A resounding success: public participation - satisfaction ratings - financial surplus - Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary announces positive results Français
MONTREAL, May 4, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Under the responsibility of the Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, more than 250 events were presented and seven socio-economic projects were completed, generating lasting benefits for the city. In addition to the lighting of the Jacques Cartier Bridge and the Biosphere, which will continue for another nine years, more than 40% of the major events of the official programming are likely to be repeated after 2017. In addition, the buzz created by the celebrations will fuel the growth of tourism for many more years. According to the auditing firm KPMG, the Society's activities have already generated $106.7 million in economic benefits to date and created 1,688 direct and indirect jobs between 2015 and 2018, to benefit the Quebec economy.
Based on data collected by the CROP polling firm, it is possible to estimate that 2.4 million unique participants—or nearly one in two Montrealers—took part in the activities. The satisfaction rating among those who attended the major events is 96%.
"Throughout 2017 and long afterward, the activities of the Society and its partners have raised Montreal's profile as a vibrant city, introduced initiatives that will continue in future and sparked pride among Montrealers. In the short term, the public success of the celebrations also generated significant benefits for the economy and tourism," said France Chrétien Desmarais, president of the Society for the Celebrations of the 375th Anniversary, who also praised the outstanding contribution of all the partners, employees and volunteers.
"We would like to thank the Society for the Celebrations of the 375th Anniversary for its leadership this past year. Montréal is a unique, successful and welcoming metropolis, namely thanks to this ability Montrealers have to spring into action. Our city stood out brilliantly last year, and the future seems full of promise. All aboard for the 400th anniversary!" said Christine Gosselin, executive committee member in charge of culture, design and heritage.
"The festivities surrounding the 375th anniversary of Montréal were a great success. Montrealers came together for big events and small neighbourhood celebrations alike. The Gouvernement du Québec is proud to have contributed to the success of this celebratory year. Our investments in both the festivities and the lasting legacies are a reflection of our desire to concretely support the development of our city to benefit the entire province," said David Birnbaum, Member for D'Arcy-McGee and President of the Montréal Caucus, on behalf of Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal region.
Unprecedented engagement of the Montreal community
Starting in 2011, inspired by a wide-ranging participatory approach led by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal, the activities associated with the Society generated positive long-term impacts, creating enthusiasm in the Montreal community. Throughout its mandate, the Society used a strategy based on engagement. More than 3,000 volunteers, numerous corporations and organizations joined forces to provide more than 26,000 hours of volunteer work.
Beyond the official programming, the Society rallied residents, elected officials and business people. The 12 Great Montrealers (Bell, BMO Financial Group, Bombardier, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Claridge, Loblaw Companies Limited, Desjardins Group, Power Corporation of Canada, Quebecor, RBC Royal Bank, Saputo, Sobeys) teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, the McConnell Foundation, the Jeune chambre de commerce de Montréal, McKinsey and Company, Montréal International, Tourisme Montréal, Université de Montréal and the YMCAs of Québec to form the Board of Governors, together with the Society. Together, they carried out seven socio-economic projects in strategic sectors.
"We had a number of targets, including youth and the next generation, leadership and innovation, as well as social solidarity to prepare the Montreal of tomorrow. Our projects are aimed at reducing food insecurity, supporting the ambitions of the next generation and beautifying more than 100 schoolyards. With the participation of the Board of Governors, including the Great Montrealers that funded them, these tangible initiatives will contribute to changing the face of Montreal," added Monique F. Leroux, who chaired the Board of Governors.
Significant cultural and artistic, social and economic spin-offs: valuable outreach
In addition to their short-term economic benefits, the Society's activities were an opportunity for its 1,900 partners and suppliers to develop projects and acquire expertise to take on new markets.
"We created hundreds of collaborative projects that will foster the development of citizens and companies. These new projects, in particular the lighting of the Jacques Cartier bridge, the 102 neighbourhood initiatives, a project for the creative digital industry and a novel procurement model to counteract food insecurity, will serve as accelerators for Montreal's development in a number of sectors," explained Alain Gignac, the Society's general manager.
Lastly, thanks to outreach efforts, there was 73% growth in the value of media coverage outside Quebec, when comparing 2017 to 2016. This performance contributed to the recorded 5.1% increase in tourism in the anniversary year, as well as a 4% increase projected by Tourisme Montréal for 2018.
A positive balance sheet
The Society also announced financial results for the non-profit organization, which recorded a positive balance. Its total expenses were $107 million on revenues of $123.3 million. Of this amount, $16.4 million will be returned directly to the city of Montreal and the Quebec government. The unused amounts, combined with tax revenues, evaluated using Tourisme Québec's methodology, will generate direct returns of $30.8 million for the three levels of government.
Starting May 4, the activity report can be downloaded at ville.montreal.qc.ca/375/a-propos.
About the Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary
The Society for the Celebrations of Montréal's 375th Anniversary is a non-profit organization whose mission is to organize the celebrations and socioeconomic contributions to mark Montréal's 375th anniversary in 2017. With a focus on promoting Montréal expertise, it acts as a catalyst for local forces in carrying out its mandate: to mobilize the community, implement a funding strategy, rigorously manage public funds, develop quality programming and ensure the visibility of the celebrations.
The Society benefits from the support of the Ville de Montréal, the Québec government, the Canadian government and private funding from 12 Great Montrealers.
SOURCE Société des célébrations du 375e anniversaire de Montréal
Julien Baudry, [email protected], 514-793-9193
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