Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a decision awarding artist Véronique Buist a contract to make and install the public artwork “Le 7 joueur” at Aréna Martin-Lapointe in Lachine, and approving the related agreement. The goal, as described by city staff, is to add to the city’s public art collection and connect the project with the local community.
- The contract covers making and installing the artwork, with a maximum contract amount of $142,367.80, taxes included.
- Council also authorized $6,406.51 for related costs and $12,813.03 for contingencies (unexpected costs), bringing the total maximum to $161,587.34, taxes included.
- The selected design uses 44 coloured aluminium shapes, including about a dozen with backlighting. The project also includes two planned cultural activities.
- The artist was chosen through a public competition. The jury considered 21 eligible applications and selected four finalists to develop full proposals before recommending Buist’s design.
What it means for you#
- Arena users and local residents: The artwork is to be installed at Aréna Martin-Lapointe. The planned activities include making an indoor mural with young people from Maison des jeunes L'Escalier de Lachine, and an event projecting participants’ designs onto the ice with MAPP MTL and the adjacent library team.
- Taxpayers: The city is authorizing public spending for the work. City staff say the project is budgeted across 2026 and 2027.
- Artists: This contract was awarded to Buist. The decision does not create a new grant or ongoing public art program.
Money#
The total authorized maximum is $161,587.34, taxes included, or $147,550.77 net of tax rebates.
- City staff say $117,550.58 net of rebates will be funded through a borrowing bylaw for acquiring and restoring public art. A $49,035.99 provincial grant would reduce the city’s net borrowing cost to $68,514.59.
- The remaining $30,000.19 net of rebates will come from Lachine’s operating budget.
- City staff say the overall expense is shared 80% by the central city and 20% by the borough. They report that the required budget is available.
What is unclear#
- The approved agreement’s full terms are not included, so its detailed requirements and remedies are not available.
- No publicly available information on ongoing maintenance costs for the artwork.
- City staff’s summary gives a production and installation period of 2026–2027 and a planned inauguration in fall 2027; the resolution itself does not set those dates.
Case for#
- The public competition and jury process gave artists a chance to submit proposals, with four finalists developing full designs.
- The artwork and planned activities could give arena users and local groups ways to take part in the project.
- The approved budget identifies funding sources, including a provincial grant.
Case against#
- The project uses public funds, including city borrowing and Lachine’s operating budget; the decision does not compare its cost with other possible uses of that money.
- The decision materials do not state the artwork’s future maintenance costs or provide the full agreement terms.