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Investment strengthens Ontario’s position as a top sports destination

TORONTO — The Ontario government is protecting the province’s sport and tourism industries by investing $1.5 million to support the 2025 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place. The signature Canadian event is expected to draw more than 140,000 attendees over the three-day weekend, and generate tens of millions in economic activity through sport tourism, hospitality and event services.

“The Indy is one of North America’s premier motorsport events, and has been a cornerstone of Ontario’s events calendar for nearly 40 years,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “By supporting this iconic Canadian event, our government is protecting jobs, driving economic growth through sport tourism and strengthening Ontario’s reputation as a top destination for world-class sporting experiences.” 

The event will mark the 37th NTT IndyCar Series race weekend held in Toronto and is IndyCar’s second-oldest street race. In 2024, over 150,000 fans attended the event, supporting local jobs and contributing more than $50 million to Ontario’s economy. The government’s investment will help support the event’s operations to improve the event experience, attract more international visitors and generate significant economic benefits for the province.

“The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto is a global event, drawing tourists and race fans from near and far,” said Jeff Atkinson, President of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto. “We are grateful for the continued support of the provincial government to help organize a world-class race and showcase the best of Ontario on a global stage."In 2024, the Ontario government invested over $54 million to support the sport and recreation industry across the province to support grassroots sports, promote healthy and active lifestyles and strengthen local economies. 

Quick Facts

• Ontario also invested $1.5 million to support the 2025 RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon. The signature Canadian event is expected to have drawn over 125,000 attendees and generated tens of millions in economic activity.

• Ontario also provides project-based funding to support national and international amateur sporting events through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program. These events drive local tourism, help Ontario athletes gain elite competition experience to excel on the world stage and showcase the province’s world-class facilities and hospitality.

• Ontario is also investing $200 million through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to help communities revitalize existing community sport and recreation infrastructure and build new facilities.

Quotes

“The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto is a major tourism draw and an iconic feature of our province’s summer festival season. Every year, the race brings thousands of tourists to Toronto and contributes millions to the local and regional economy, with visitors staying in local accommodations, eating at local restaurants, shopping at Main Street businesses, and taking in the sights and sounds of the city.”

- Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming