Montreal's Festival sur le Canal cancelled this year after 17 editions showcasing local talent
Production costs have increased since pandemic, co-founder notes
For the first time in 17 years, the show won't go on for Montreal's Festival sur le Canal, with organizers citing financial headwinds as the motive for this year's cancellation.
Typically held in mid-June along the banks of the Lachine Canal in the Sud-Ouest borough, the summer concerts take place rain or shine.
Admission is free, with festivalgoers encouraged to pay what they can. But this year, the financial strain is forcing organizers to cancel the shows.
Carl Comeau, co-founder of the festival, said his team is working hard to solve the issue. They released a statement on their website and social media Friday to share the news.
"It was a tough announcement for us," he said.
"We've created something really nice that the community wants, that the community's going to lose now."
Comeau says production costs have surged by about 40 per cent since coming out of the pandemic, adding that public and private funding has been difficult to secure in some cases. These production costs include sound equipment, fencing and security.
He said the "biggest" issue is the amount of paperwork required to apply for funding.
"It is mind-blowing for somebody that has a full-time job, that has to find financing for my festival every year," he said.
But despite these financial challenges, he refuses to cut artist fees to balance the budget.
"Our festival has always been proud of showcasing up-and-coming artists," he said. "In most cases, this is their big show of the summer and to have to negotiate them down because our budget can't afford to book them is just not right."
Many venues and festivals across the city have been grappling with similar financial struggles.
Comeau emphasized that, ultimately, he and his team want the majority of funding to go toward artists, artisans and the overall experience.
The festival has long served as a platform for local talent, giving artists an opportunity to share their music with Montrealers and others.
Samuel Sabourin, singer and tenor banjo player in the Quebec band Le Diable à Cinq, says he was saddened by the cancellation of this year's edition.
"For local artists, those festivals are so important in our development. It's so accessible... and fun festival to play," said Sabourin.
Having performed at the festival last year, the artist noted that the event allowed people to discover new artists for free, making it more accessible.
"Lots of family, lots of people alone, just taking a rest there, listening to music. For us, it was a really nice venue," said Sabourin.
Comeau says he and his team are working hard to figure the situation out and remain hopeful that a few supportive phone calls will come through.
In the meantime, he says people should support local artists.
"We shouldn't support local just because there's a crisis," said Comeau, referencing the current tensions between Canada and the U.S.
"Let's look in our neighbourhoods, let's support our local communities."
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