Quebec City’s Colisée arena holds significant personal and historical value for Nicole Bouchard beyond its hockey legacy. Having kickstarted her career with an internship and job there in 1981, she considers the amphitheatre her second home, spending over three decades within its walls. However, the city recently announced plans to demolish the iconic venue.
Mayor Bruno Marchand’s administration is looking into the future of the Colisée de Québec, also known as the Colisée Pepsi. The city aims to introduce a mixed-use real estate project in its place, incorporating housing options into the neighborhood.
Bouchard expressed disbelief at the impending demolition, emphasizing the building’s historical importance to the city. Despite being vacant since the Quebec Remparts relocated in 2015 to the Vidéotron Centre, an 18,000-seat arena, Bouchard believes the Colisée’s rich history should not be disregarded.
Constructed in 1949 and expanded in 1980, the Colisée hosted various events, including a special ceremony in 2000 with NHL stars Jean Béliveau, Guy Lafleur, and Peter Stastny in attendance.
City councillor Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc, overseeing heritage matters in Quebec City, acknowledged the public’s emotional connection to the Colisée. She mentioned that the building has been used for storage purposes since 2015 and proposed potential ways to commemorate its legacy.
Coulombe-Leduc highlighted the city’s consideration of partial demolitions and the challenges of preserving the older structure while maintaining its heritage value. The estimated cost for dismantling the Colisée over a two-year period exceeds $20 million, with the city facing decisions on the fate of this historic landmark.
For Richard Martel, who spent countless hours at the Colisée attending hockey games and concerts, the impending demolition brings mixed emotions. Despite recognizing the inevitability of the building’s fate, he cherishes the memories created within its walls.
As the city prepares for the Colisée’s demolition, many residents like Bouchard and Martel are reflecting on the venue’s significance to Quebec City’s cultural and sporting heritage.
