On Monday, October 17, 2011, the corporation Destination Sherbrooke released its report on Omaterra - Season 2 and this, combined with that of 2010, was perceived to be a failure, especially in terms of patronage. The Destination Sherbrooke Administration Board has, therefore, extended its recommendation to the City Council of the City of Sherbrooke: “no Season 3 for the show Omaterra''. For 2011, estimates of excess spending, in terms of products, have created a $174,306 deficit which will be absorbed by Destination Sherbrooke...

The initial investments were $ 4,365,687 in capital and the share of the City of Sherbrooke which was $2,099,021: ''The operating budget totaled an amount of $ 5,721,076 for 2010-2011, while the contribution of the City amounted to $1,125,000.'' 13,591 people are also listed as having seen the spectacle of one or another of the forty Omaterra presentations, between July 5 and August 27, 2011.

In 2009, the predictions of Zins Beauchesne had presented a percentage of 20% for patronage in 2010 and 40% for 2011. What we should remember about this 2011 report and the various highlights is the quality of the show which is absolutely not in question, with an 85% rate of satisfaction from the spectators. The production has also resulted in terms of tourist traffic over the last two years -- 1418 nights and nearly 2,000 dinner- shows which has resulted in $7 million in economic activity.

From 2010 to 2011, 19,707 visitors came to see the show Omaterra: ''The tourism industry is an engine of economic growth for Sherbrooke. According to Statistics Canada, it represents, in 2009, 2.3239 million individual visits, generating 1,764,300 overnight stays and 204,089 million in economic activity in addition to creating 3,876 direct and indirect jobs.''

The legacy that follows Omaterra will, obviously, be the structure of imposing and majestic outdoor theater that will be retained to provide other recreational events: ''It is with this perspective in mind that Destination Sherbrooke continues its efforts to find alternatives that would use the facilities and infrastructure located in the heart of subway links to the city.'' Omaterra was a great and refreshing experience for all spectators which not only enabled “the spotlight to shine on the talent of the people here, but also has helped to spread the culture here at the national level.''

Information: 819-560-4280 or http://www.destinationsherbrooke.com/