Make culture shine
Luc Rabouin proposes a tax on billboards to fund culture in neighborhoods
Montreal, September 20, 2025 — Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin is committed to introducing a tax on giant billboards. All revenue generated will be reinvested in funding local cultural activities, with priority given to underserved neighbourhoods. Culture Montréal estimates potential revenue of $5 million per year.
"Montreal is internationally recognized for its unique culture, festivals, and artists. Projet Montréal has carried out several major projects, such as the Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des Spectacles, the Centre Sanaaq in Ville-Marie and the Cœur-Nomade library and cultural space currently under construction at the junction of Ahuntsic and Montreal North. We must continue our efforts and investments to support and promote the richness of our cultural environment, both large events and local activities. Large billboards occupy our public space but do not contribute sufficiently to community life. With the introduction of a fee on these billboards, we have a unique opportunity to transform a form of visual pollution into a lever for arts and culture. Every dollar collected will be used to support the artists, cultural organizations, and events that bring our neighbourhoods to life," said Mr. Rabouin.
A direct investment in culture
Luc Rabouin specified that this new source of funding will, among other things, support local cultural activities, which are currently underfunded, strengthen the offerings of libraries and cultural centers, support artistic creation and emerging artists, and promote public art, both temporary and permanent.
The leader of Projet Montréal said he is particularly inspired by the program presented by Culture Montréal, which he considers an essential roadmap for the next term of office. In addition to fees on billboards, Luc Rabouin is already committed to making the abolition of property tax compensation for non-profit organizations permanent. Implemented by the Projet Montréal team in 2025, this measure will save eligible cultural organizations more than $2 million per year. Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
For more information on the recommendations:
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Source :
Simon Charron
Chief's press officer
Projet Montréal
