Grandes Fêtes: an environmentally responsible festival | Evening Newspaper

Les Grandes Fêtes TELUS adopts a consolidated sustainable development policy for its 18th exhibition by integrating improvements on economic, social and environmental levels.

Among the key measures, 90% of their suppliers are local. The festival operates a drinking water station at Beauséjour Park, encouraging spectators to fill their own reusable bottles for free to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

In previous years, TELUS Great Holidays chose “ ecocups », personal reusable glasses.

“Throughout their reflections, the group firmly believes that the best waste is the one we don’t make,” said Grandes Fêtes TELUS marketing and communications director, Marie-Pier Mercier.

The Grandes Fêtes especially emphasize the importance of carpooling, by raising awareness among festival goers from the moment they buy their ticket.

The festival also participates in reforestation by donating to a company that specializes in planting trees, thus offsetting part of the carbon emissions that come from the event.

Inclusion

The sustainable development policy is also active at the social level. Who says sustainable development says inclusion.

Hydro-Québec’s vision allows for financial access. Its aim: “to present the French world and emerging artists,” specifies Marie-Pier Mercier.

The very mission of Grandes Fêtes TELUS is also based on access to allow people to attend major shows for $25 per evening.

Physical accessibility is also a challenge. The reduced range of motion has been built on a platform, thus enhancing the musical experience of those who benefit from it.

Varied food options

Regarding the amount of food on offer, the festival believed it was important to provide different food options, thus meeting the dietary requirements of the festival attendees.

Vegetarian, healthy and fresh food is available to festival attendees, which varies from fast food.

TELUS High Holidays takes the importance of sorting leftover items. Empty cans are being deposited and the profits from this deposit are being invested in community groups in the area.

In terms of energy needs, Grandes Fêtes TELUS has invested in the existing resources of the City of Rimouski to reduce the use of polluting generators.

These are regularly stopped after the shows, limiting noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, especially since the festival takes place on the banks of the Rimouski River.

“These investments are a legacy for the city of Rimouski, which will benefit from them for other major events,” explains Marie-Pier Mercier.

For the future, the festival is considering possible ways to offer active and green means of transport to Beauséjour Park.

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