, but there's a waitlist for registration in case of cancellations. 2025 International Women's Day Brunch Saturday, March 22 at 11 a.m. Waterloo Regional Police Association and Recreation Centre Waterloo Regional Labour Council is hosting a meal a little further away from the day itself. The day will include guest speaker Joan Minnery, games and a 50/50 draw and a raffle. Ticket prices start at $65 and range based on group size. Donations of feminine hygiene products are also welcome and will go to Monica Place. IWD 2025 - Accelerate Action: Agents of Change Thursday, March 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Google Kitchener Women in Communications and Technology have organized a panel discussion, local women business vendors, live music and an open mic in a community networking event to belatedly celebrate the day. International Women's Day Sound Journey Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Good Vibrations Rock Shop, Stratford Ethereal Frequencies by Jess is bringing a unique soundscape experience to Stratford for IWD as a way to unwind and connect with people to celebrate the day. They're providing a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, bolster and eye mask to achieve maximum relaxation.
