Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

Nearly $970,000 in funding was announced on July 5, to support summer and autumn festivals
and events across the Outaouais, aiming to draw visitors, boost cultural life, and stimulate the
local economy. The funding comes under Quebec’s Aide financière aux festivals et aux
événements touristiques programme.

Among the largest beneficiaries is the Festival de montgolfières de Gatineau, receiving
$450,000. This hot air balloon festival, known for its diverse artistic programming, is the largest
summer event in the Outaouais region. It typically attracts over 225,000 attendees and delivers
more than 60 hours of performances, contributing around $15 million to the regional economy.
“Supporting these festivals is a source of pride for Quebec, as they promote the province as a
destination of choice while bringing concrete economic benefits to our communities,” said
Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism.

Les Grands Feux du Casino du Lac-Leamy will receive $175,000 for its late-July to mid-August
event, known for its pyromusical shows and new ELECTRO opening night, while the Festival
western Saint-André-Avellin rodéo professionnel will receive $109,000 to continue its support of
rodeo and country culture.

Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, noted that support for these
festivals aligns with the rising interest in Quebec as a travel destination. “More and more tourists
are choosing Quebec as their top destination. Supporting these festivals ensures visitors have
unforgettable experiences while helping our local economy,” he said.

The funding also includes $46,000 for Aéro Gatineau-Ottawa, which showcases vintage aircraft
and aerial displays, and supports community events such as the Festival d’humour de Gatineau,
Festival de la fibre Twist, Petite Nation en fête, Festival Ripon trad, and Festival Riverside.
These gatherings contribute to the region’s year-round cultural vitality, a point highlighted by
Robert Bussière, MNA for Gatineau: “These events create lasting memories and encourage
people to discover local flavours and the warm welcome of our residents.”

For communities across the region, the festivals provide moments for families and friends to
gather. “These festivals and events are part of what makes summer and autumn in the
Outaouais vibrant,” said Mathieu Lévesque, MNA for Chapleau. “I commend the organisers for
the quality and diversity of programming they deliver every year.”

Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull, emphasised the role these events play in promoting local
culture while strengthening the economy. “The tourism sector is vital for our region, and these
festivals play a key role in that. We are proud to support the organizers and volunteers who
bring these events to life.”

Photo: Quebec has announced $970,000 in funding to support summer and autumn festivals ​
across the Outaouais, including the textile-focused Festival de la fibre Twist, aiming to boost
tourism, showcase local culture, and strengthen the regional economy. (TF) Photo courtesy of
Ministère du Tourisme du Québec