Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position supporting a $150,000 grant to Cyclo-club Lachine for Les Mardis cyclistes de Lachine from 2026 to 2028, and supporting the related agreement and budget changes. This is a position for the agglomeration council, which makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the goal is to support the event’s continuation and promote cycling.
- The proposed grant is $50,000 a year for three years, paid in two instalments each year under an agreement.
- The city’s position also supports moving $15,000 into the sports and recreation service budget in 2026, and adding $15,000 to that service’s budget in each of 2027 and 2028.
- The event is planned for ten Tuesdays from June to August each year. The decision summary says street closures are expected during races, with safety services provided by Lachine borough.
What it means for you#
- Cyclo-club Lachine: If the agglomeration council approves the city’s position, the club would receive $50,000 a year for 2026–2028 under an agreement setting the payment terms.
- People attending or living near the event in Lachine: Races are planned on a closed street circuit, so street closures are expected. City staff say the route will be secured and a communication plan is planned.
- People who want to cycle the course: City staff describe a free cyclovia (a public cycling event) as part of the event’s wider programming. Its funding is through a separate city program, not the $150,000 grant.
- Taxpayers: The decision would commit city operating-budget funds if approved. The decision summary also estimates $60,000 in goods and services supplied by Lachine borough for the event.
Money#
The proposed city grant totals $150,000 over three years; no tax treatment is stated.
- The grant would be $50,000 per year in 2026, 2027 and 2028, paid in two instalments each year.
- The city’s position includes a $15,000 budget transfer in 2026 from general-administration contingency spending, and recurring $15,000 budget increases in 2027 and 2028.
- City staff estimate Lachine borough’s goods and services for the event at $60,000. The summary lists separate support of $10,100 from the borough and $11,200 for the cyclovia.
- City staff estimate the event’s annual budget at $285,300, excluding goods and services, or $345,300 including them.
What is unclear#
- The agreement’s full terms are not included, so payment conditions, reporting duties and what happens if an event is cancelled are not known.
- The materials do not explain whether the proposed $50,000 annual grant could change if the event’s costs or plans change.
- The decision summary does not give a separate cost estimate for the city’s staff time or other administration.
Case for#
- City staff say the event has run for more than 45 years and that city support is essential to its continuation.
- Staff say the event supports the development of local cyclists, including young riders, and offers a free public cycling activity through the cyclovia.
- Staff say the event is not eligible for provincial or federal support programs, and that most of its other revenue comes from its own sources.
Case against#
- The three-year grant is a public funding commitment, alongside separate borough support and goods and services.
- City staff’s summary does not provide a detailed breakdown of the event’s other revenue or explain why $50,000 a year is the right grant amount.
- The agreement’s terms are not available here, making it hard to assess how the city will check that funding is used as intended.