Ford government stalls paying Taste of the Danforth full $200K premier promised

Months after Premier Doug Ford pledged to support the Taste of the Danforth with provincial funding, the cash from Queen's Park has been slow to arrive, leaving festival organizers facing pressure over unpaid bills. The popular street festival, which typically draws up to a million visitors to Toronto's Greektown, had been on a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, Ford announced he would commit taxpayer dollars to revive the Taste of the Danforth. However, as of June, organizers received $200,000 from the BIA, a combination of provincial and municipal funds.

Despite the funding agreement letter received in April, organizers have not yet received the full amount from the provincial government. Six weeks after the festival took place on August 7, organizers continue to wait for the complete funding to arrive. Peter Tabuns, the NDP MPP representing the area, has been in contact with the BIA and the provincial government regarding the delay. The BIA has expressed frustration, noting that vendors have not been paid and are concerned about future event viability.

The Ministry of Tourism stated that the delay is due to the government working with organizers to resolve document issues necessary for releasing the funds. The ministry added that 60% of the funding has already been released to the Taste of Danforth. However, Tabuns argues that vendors are feeling the pressure of unpaid bills, especially in an already difficult economic climate.

He emphasized that the delay in funding could jeopardize the future of the festival and the trust vendors have in the event organizers. As of now, the government has not committed to funding the Taste of the Danforth in 2027.