Summary#
Montréal city council unanimously adopted an orientation to provide the Association des sports d'action with an additional $700,000 for the Festival Jackalope and extend its funding agreement to 2028. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. City staff say the goal is to help keep the festival going and support its growth and profile.
- The proposed additional funding is $200,000 in 2026 and $250,000 in each of 2027 and 2028.
- The 2026 amount would raise the festival’s total city support for that year to $250,000, including $50,000 already provided under the existing agreement.
- The proposed agreement addendum would set the funding terms and payment schedule.
What it means for you#
- Residents and taxpayers: The proposed funding would be paid from the agglomeration’s operating budget. The decision does not identify a direct change to individual taxes or services.
- Festival-goers: City staff describe the festival as a free, three-day event. The proposed support does not itself guarantee the festival will take place; the final funding decision is still pending.
- Association des sports d'action: If the orientation is approved by the agglomeration council, the association would receive the additional funding and its agreement with the city would run through 2028.
Money#
The proposed additional public cost is $700,000 over 2026–2028; the material gives no tax treatment.
- In 2026, $200,000 would be transferred from general administration’s contingency spending to the Service de la culture, des sports et des loisirs.
- For 2027 and 2028, the service’s budget base would each be adjusted by $200,000. The materials do not explain how the remaining amount of each year’s $250,000 grant would be funded.
- The agglomeration would bear the full expense.
What is unclear#
- The addendum’s detailed payment conditions and schedule are not included in the supplied material.
- The material does not explain how the annual budget adjustments of $200,000 relate to the $250,000 annual grants in 2027 and 2028.
- The festival’s 2026 budget lists some expected revenue as unconfirmed, including private revenue and support from Tourisme Québec.
Case for#
- City staff say the festival drew more than 28,000 spectators in 2025 and that its 2024 edition generated an estimated $1.8 million in economic impact, including 5,098 overnight stays.
- The event is free to attend. Staff say it includes high-level competitions and plans activities such as introductory climbing days and skatepark clinics for young people.
- Staff say the funding could help the association obtain support from other public funders.
Case against#
- The proposed $700,000 is public funding for an event whose 2026 budget also expects substantial private revenue; the materials do not show how much of that private revenue is confirmed.
- Staff say the association sought more annual support after a deficit-making edition. The materials do not provide the size or causes of that deficit, or a plan for reducing reliance on city funding.