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NEWS RELEASE

WATER'S EDGE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

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TORONTO — Water's Edge Festivals & Events is proud to announce the ONTARIO 150 Tour presented by Redpath Sugar: a pan-provincial event that will travel throughout Ontario during the summer of 2017 celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary.

From July 1 to August 13, the ONTARIO 150 Tour will travel to six Ontario ports, making its debut on Canada Day weekend in Toronto at the Redpath Waterfront Festival, presented by Billy Bishop Airport and continuing on to Owen Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, Midland, Amherstburg, and finishing in Brockville.

An exciting summer of waterfront entertainment will celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary by integrating elements of our nation's multiculturalism into every aspect of programming for a truly Canadian pan-provincial tour.

ONTARIO 150 Tour programs include: a Canada 150 Fund initiative written specifically for this tour called Rhythm of the Nation, an interactive dance and musical performance centered around nationally-renowned street artist DJ Creeasian; The West Coast Lumberjack Show, an action-packed, must-see Canadian show that will have everyone breaking out their plaid; and in addition to the traveling programs, each port will have its own live entertainment and local activities.

The ONTARIO 150 Tour is proud to be supported by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport's Celebrate Ontario Blockbuster program, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and the Government of Canada's Canada 150 Fund.

"I am proud our government is supporting unique festivals and events, like the ONTARIO 150 Tour, that support local economic growth, create jobs and draw tourists to communities across the province," said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "This investment will help Water's Edge Festivals & Events offer expanded experiences and encourage Ontarians to get out and discover all our province has to offer. This is especially important in 2017 as we celebrate Ontario's 150th anniversary."

The launch of the tour will be on Canada Day weekend, July 1-3, 2017, at Toronto's annual Redpath Waterfront Festival (RWF), presented by Billy Bishop Airport. This year's festival invites visitors to #CanuckItUp for a truly Canadian three-day celebratory event. In addition to the Tour programming, the Royal Canadian Navy will sail in with their 440-ft frigate, HMCS Ville de Québec, which will be open for public deck tours all weekend. The Festival will also welcome back the Waterfront Artisan Market with over 60 delicious food and unique craft vendors as well as interactive entertainment along Toronto's waterfront.

Redpath Sugar – Presenting Sponsor

"For over 50 years, Redpath Sugar has been crafting sugar in Canada on Toronto's waterfront and is committed to supporting and engaging with its community," says Nancy Gavin, Redpath Sugar Director of Sales, who is also the ONTARIO 150 Tour Board Chair. "In addition to being the title sponsor for the annual Redpath Waterfront Festival in Toronto, we are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this pan-provincial event that celebrates Canada's special anniversary."

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 and promoting waterfront destinations throughout Ontario with nautical festivals and events.

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