The Redpath Waterfront Festival (RWF), presented by Billy Bishop Airport, had a record-breaking attendance of over 750,000 people over the Canada Day Weekend.
“Being here in Toronto for Canada Day and participating in the Redpath Waterfront Festival, was an incredible experience,” said Commander Steve Archer, Commanding Officer of HMCS Toronto. “It was a great opportunity to show Torontonians the pride our sailors have in their namesake ship while at the same time allowing them to meet the fine men and women that make up HMCS Toronto’s crew.”
Vendors at the Waterfront Artisan Market presented by the Waterfront BIA and operated by Scadding Court Community Centre as well as other local businesses had increased sales and some sold out of their products.
“We are thrilled that so many visitors experienced our beautiful waterfront and that the local businesses benefited from the crowds,” said Lea Parrell, co-producer of the Redpath Waterfront Festival. “When you hear from the operators of the water taxis that the Canadian debut of the World’s Largest Rubber Duck saved their tourism season, you feel very proud!”
A $121,325 grant from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport enabled the Redpath Waterfront Festival to bring the Duck to Toronto. The rental fee for the Duck was $21,000 US and the balance of the grant was used for operating expenses including fencing, extra security, extra washrooms, marketing, signage, a tugboat, a crane, a forklift, and other event expenses. Operational expenses of this nature are incurred by all events and festivals to support their programming. An Economic Impact Study will be available this fall.
The ONTARIO 150 Tour continues in:
Owen Sound, Maawanji’iding: Festival Canadiana Jul 7-9, www.Celebration2017.ca
Sault Ste Marie, ROTARYFEST, The Sault’s Summer Festival, Jul 13-15, www.Rotaryfest.com
Midland, Feast Fest, Jul 21-23, www.midland.ca/quick-links/events
Amherstburg, Raiders, Rebels & Redcoats Aug 5-6, www.Amherstburg.ca/Canuckitup
Brockville, Rails to Trails, Aug 10-13, www.Railstotrailsbrockville.ca
ABOUT REDPATH WATERFRONT FESTIVAL:
The Redpath Waterfront Festival is an annual summer event providing on-land and on-water programming for people of all ages and interests, with the goal of promoting Toronto locally and internationally as a premiere waterfront destination. With music, food, nautical programs and entertainment, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy. Every three years, the event welcomes majestic TALL SHIPS® to Toronto.
ABOUT ONTARIO 150 TOUR:
The ONTARIO 150 Tour, presented by Redpath Sugar is a pan provincial event that will travel to six waterfront ports/cities throughout the summer of 2017 to celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary. The ONTARIO 150 Tour is proud to be supported by the Government of Ontario, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the Government of Canada’s Canada 150 Fund.
ABOUT WATER’S EDGE FESTIVALS & EVENTS:
Water’s Edge Festivals & Events is an Ontario not-for-profit corporation created in 2011 with a mandate to be the driving force behind the successful Redpath Waterfront Festival in Toronto.