Taste of the Danforth could return if Toronto partners, Premier Ford says

Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered provincial funding to help revive the Taste of the Danforth this summer if the City of Toronto also contributes; city officials say budgeted funds exist while the Greektown BIA has not yet confirmed a plan.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his government is willing to provide funding to help revive the Taste of the Danforth festival this summer, but he asked that the City of Toronto also contribute. The event, held in Greektown since 1993, typically attracts more than a million visitors and has been cancelled for the last two years. Organizers cited funding constraints in 2024, and councillor comments said the festival was withdrawn last year when the regular organizer was unavailable. City leaders have said funding has been set aside in this year’s budget while the Greektown on the Danforth BIA has yet to confirm a plan. Reported details: - Premier Doug Ford publicly offered provincial money to help bring back Taste of the Danforth, while saying the city should also put in funds. - Mayor Olivia Chow said "It's happening this summer" and city officials have indicated financial support has been budgeted. - The festival began in 1993 and is reported to draw more than a million people in a typical year. - The event was paused in 2024 due to funding constraints and was cancelled again after the regular organizer was not available, according to a city councillor. - The Greektown on the Danforth BIA has been reported to be working on plans, and media outlets sought comment from the BIA on the latest offer. Summary: Ford’s offer links provincial support to a formal partnership with the City of Toronto. City officials say funds have been set aside, but the Greektown BIA must still confirm a plan for the festival’s return; discussions among the parties are ongoing. Undetermined at this time.