30th anniversary of the only hot-air balloon festival in the world to take place in an urban setting

Logo: Government of Canada (CNW Group/Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions)

The Government of Canada renews its support for this major get-together of international balloonists with a contribution of $178,000

GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 7, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (DEC) and Canadian Heritage

Government of Canada support for cultural events helps generate significant economic and media spinoff in the regions where the events take place, thus providing an exceptional showcase for our local artists and artisans.

At the launch of programming for the 2017 Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, Gatineau MP Steven MacKinnon, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced federal government funding for the 30th edition of this festive and spectacular annual summer event, to be held on the shores of the Ottawa River in La Baie Park from August 31 to September 4, 2017.

Canada Economic Development has provided $90,000 in funding, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, under the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP). The financial assistance will help support Festival marketing outside Quebec with a view to promoting tourism in the region and attracting numerous visitors from Canada and around the world.

In addition, Canadian Heritage has granted $88,000 for the 2017 Festival under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program. This money will serve to showcase Outaouais region artists, and will also support the work of the many volunteers involved in the Festival's organization.

Quotes

"Every summer, over 165,000 festival-goers and hot-air balloon fans attend this colourful event with its many musical shows. For the past 30 years, the Festival has been showcasing the Outaouais region and contributing to its economic vitality. Congratulations go out to the organizers and volunteers who continue to make this event the pride of our region."

Steven MacKinnon, MP for Gatineau

"The Government of Canada supports mobilizing and unifying projects such as the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival that showcase the various regions of Canada on the international stage. These projects generate significant spinoff in terms of jobs, tourism and visibility for Canada."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"Our government is pleased to support events like the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival that give people an opportunity to get to know the artists in their region. We would also like to thank the many volunteers whose significant contribution helps ensure the Festival's success, year after year."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"The Government of Canada is a key player in the staging of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival. With the support of Canadian Heritage, the Festival fosters the artistic development of the Outaouais region by showcasing local artists. Support provided by Canada Economic Development allows us to actively promote the event outside Quebec's borders, thus allowing us to attract an impressive number of tourists from around the world."

Stéphane Riel, President of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

Quick facts

• The Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival generates over $10 million in spinoff and attracts more than 165,000 visitors and 1,200 caravans every year.
• Festival-goers have an opportunity to hear artists perform in 300 shows, watch hot-air balloon flights, visit an antique car show and attend the final of the Ultimate Strongman Junior World Championships.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Pierre-Olivier Herbert, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Tel: [phone]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, Tel: [phone] or 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]