Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund Announces Fall 2025 Funding Recipients
The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund, in which the Chamber of Commerce administers revenue generated by the City’s Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) program, has chosen funding recipients.
SUBMITTED
The Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund (OSTDF) is pleased to announce the recipients of its Fall 2025 funding intake, following the application deadline of November 3, 2025.
A total of $93,000 has been granted to 10 local organizations and project leads, supporting new and innovative initiatives that enhance tourism, cultural vibrancy, and year-round visitation in the City of Owen Sound.
The OSTDF continues to strengthen the region’s tourism economy by investing in projects that create memorable visitor experiences, drive economic impact, and showcase Owen Sound’s distinct identity as a four-season destination.
This fall’s successful applicants include:
Festivals/Events
Dirt Road Revival o/a 1000810505 Ontario Ltd
Sydenham Sportsmen Association – Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular
Owen Sound Minor Baseball – Battle on The Bay Tournament
Harmony Centre Owen Sound – Dinner & Drama: A Taste of Owen Sound
Georgian Bay Folk Society – The 51st Annual Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival
New Experience
The Roxy / Owen Sound Little Theatre – Come Home: The Legend of Daddy Hall
Bikeface Cycling – Bikeface Cycling Bike Rental Program
Marketing
Mudtown Station Brewery and Restaurant – Beer Tourism
Partnership Marketing
Georgian Bay Folk Society – ROXY PRESENTS: PLAY IT FORWARD
Capital Tourism Enhancement
Owen Sound Lacrosse – Bringing Artificial Turf To The Bayshore
These projects represent a diverse range of initiatives—such as festivals, events, cultural programming, destination development, and visitor experience enhancements— each selected for their potential to attract both residents and visitors while supporting local businesses and community vibrancy.
“We are thrilled to support a strong group of applicants whose creativity and commitment to Owen Sound continue to elevate the city as a must-visit destination,” said Mariam Fares, Tourism Entity Facilitator. “The Tourism Development Fund plays a key role in strengthening our local tourism sector, and we look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”
The Tourism Development Fund is administered by the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund Committee. Funding is awarded twice annually, in spring and fall cycles, with applicants evaluated on project alignment, economic benefits, community impact, innovation, and feasibility.
We currently have an opening in the area of additional voting members on the OSTDF Committee.
We’re looking for people who:
Care about our city, believe in its potential, and want to help shape its tourism future
Have ideas or experience in marketing, event planning, business development, arts/culture, hospitality — or simply care deeply about community building
Want to contribute to thoughtful decision-making, with transparency and collaboration
Are excited to support smart growth: sustainable, community-focused tourism investments that benefit residents and visitors alike
Joining the Committee means being part of something meaningful — using time, insight, creativity, and care to help steer the growth of tourism in Owen Sound in a way that benefits everyone. The next OSTDF application intake will open in February.
For full program guidelines and eligibility details, applicants are encouraged to visit www.ostdf.ca or contact Mariam Fares, Tourism Entity Facilitator via email at mariam@oschamber.com.
Submitted by Mariam Fares, Tourism Entity Facilitator, Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund, Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce
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