The Stratford festival was supposed to bring another busy season to the stage this year with 15 shows on four stages.

And then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The cancellation of the season has blown a $20-million hole in the festival’s budget. They told a House of Commons standing committee on finance that they would like $8-million. They say the other $12-million from the private sector.

The festival is a major draw and part of the summer economy in Stratford. They say only six percent of their annual budget comes from government support.