Hamilton awarded provincial 2019 Municipality of the Year Award for festivals and events

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton was honoured with the Municipality of the Year Award at the Festivals and Event Ontario (FEO) Awards in London, Ontario, on Thurs. Feb. 28.

The City of Richmond Hill shared in the celebration when it was announced that there was a tie in the award category.

The Municipality of the Year award recognizes the best in municipal leadership and community and tourism partnerships in Ontario and celebrates the city’s achievements producing, funding, facilitating, attracting and promoting festivals and events. There are three categories for the Municipality of the Year award based on population; Hamilton won in the over 150,000 category.

Quick facts

• The City of Hamilton provided over one million dollars in grant funding to 55 festivals and events.
• City staff provided logistical support and a one-stop permitting process resulting in 614 event days on outdoor City property.
• In addition to hundreds of community events, Hamilton successfully attracted major tourism events including the Canadian Country Music Week and Canadian Country Music Awards and the upcoming RBC Canadian Open golf championship.
• Hamilton is home to seven of FEO’s ‘Top 100 Events’, Ontario’s leading source of quality festivals and events happening across the province.

"We are thrilled with this recognition from FEO. Hamilton values the role that festivals and events play providing high-quality experiences for our residents and visitors and as a catalyst for increased business activity and economic development. Congratulations to the City of Richmond Hill on their co-win.” - Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Acting Director, Tourism and Culture Division

Additional resources

• Tourism Hamilton
• City of Hamilton events calendar
• Festivals and Events Ontario