The CNE
Does The Canadian Exhibition benefit the City of Toronto?
What is the The Ex and what does it do for Toronto?
CNE Map. 2015. Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto. Theex.com. Web. 5 Oct. 2015.
Founded in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, the CNE has an extensive history as a showcase of Toronto's innovation. People came to experience the latest creations in technology and commercial products, to enjoy the popular entertainers of the time, and to engage in a collective community celebration.
Taking place over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, it is embraced widely as an end-of-summer tradition by more than 1 million visitors annually, visitors who reflect the diversity of Toronto and the region
Why does The EX take place where it does and why does it matter?
So is the CNE really beneficial for Toronto?
A 2014 Economic Impact Assessment, conducted by Enigma Research Corporation, reports that the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) generates an estimated $69.3 million for Greater Toronto Area and more than $102.3 million for the province of Ontario each year.
One of the many ways the CNE helps to boost the local economy is through job creation. The CNE hires approximately 1200 people starting in the spring of each year to assist in the planning and production of the annual fair. An additional 3,500 people are hired during the Fair itself by CNE partners including Emergency Services, Toronto Police, Toronto Fire, food vendors, exhibitors and concessionaires. For many young people growing up in Toronto, the CNE is their first employment experience.
With an average of 1 million plus every year, the CNE offers companies an excellent venue in which to sell their products and connect with their audiences face to face.
The answer is yes, the CNE is extremely important to the City of Toronto both financially/economically and as a tradition.