One of the largest free music festivals in Canada is facing a challenging future.
Last week, Burlington, Ontario’s Committee of the Whole discussed the future of the Sound of Music (SOM) festival at their monthly meeting, according to the Penticton Herald.
During the Oct. 6 meeting, the committee voted against several funding requests from SOM, including one that sought to have a $225,000 loan forgiven that was given for the festival’s 2025 edition and an additional $22,000 owed from previous years. They also rejected a request for a $200,000 grant to cover vendor fees for 2025 and a $350,000 grant for the 2026 festival and future editions.
The vote by the Committee of the Whole will “discontinue municipal financial support due to ongoing financial instability and non-compliance with agreements and conditions.”
To move ahead, the Council has asked staff to create a report looking into new opportunities for either a different music festival or another operator for events at Spencer Smith Park after “a call for expressions of interest from potential event organizers.”
All these decisions need approval from the city council on Oct. 14.
In past years, SOM received support from the federal Heritage Fund as well as a $150,000 grant from Burlington City. Now, however, they have decided to reallocate part of 2026’s budget to go into the Community Investment Fund.
In August, festival organizers announced they might have to cancel if they couldn’t secure financial backing since expenses were surpassing income generated by this large-scale event. Two years ago, this nonprofit festival requested $200,000 in “interim financial support” from Burlington’s city council after losing sponsorships during ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.
During that same meeting, Brent Kinnaird, vice president of festival operations at SOM noted how much value this event brings to Burlington. He pointed out that in its 2025 iteration alone over 50 artists performed on an entirely Canadian lineup.
Previous acts have included Marianas Trench, Gord Downie, Tom Cochrane, Carly Rae Jepsen, Blue Rodeo, Kim Mitchell, The Arkells, Collective Soul and Cowboy Junkies.
“Providing a spotlight for local and emerging artists has always been at our core,” he said. “We continued to do this during COVID when most other events paused.”
Kinnaird added: “Sound of Music is not merely an expense line for the city. It’s an investment. In people. In business. In community. For anyone to suggest that you can simply replace what we have built is offensive and disrespectful to our team.” He emphasized that SOM had an economic impact of $12.1 million on the community back in 2022.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward asked if it would be feasible for them to run under just their previously allocated budget of $150,000; Kinnaird responded saying it would be an “incredible challenge,” pointing out that running such a free event typically costs over one million dollars.
Councillor Lisa Kearns representing Ward 2 suggested it might be time to transition from free entry to charging admission instead.
“I think the short answer is yes,” Kinnaird replied. “We need to consider this.” Organizers mentioned that even though attendance met expectations at their free 2025 edition; unfortunately many attendees did not respond positively towards optional donations requested by them.
SOM organizers indicated if they got their desired funding amount they’d hold a smaller three-day event featuring one main stage along with one community stage supported by Burlington Performing Arts Centre while implementing mandatory daily entry fees set at $5 per person or $20 per group up to three people.
“I completely support a waterfront music festival. I support it being free when we are using tax dollars,” Ward stated following voting results declared last week.
This reflects concerns about ensuring everyone can enjoy without costs becoming barriers preventing participation within these events.” Taking steps forward effectively requires multiple talks between city officials Dave Shepherd who chairs organizing committee shared his thoughts stating,” All we are asking is fair open dialogue. Let’s converse face-to-face bringing facts around table working professionally” commented shepherd. The city’s commissioner Jacqueline Johnson reported ongoing discussions persisted with board members throughout past months yielding no clear resolutions. Johnson clarified decision made denying SOM’s request didn’t aim towards abolishing music festivals altogether but rather ensuring transparency accountability cultural investments within communities continuing enriching arts culture experiences across city’s landscape exploring fresh opportunities sustainable responsible avenues alongside Spencer Smith Park moving forward.” “Despite extensive aid provided organization still encounters hardships financial hurdles failing meet key conditions outlined previous agreement” she remarked without specifying unmet criteria involved. “Proposed approach allows continuing supporting arts culture citywide creating new prospects enjoying musical experiences responsibly sustainably long-term basis.” Doubts arose among councillors regarding feasibility replicating legacy established earlier hence chairperson Shawna Stolte voiced commendations acknowledging efforts thanking contributors involved stating appreciation wanting opportunity granting chance proclaim success should circumstances arise eventually.” The Sound Of Music isn’t alone amid struggles faced lately reflecting broader trend seen where numerous Canadian music festivals scaled back operations shut down entirely grappling post-lockdown difficulties such as increasing production expenses dwindling corporate sponsorship hesitance displayed audiences overall seeking entertainment options within current climate”.
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“I completely support a waterfront music festival. I support it being free when we are using tax dollars,” Ward stated following voting results declared last week.
This reflects concerns about ensuring everyone can enjoy without costs becoming barriers preventing participation within these events.” Taking steps forward effectively requires multiple talks between city officials Dave Shepherd who chairs organizing committee shared his thoughts stating,” All we are asking is fair open dialogue. Let’s converse face-to-face bringing facts around table working professionally” commented shepherd. The city’s commissioner Jacqueline Johnson reported ongoing discussions persisted with board members throughout past months yielding no clear resolutions. Johnson clarified decision made denying SOM’s request didn’t aim towards abolishing music festivals altogether but rather ensuring transparency accountability cultural investments within communities continuing enriching arts culture experiences across city’s landscape exploring fresh opportunities sustainable responsible avenues alongside Spencer Smith Park moving forward.” “Despite extensive aid provided organization still encounters hardships financial hurdles failing meet key conditions outlined previous agreement” she remarked without specifying unmet criteria involved. “Proposed approach allows continuing supporting arts culture citywide creating new prospects enjoying musical experiences responsibly sustainably long-term basis.” Doubts arose among councillors regarding feasibility replicating legacy established earlier hence chairperson Shawna Stolte voiced commendations acknowledging efforts thanking contributors involved stating appreciation wanting opportunity granting chance proclaim success should circumstances arise eventually.” The Sound Of Music isn’t alone amid struggles faced lately reflecting broader trend seen where numerous Canadian music festivals scaled back operations shut down entirely grappling post-lockdown difficulties such as increasing production expenses dwindling corporate sponsorship hesitance displayed audiences overall seeking entertainment options within current climate”.
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