Tashi Farmilo
Published online March 11, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
MRC PONTIAC – Seven festivals and events in the Pontiac region will receive a total of $20,000 in funding in 2026 from the MRC Pontiac through the Regions and Rurality Fund. The funding comes from the territorial development component administered by Quebec’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The financial support is distributed across three categories: local events, tourism-oriented festivals and events, and structuring tourism festivals. The MRC said the initiative aims to support economic vitality and strengthen tourism development across the region. Under the local events stream, Sheenboro Heritage has been awarded $500 for its Irish Tea event.
In the tourism-oriented category, the Municipality of L’Isle-aux-Allumettes will receive $1,000 for Island Fest, while Parc des Chutes Coulonge and Phare Ouest will each receive $1,750 for the Festival of Lights and the Festival international du Cinéma des Femmes du Pontiac, respectively.
Three events were designated as structuring tourism festivals and will each receive $5,000. The designation is typically used for larger events that draw visitors from outside the region and generate broader economic benefits for local communities. In this category, the Shawville Lions Club will receive funding for Jamboree Country, the Pontiac Agricultural Society for the Shawville Fair, and the Festival Country Fort-Coulonge/Mansfield will also receive $5,000.
“Our festivals and events reflect the energy, creativity and solidarity that define Pontiac so well,” said Jane Toller, MRC Pontiac warden. “They are an immense source of pride for our region and help promote our identity far beyond our borders. By supporting them, we are clearly affirming that Pontiac is vibrant, welcoming and proud of its talent and communities.”
