The reconstruction of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury, which will cost $104 million, abides by the architecture of the original building.
When Québec City was just beginning its 400th anniversary celebrations, a fire ravaged a significant building in the city’s history and landscape: the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury. Let me tell you how this tragic event had a happy ending for all of us!
April 4, 2008, 9:28 p.m…. Fire!
The Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury, located between Grande Allée and the Plains of Abraham, has been part of the scenery and history of Québec City since 1885. It’s also part of my daily life since it sits right next to Hôtel Château Laurier Québec.
The Armoury’s history has always been intertwined with that of the Voltigeurs de Québec, the oldest French-speaking regiment in Canada. After housing the regiment, in 1960 the Armoury became home to the Voltigeurs museum, its archives, and objects that testify to Canada’s military history. The building’s size is imposing, and its original architecture explains why it was classified as a national historic site in 1987.
So you can imagine the state of mind of Québec City residents and hotel staff and patrons when it was reported on the evening news of April 4, 2008, that the Armoury was on fire. The blaze quickly penetrated the copper roof, which was supported by old varnished wood beams; the main part of the building collapsed while the fire spread rapidly to the section next to the hotel. Fortunately, though we thought the hotel would have to be evacuated, patrons were able to remain and become witnesses to this terrifying, spectacular event.
The firefighters worked tirelessly for 16 hours before announcing the fire was under control. There was nothing left but the stone walls of the main building.
RECONSTRUCTION
Started in May 2015, this large-scale project has progressed quickly. We have seen the walls reappear stone by stone, and the copper roof, with its characteristic turrets and gables, has just been installed.
In spring 2018, the Armoury will finally be reborn from its ashes, to the great delight of everyone in Québec City. Here are some pictures 
of the reconstruction.
One armoury, two CHÂTEAUX!
When a call for tenders was put out for management of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury’s new multipurpose room, it was obvious that our organization had to respond.
And the good news? We won! This room, which can accommodate more than 1,300 persons, is sure to be a success thanks to the George V banquet and catering service. And our partnership with Château Frontenac and the Fairmont banner (AccorHotels Group) means there will be two catering options putting this prestigious room in Québec City on the map. One Armoury and two châteaux to serve you better!
A new room to BOOK for your events in Québec CiTy
I had the opportunity to visit the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury’s multipurpose room during the summer, and even though the work isn’t finished yet, I was impressed by the potential of this extraordinary space!
This huge room has fantastic acoustics and will be equipped with the latest technology. It will be able to host up to 1,300 people in banquet format starting in spring 2018. A large foyer adjacent to the room will also offer an incredible view of the Plains of Abraham.
The room could be divided into two for smaller events. You can find the detail of the rooms dimensions in this document: Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury (1.70 Mo).
The George V banquet and catering service and the Fairmont le Château Frontenac catering service are the accredited caterers for this unique space. Both caterers will be delighted to put their expertise at your service to ensure your event (e.g., exhibition, conference, show, banquet, cocktail) is a resounding success.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 418-522-4321 or 1-866-844-5444 (toll-free) or write to:
Feel free to contact me; it’s always a pleasure to answer your questions.
My summer fave!
This summer, I canoed 17 kilometres down the Bras-du-Nord River to St-Raymond-de-Portneuf. I still get goosebumps just talking about it. I’m just a beginner, and I had three hours of pure bliss in which we paddled safely along, watching the beautiful mountainous landscape pass by. Being able to stop mid-way for a swim and a picnic on a gorgeous soft sand beach adds some magic to this delightful outing. I’ve made a note on my calendar: repeat next summer!
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.
Suzanne’s office at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec is in the heart of the action, just steps from the fortifications between Battlefields Park and Grande-Allée. So feel free to drop by and see her if you would like more information on the topics discussed in this newsletter or just to share your questions and comments. She loves to hear from you!
Tel.: 418-522-3848, ext. 649 (toll free: 1-866-822-9222)