An added day became the Heineken Dance Party designed to showcase local and regional artists along with Disc Jockeys all from the reggae industry.
Since the inaugural year, the festival has received support from the community and the Ontario Arts Council, the City of Ottawa and Heritage Canada.
Coca-Cola partnered with the festival's green team, making it possible to recycle over 240 cubic feet (6,800 L) of cardboard, plastic and aluminum.
In its third year, The Ottawa Reggae Festival has come under fire for financial mismanagement, artist no-shows, and cancelled performances.
[6] The festival's board of directors also released a statement criticising the 25-year-old Williams for his "youth and inexperience" and poor financial decisions.