Sustainable Development

We have achieved Level 2 of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) standard for responsible event management for the organization of the 2024 edition of the International de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. This event was certified by the Réseau des femmes en environnement and its Québec Council for Eco-Responsible Events.

Some of Our Actions

→ Reuse, year after year, of decor elements made on-site, and a preference for using reusable materials;

→ Use of an electric trailer to refrigerate products instead of a gas-powered generator;

→ We provide a reusable bottle to all our employees and volunteers. Several water fountains and coolers are also available throughout the festival grounds to encourage bottle refills and reduce single-use plastic;

→ Waste and recycling management system in place on the festival site;

→ New this year: a partnership with Go Zéro, a specialized provider, helps optimize waste management and ensures exemplary post-event sorting;

→ A reusable cup deposit system, powered by Desjardins, reduces the use of disposable containers. Free water stations, branded with Desjardins colors, encourage the use of reusable bottles;

→ In collaboration with RECYC-QUÉBEC, the festival also encourages attendees to adopt better habits through the Ça va où? app, which helps sort waste effectively;

→ Thanks to La Tablée des Chefs, surplus food is redistributed to community organizations, contributing to the fight against food waste;

→ A shuttle is available from the Terminus Brossard-Panama to promote public transportation, and bike racks are provided for both attendees and volunteers;

→ Use of reusable dishes for the meal tent (for volunteers, pilots, and employees) as well as the lounges.

Some of Our Actions

→ Recruitment and hiring of employees from the local region;

→ We continue to offer affordable pricing for families;

→ Our site is accessible to people with reduced mobility;

→ We provide opportunities for local residents and low-income organizations to volunteer or take part in social reintegration programs, with financial compensation;

→ We actively support the participation of artists in the fields of arts, culture, and heritage from the region;

→ We offer employees, volunteers, and festivalgoers a working environment and festival site that prioritize well-being and safety.

Our Economic Impact

→ Development of partnerships with organizations, hotels, and major attractions in the region;

→ Significant economic impact estimated at nearly 15 million dollars;

→ Over 230,000 festivalgoers, with approximately 30% locals, 56% day-trippers and tourists from Quebec, and 14% from outside Quebec.