A large injection of cash from the federal government will help Festival du Voyageur goers keep warm, and Festival expand. 

Festival will receive $250,000 from the government as part of a pool of $862,000 for four projects meant to enhance Manitoba’s tourism opportunities as well as the vitality of the province’s Francophone communities.

The money comes from the Economic Development Initiative of the Government of Canada, as well as the Canadian Experiences Fund.

The announcement was made Monday by Dan Vandal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface – Saint Vital, at Festival's Fort Gibraltar. 

Festival will be using their share to fund the expansion of the festival. "The signature element of this project will be a new heated tent that will be our biggest tent ever and accommodate more than 1,000 people."

MP Dan Vandal says "Manitoba is rich in cultural heritage and unique experiences for both Canadians and visitors to Canada to enjoy. These investments will help create and enhance opportunities to showcase our province’s strengths to the world while creating jobs and growing our economy."

Festival du Voyageur's executive director, Darrel Nadeau says, "The funds received today will help our organization grow and be more financially sustainable. Much needed improvements to power capacity, power distribution and installations will grow our total capacity and help better fulfill our mandate of promoting joie de vivre and extending the reach of French language and culture."

Festival du Voyageur is Western Canada's largest outdoor winter festival.

The pool of money is being shared as follows:

  • The Forks Renewal Corporation will receive up to $182,000 in funding through the CEF to develop wayfinding and storytelling signage in English, French, and Indigenous languages to attract visitors through the Taché Loop.
  • North Central Community Futures Development Corporation Inc. will receive up to $150,000 in funding through the CEF to develop the snowmobile tourism industry in northern Manitoba.
  • Le Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba will receive up to $280,000 in funding through the CEF to develop Francophone and Métis tourism in Manitoba.
  • Festival du Voyageur Inc. will receive up to $250,000 in funding through the EDI to support the expansion of Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg.