Canadian Heritage won't fund MosaCanada in 2018

Discussions between MosacultureInternationales de Montraland Canadian Heritage have not borne fruit, as Radio-Canada has learnedthefederal department will not fund a return of the horticulture exhibitin 2018.

A spokesperson for Hull-AylmerMP Greg Fergus confirmedthe news, but said the MP is exploring other funding options,such as petitioning otherfederal departments like Canada Economic Development for QubecRegions.

Last summerthe popular Canada 150exhibit attracted 1.3 millionvisitors andgenerated $28 millionfor the capital region. Canadian Heritage allocated $5.2 million forthe exhibition, whiletheprovincial government and the City of Gatineaueachpitchedin $2 million.

The city has already set aside another $2 million forMosaCanadato return this year, but alack of commitment from Canadian Heritage could jeopardize support from the province.

Qubec's minister of tourism, Julie Boulet, had no comment on the matter, but a spokesperson said they are continuing to review the situation.

But time may be running out. By this time last year the preparations forMosaCanada were well underway.

In addition, the winter iteration ofMosaCanada,Mosavernales,didnot performas well as expected. Organizers were aiming for 200,000 visitors to the snow sculpture exhibit but fell short of the goal, with only 20,000 people attending in 20 days.