The Quebec government has approved plans for a new convention center on the Casino Lac-Leamy complex grounds in the city of Gatineau.
Announced at the weekend, the convention center will be a joint project between Quebec’s government and Loto-Québec. Work at the Casino Lac-Leamy will last for an estimated two years.
Covering an area of 100,000 square feet, the new venue aims to allow Quebec to host more large-scale events. Developers also hope to attract more business tourists and generate economic benefits for the region.
Loto-Québec is committing CAN$50 million (US$36 million) in funding to the project. To help market the new venue, the government will provide $1.5 million to the local tourist board.
Casino Lac-Leamy will operate as normal throughout construction.
Convention Center Will Make Region More Competitive
Caroline Proulx, minister of tourism and minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, is supportive of the plans. She said tourism is a “true driver” of economic development and the new venue will help attract more people to the region.
“Gatineau and the Outaouais region have all the assets needed to establish themselves as a leading business tourism destination,” Proulx said. “Thanks to this new infrastructure and the management provided by Loto-Québec, a partner recognized for its event expertise, our government is delivering a project that lives up to the community’s ambitions.”
Jean-François Bergeron, president and CEO of Loto-Québec, said the venue will allow the region to become more competitive.
“Loto-Québec is proud to once again contribute to the vitality of Gatineau and the Outaouais region,” Bergeron said. “The expansion of our convention center will allow the region to be much more competitive and thus attract larger-scale events whose spinoffs will benefit the entire community.”
