Gatineau contributed $6 million to support local organizations

Sophie Demers

Gatineau will contribute approximately $6 million to a variety of local organizations to promote cultural events, leisure, and sports activities.

“The investments announced today are great news for the people of Gatineau,” said France Bélisle, Gatineau Mayor. “It is essential for the city that a diversified offer of activities be available to all its citizens. Their role is crucial since they actively participate in the development of a complete service offer, in sports, recreation, outdoor activities and community development as well as in culture and events, which contributes to the revitalization, and socio-economic development of our city, in addition to strengthening the identity of each sector of Gatineau.”

The money is distributed under four main programs; Community Development Support Framework, Support program for cultural organizations, Support fund for cultural activities (Fonds Gatineau), and Events and major events support programs.

The Community Development Support Framework offers financial, technical, and professional support to organizations that focus on recreation, sport, outdoor activities, and community development. This program will support the realization of 220 activities led by 155 different organizations for a total of $2,573,624
Through the Support program for cultural organizations Gatineau will support 45 cultural leisure organizations and 31 professional organizations.

The total contribution of money and services totals $2,362,933. This amount includes a multi-year agreement with the Orchestra symphonique de Gatineau that was renewed until 2026. This year, Gatineau’s contribution to the Orchestra is $135,000.

The Support program for cultural organizations aims to support arts, cultural, and heritage organizations to promote access to and development of culture in every form. This year, the budget for the program increased by $100,000.

The third program is the Support fund for cultural activities (Fonds Gatineau), Gatineau’s new fund to support projects that contribute to the revitalization and socio-economic development of Gatineau. For 2023-2024, Gatineau will offer financial support for 13 projects for a total of $243,310. An additional $20,000 will be provided to Vision Centre-Ville to promote projects taking place in the downtown area.

Through the Event and Major Events support programs, Gatineau is providing $2,310,960 in services and financial support for 46 events that will be held this year. Seven of these events were confirmed and granted support in October of 2022.

Photo: Alana Repstock