Last fall I told you about the happy ending to the tragic fire that almost completely destroyed the Québec City Armoury on April 4, 2008. Well, here we are.
Ten years later, almost to the day, an integral part of Québec City’s history and built environment is back. Residents of Québec City can’t wait for the reopening, but no one is more excited than us because George V catering and banquet service will be managing the beautiful multifunctional room at Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury. The Armoury is a distinctive addition to a portfolio of unique locations that can host galas, conferences, and weddings in a world heritage setting in Old Québec.
OFFICIAL OPENING!
A festive evening will be held in late April to mark the occasion. It will feature performances by local artists who will showcase the talent, energy, and creativity that exemplify the arts scene in Québec City. No doubt the acts will be a source of inspiration for the tourism professionals on hand—the guest artists regularly perform at events held in Québec City.
A three-day open house is planned for April 27, 28, and 29 to give the general public an opportunity to take in the results of the impressive renovation and restoration that has brought the building back to life. Of course, visitors to Québec City on those days can mingle with residents and share in the long-awaited reopening of this iconic Québec City building.
On May 12, 2018, a gala dinner will be held to benefit Fondation Les Voltigeurs (9th Battalion) and celebrate the Voltigeurs’ return to the Armoury. The eastern entrance hall will pay tribute to the history of the Voltigeurs de Québec, the oldest French-Canadian regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces. Did you know that the Québec City-based regiment is also known for its musical abilities? The musical corps has many roles and provides a number of musicians for the Changing of the Guard at La Citadelle de Québec.
HIGH-QUALITY SPACES AND SERVICES
Now that the work is drawing to a close, we can observe the beauty, warmth, and authenticity of the spaces at Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury.
This includes the splendid Salle d’Armes, which measures 2,000 square meters (over 21,000 sq. ft.) and can accommodate 1,300 people. The immense space, which combines period charm with contemporary comfort, can be divided into two sections that can host events simultaneously: the 800-square-meter eastern section can accommodate 500, while the 1,200-square-meter western section can accommodate about 800.
Another interesting feature of the room are the 8.6-meter-high ceilings (almost 30 feet), which offer a number of possibilities for use, especially since the 168 fixed ceiling anchors can each support up to one ton (1,000 kg). The original architectural details, brick walls, ample windows, modern layout, functional lighting, and exceptional acoustics combine with these features to make the room a unique space that will enhance each event held there.
In addition to the multifunctional room, Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury features a large, window-lined meeting hall that not only offers a spectacular view, but also direct access to the Plains of Abraham via a superb outdoor patio. The meeting hall is perfect for cocktail parties, functions with over 25 exhibitors, and any other event that requires an extraordinary space.
The Commemorative Hall at the eastern entrance will delight visitors with the impressive story of the Voltigeurs de Québec regiment.
OUTSTANDING SERVICES FOR EVENT ORGANIZERS
Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury has undoubted heritage and historical value. It is also strategically located just steps away from the St. Louis Gate. It has the advantage of being a few minutes’ walk from the largest hotels in Québec City, including Hôtel Château Laurier Québec, which features 271 rooms and halls that can accommodate from 10 to 400 people. The quality of the spaces will amaze guests and event participants alike. But there is even more: the quality of the services on offer.
Event organizers can choose their own audiovisual service provider, but we’re sure they will be happy to learn that Expert’ease is the official partner of Voltageurs de Québec Armoury and Hotel Château Laurier Québec. Expert’ease’s experience, creativity, and professionalism have been amply demonstrated on many occasions, most recently at Michelle Obama’s speech in Montréal on February 6. Many will be pleased to learn that André Cauchon was recently named general manager of Expert’ease’s Québec City office, an additional guarantee of quality and competence given clients’ appreciation of his honesty and transparency.
As we announced last fall, catering services at Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury will be provided by George V catering and banquet services and the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac catering service. Their innovative creations and respective know-how are sure to make every event that takes place at Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury a success.
A number of other amenities round out the services on offer: an easy-to-access loading dock, a powerful and free Wi-Fi network, and some 1,000 parking spaces located less than 300 meters from the Armoury.
Place George V, which connects Grande Allée with the Armoury, is becoming a public gathering space once again! Its transformation began in January when it hosted the international snow sculpture competition during the Québec Winter Carnival.
All of these reasons and more make Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury the clear choice for a gala, conference, tradeshow, wedding, or any other standout event.
Interested in holding your event at Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury? Let’s talk! Feel free to contact me by email at suzannevoisine@vieuxquebec.com or by phone at 418-522-3848 ext. 649 or toll-free at 1-866-822-9222.
MY MOST RECENT DISCOVERY
You don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean to treat yourself to a dream vacation in wintertime! Here’s what I planned for my March break in Québec.
I started with a spa and ski package in Saint-Sauveur in the Laurentians. On the way back, I made a detour to the Mirabel outlet mall. To nourish body and mind, I visited some art galleries and had dinner in Baie-Saint-Paul in the magnificent Charlevoix region. I capped it all off in Québec City with a visit to the Alberto Giacometti exhibition, at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec until May 13, 2018. A beautiful vacation spent outdoors and in the cozy warmth of inns and restaurants, surrounded by the beautiful work of artists from here and elsewhere—what more could you ask for?
A LITTLE ABOUT SUZANNE…
Suzanne Voisine’s colleagues describe her as a creative, on-trend person who’s always available and full of energy. When she’s not tearing up the bike trail, walking, or jogging, you can find Suzanne at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec. She says she’s particularly proud to work at the hotel because it offers not only an outstanding product, but unparalleled customer service to boot.
