OCAF Board at the Canadian Canoe Museum
On May 22nd, the OCAF Board and staff were graciously hosted by the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough for a tour of their wonderful facility and collection in advance of our Board meeting.
We were delighted to be joined by two special guests: Billy Denault, MPP for Renfrew – Nipissing – Pembroke and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming; and Daniel Tisch, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
After an informative tour provided by the Museum’s Executive Director, Carolyn Hyslop, Curator, Jeremy Ward, and Programs Manager, Peter Vooys, the OCAF Board convened in the Museum’s beautiful event space overlooking the Otonabee River.
MPP Denault was in attendance on behalf of Minister Stan Cho and opened the meeting with a speech emphasizing OCAF’s vital role in helping to deliver the Ministry’s mandate to promote Ontario’s cultural attractions and increase tourism visitation.
Mr. Tisch was invited to speak to the Board about the importance of the economic impact of cultural tourism in advance of an OCAF strategic planning session.
On behalf of the OCAF Board I would like express deep gratitude to the terrific staff at the Canadian Canoe Museum for hosting us, and to MPP Denault and Mr. Tisch for their generosity of time and their continued support of OCAF.
Thomas Vaughan
Executive Director, OCAF
From left: Thomas Vaughan, Executive Director of OCAF; MPP Billy Denault; Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce; Gillian Smith Chair of OCAF
OCAF-Supported Events in Niagara
- Holi Festival of Colour
A free family-friendly celebration of colour, culture, food, and live entertainment in downtown St. Catharines.
June 14, 2025 - TD Niagara Jazz Festival
A dynamic celebration of jazz, world, and soul music across Niagara featuring Canadian and international talent.
June 2–29, 2025 - Jann Arden – Mix Tape Tour
The Canadian icon performs ’90s pop covers and heartfelt hits at FirstOntario Concert Hall.
June 6, 2025
OCAF-Supported Events in Ottawa
- Festival Franco-Ontarien
A vibrant celebration of Francophone music and culture in the heart of Ottawa.
June 12–14, 2025 - Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
A multi-day celebration of Indigenous culture featuring music, dance, food, and arts.
June 21–22, 2025 - Ottawa Jazz Festival
One of Canada’s premier music Festivals, showcasing world-class jazz in downtown Ottawa.
June 20–29, 2025
OCAF-Supported Events in the GTA
- Luminato Festival Toronto
A citywide celebration of contemporary art, performance, and creativity.
June 4–16, 2025 - Redpath Waterfront Festival
An all-ages outdoor festival along Toronto’s waterfront with family programming and entertainment.
June 28–30, 2025 - imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
25th anniversary of a festival that celebrated Indigenous storytelling in film + video, audio, and digital + interactive art through screenings, exhibitions, special events, and more
June 3-15, 2025
More OCAF-Supported Events Across Ontario
- Exeter: Huron Waves Festival
A music and arts festival celebrating community, creativity, and connection in southwestern Ontario.
June 13-21 2025 - Stratford: Here For Now Theatre
Contemporary, original Canadian theatre performed outdoors in Stratford. Featuring Stick Around and Forget About Tomorrow in June!
June 2025 - Sudbury: YES Theatre – Never Break the Chain: The Music of Fleetwood Mac
A passionate musical tribute to Fleetwood Mac performed in downtown Sudbury.
June 10–July 12, 2025