Summary#
Montréal city council approved a direct-award contract with Lucion Média inc. for artistic multimedia work at Jardins de lumière 2026, at the Jardin botanique. City staff say the goal is to enhance the event’s lantern displays with light, sound, video and water effects.
- The work will be designed and delivered for the Jardin de Chine, including the Lac de Rêve and nearby walls.
- The contract is for $103,546.49, taxes included. The city will pay it in five instalments in 2026.
- The city awarded the contract directly after seeking proposals from two firms. City staff say Lucion Média’s proposal was both the least costly and the most developed artistically.
What it means for you#
- Visitors: The decision funds multimedia features for the 2026 event. It does not change admission rules or guarantee any particular visitor experience.
- Taxpayers: The city will pay the full contract cost from Espace pour la vie’s operating budget.
Money#
The contract costs $103,546.49, taxes included, and is covered by the city’s operating budget.
- City staff say the full amount will be paid by the central city, in five instalments during 2026.
- City staff say the expense has no impact on the city’s financial framework; the materials provide no separate cost estimate beyond the contract amount.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give the contract’s term or any renewal options.
- They do not say how many proposals were received, or provide details for comparing them.
- The materials give two possible event start dates: September 3 in one place and August 28 in the schedule.
Case for#
- City staff say the work will add light, sound, video and water effects to the traditional lantern displays.
- City staff say Lucion Média’s proposal was the least costly and the most developed artistically among the proposals considered.
Case against#
- The contract was awarded directly, and the materials do not explain the comparison in enough detail to assess how the proposals differed.
- The contract amount is stated, but the materials do not give a breakdown of costs or explain how the city will assess the finished work.