Ontario Extending Last Call During FIFA World Cup 2026

Alcohol sale and service extended to 4 a.m. to support local businesses, hospitality workers and fans during global tournament

The Ontario government is allowing licensed restaurants and bars to extend the sale and service of alcohol across the province until 4 a.m. during FIFA World Cup 2026. The temporary extension will apply from June 11, 2026 to July 19, 2026.

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport. Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.” – Attorney General Doug Downey

This year’s tournament is the first to feature 48 teams playing games across three countries, including Canada. In Ontario, Toronto will host six games at Toronto Stadium. Vancouver will also host games, alongside 14 additional host cities in the United States and Mexico, making this the largest FIFA World Cup 2026 in history.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”

The Ontario government is working in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to enable the temporary extension of hours for establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol, such as bars and restaurants, for the duration of the tournament.

Quick Facts

• The last call for alcohol service in Ontario is typically 2 a.m.
• This temporary extension builds on Ontario’s experience during other major international sporting events, including when the province temporarily extended alcohol service hours to support fans during the recent 2026 Olympic gold medal hockey game between Canada and the United States.
• The LCBO is extending store hours in 27 select retail stores across the GTA and Ottawa between June 11, 2026 and July 19, 2026. Extended hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Last summer, the province made an amendment to the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 framework to allow alcohol sale and consumption on pedal pubs.

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Ontario Sport Hosting Program Applications Now Open

The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the second intake of the 2026-27 Sport Hosting Program, which provides funding support to communities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions. This program is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by helping communities attract visitors, boost tourism, create good-paying jobs and strengthen the local economy.

“Hosting and competing in major sporting events is a critical part of the Ontario and Canadian identity,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Combined with our government’s $500 million investment in sport and recreation infrastructure, the Sport Hosting Program ensures that Ontario communities have both the facilities and funding to attract major events, giving our athletes the chance to compete on home soil.”

Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program assists organizers and Ontario communities by providing $3 million in funding support to host a variety of winter and summer national and international amateur sport events, reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a top destination for sport hosting.

The program has supported over 260 events since 2018, contributing approximately $236 million to Ontario’s economy. Recent events supported through the program include the 2026 FIS Ski Cross World Cup in Collingwood, 2026 Canadian Under-20 Curling Championship and Under-21 Mixed Doubles Championship in Sudbury, 2026 Canadian Ringette Championships in Ottawa and the 2026 Kickboxing National Championship in Mississauga.

In addition to bringing economic and tourism benefits to communities, hosting sport events benefits Ontario athletes by giving them the opportunity to gain the elite-competition experience needed to excel on the world stage.

Organizations can apply for the 2026-27 Ontario Sport Hosting Program – Intake II funding online through Transfer Payment Ontario until July 13, 2026.

Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program builds on previous action the province has taken to create more opportunities for communities through sport and recreation, including the government’s $500 million investment in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to build and upgrade sport and recreation facilities in communities across the province.

Quick Facts

• Each year, the Ontario Sport Hosting Program brings together, on average, approximately 12,000 amateur athletes, 3,500 volunteers and 100,000 community supporters to Ontario.
• Successful applicants can use this funding to help with operational costs, including venue, staffing, participant expenses (such as accommodations and meals) and legacy projects.
• Through the 2026-27 Sport Hosting Program – Intake I, Ontario is investing more than $1.3 million to support 26 amateur national and international sport events, which are expected to include nearly 10,000 athletes and generate approximately $28 million in economic activity for Ontario.

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Windsor to Host Canadian National Pickleball League 2026 Western Split

Pickleplex Social Club – Windsor has announced that it will host the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) 2026 Westem Split, taking place Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, May 24, 2026, at its facility.

This premier two-day event will feature four CNPL teams, including the hometown Detroit-Windsor Drive, competing alongside the Northern Lights, Vancouver Owls, and Grand River Rapids. Each day will include five matches, showcasing high-level, fast-paced competition from some of Canada’s top pickle ball athletes. Doors open at 9:00AM, with the first match starting at 1 0:00AM and the final match beginning at 4:00PM.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online. Single-day tickets start at $20,
and weekend passes are available for $32 plus applicable fees.

