Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster (COB)

Who is eligible?

• Ontario municipalities that have identified hosting major events as part of their tourism strategy
• For-profit or non-profit organizations (or groups of organizations) that have event management and/or hosting as part of their mandate

Who is not eligible

• Events that are still in the bidding process.
• Amateur sporting events that are receiving funding under the Ontario Sport Hosting Program.
• Events that recur in Ontario on an annual or biennial basis.
• Events that seek to attract only a special interest audience or recruit new members, such as religious or political gatherings and workshops.
• Trade fairs, events of a primarily commercial nature, including consumer shows, symposia, conventions, meetings and conferences, seminars and clinics.

Eligible expenses

• Performance and appearance fees paid to artists, musicians, and other entertainers and presenters, including travel, accommodation, and booking costs.
• Programming costs, including interactive, experiential and/or accessible programming.
• Production costs, including audio and visual support such as rental of sound and lighting equipment and rental of event venue.
• Insurance for artworks specific to a blockbuster exhibit as an eligible production cost.
• Media buys targeting Ontario audiences residing 40 kilometres or more from the event location.
• Media buys targeting out-of-province tourists, including broadcast, digital, print, social, and out-of-home advertising space.
• Event security costs.
• Accessibility services and improvements to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, specifically related to programming for the Blockbuster event.

Eligible geographic areas

• Ontario, Canada

• PDF forms must be accessed and filled using the latest version of Adobe Reader to ensure functionality.
• The application process involves creating or accessing a "ONe-key" account for secure access within the Government of Ontario system.
• Applications must be submitted at least four months prior to the proposed event start date.
• All successful applicants are required to have $2 million in commercial general liability insurance during the validity period of the grant agreement.
• The Ministry expects grant recipients to comply with all applicable laws, including the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• Acknowledge Ontario's support in event-related media as per ministry directives.
• Grant recipients may be subject to audits by the province to ensure accuracy of information and proper use of funds.
• No appeal process is available for unsuccessful applicants.