QUÉBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 19, 2015) - Public Works and Government Services Canada

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today broke ground on the reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury.

Minister Lebel took the opportunity to announce that, following an open and transparent tendering process, Public Works and Government Services Canada awarded a contract evaluated at $72.7 million (taxes included) to Pomerleau Inc. for the reconstruction and expansion of the Armoury. The building will be reconstructed according to the design unveiled by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2012. It is anticipated that the reconstruction will be completed by summer 2017. This major investment under Canada's Economic Action Plan will create or maintain some 200 jobs in Québec during the reconstruction.

The Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury is a centrepiece of Québec's rich architectural and historical landscape. The reconstruction of this national historic site will create jobs in Québec and bring to life an exciting new space that will commemorate the Voltigeurs de Québec, host cultural and community events and house government offices.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is focused on what matters to Canadians-jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.
• The reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury represents an investment of about $104 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan, including $93 million for the reconstruction, plans and project management.
• The Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury, home to the oldest French-Canadian regiment still in existence, was damaged by fire in April 2008.
• Built in 1887 and expanded in 1913, the Armoury was designated a national historic site in 1986 because of its chateau-style architecture. It commemorates the history and military heritage of the Voltigeurs de Québec.
• The design and drawings reflect the emphasis on and deep respect for heritage preservation and the architectural integrity of the original building.
• Surviving elements of the Armoury and the drawings created by the architect of the original building, Eugène-Étienne Taché, will be used during the reconstruction.

Quotes

"The awarding of the reconstruction contract means that we are taking the final step toward ensuring that the public is able to enjoy this historic jewel, the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury. In addition, through this major investment under Canada's Economic Action Plan, some 200 jobs will be created or maintained in Québec during the reconstruction period."

The Honourable Diane Finley - Minister of Public Works and Government Services

"We are very proud today to be launching the reconstruction of this priceless historic and heritage building. The original Québec landscape will be visible once again, the military history of the Armoury and the Voltigeurs de Québec will be commemorated and the public will be better able to benefit from use of the building, especially its new multi-purpose room."

The Honourable Denis Lebel - Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

Associated Links

Reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury

Design for reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury

Press release about the launch of the call for tenders

PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site.

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