“We are excited to host the 2026 Western Split and bring professional pickleball to Windsor-Essex. It will be an action-packed weekend, featuring high-level competition, and a great opportunity for fans to experience professional pickle ball up close.” – Gina Facca, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Pickleplex Social Club

Pickleplex Social Club – Windsor, located at 1950 Lauzon Road, will welcome fans, families, and members of the growing pickleball community for a weekend of exciting competition and community engagement.

The Canadian National Pickleball League is Canada’s premier professional pickleball league, featuring top athletes competing in a dynamic, team-based format. With intense matchups and an energetic atmosphere both on and off the court, the CNPL 2026 Western Split promises to be one of the most exciting pickleball events of the year.

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Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with Free Fishing – Fish for free across Ontario from May 9 to 10

This Mother’s Day weekend, Ontario is offering families a chance to cast a line and enjoy the outdoors together for free. From May 9 to 10, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

“Fishing is a great way for families to make unforgettable memories while enjoying the outdoors. Free fishing weekends are an opportunity to check out Ontario’s top‑notch fishing and take part in a timeless tradition that brings people together right across the province.” – Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources

Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province. Free fishing opportunities like Mother’s Day weekend provide a chance for people to learn more about fishing on Ontario’s lakes and rivers.

If you are fishing for free during the Mother’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations still apply.

Quick Facts

• This weekend marks the second of four free-fishing periods in Ontario this year. The remaining dates are Father’s Day Weekend (June 20–21) and Family Fishing Week (June 27–July 5).
• For beginners, Ontario offers loans of rods and reels for free through the TackleShare program, as well as an online Learn to Fish Guide to help new anglers get started until in‑person Learn to Fish programs begin in June.
• 1.3 million licensed anglers spend $2.4 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
• Canadian residents participating in free fishing periods must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth.
• Outside of free fishing periods, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a licence to fish. All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.
• Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at HuntAndFishOntario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. Licences can also be purchased in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized licence issuer locations.

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Ontario Expanding Opportunities for Girls in Sport

Province’s $480,000 investment in Canadian Women & Sport will help more girls stay active and healthy

The Ontario government is investing $480,000 in Canadian Women & Sport’s The Next Play Program to expand affordable and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for nearly 3,500 girls across the province. This made-for-Ontario initiative will provide community sport organizations with the resources needed to support the next generation of female athletes to train and grow their skills.

“Our government is proud to partner with organizations like Canadian Women & Sport that are breaking down barriers and getting more girls and young women involved in sport and recreation. With professional women’s leagues like the PWHL, the Northern Super League and the WNBA now calling Ontario home, there are more pathways than ever before for young women to pursue a career in high-performance sports.” – Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport

Supported by the Ontario government, Canadian Women & Sport works with sport leaders, organizations and communities to encourage more girls and young women to participate in sport and physical activity. Since 2022, The Next Play has partnered with 270 organizations to support nearly 10,000 girls in sports across Ontario, helping ensure female athletes of all backgrounds can participate, build skills and reach their full potential.

“Sport plays a critical role in shaping confidence, connection and wellbeing for young people,” said Allison Sandmeyer‑Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. “Our research shows that when girls have positive sport and recreation experiences, they are more likely to build confidence, develop leadership skills and stay physically active throughout their lives. We’re grateful for the partnership and support of our long-standing funding partner Government of Ontario, which allows The Next Play to turn that evidence into action by helping community organizations create environments where girls feel they belong and are supported to stay engaged.”

The announcement comes as Toronto prepares to welcome its new WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo, for its inaugural season beginning May 8, 2026, a milestone that highlights the growing opportunities for women and girls in professional sport and reinforces the importance of strong grassroots pathways.

Quick Facts

• The Next Play provides Ontario organizations with girl‑centred training, program design support and grants to attract and retain girls in sport.
• This year’s cohort of 65 organizations spans 39 municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area, Central, Eastern and Northern Ontario, and will support approximately 3,500 children and youth.
• Since its inception in 2021-22, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation (IGR) program has provided more than 100,000 children and youth across Ontario with opportunities to participate in sport and recreation programming in their communities.
• The Ontario government invests over $23 million annually to support local, inclusive physical activity programming, including: Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation (IGR) program, the Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator Program (CARA), the Sport Pathway for Ontario Native Wellness and Variety Village.
• Ontario is investing $500 million through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to help revitalize existing local sport and recreation facilities and build new spaces so more people can participate and stay active.

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