The move of the TVA studios has been postponed to a date which remains uncertain. This is at least the second time that the schedule has changed since it was announced that the TV network would be leaving the building it has occupied for decades, at 1600 De Maisonneuve Boulevard East.
Posted at 1:38 a.m.
Updated at 6:00 a.m.
It was a year ago. On November 2, 2023, Quebecor announced the implementation of a major cutbacks plan which notably included the elimination of 547 positions within the TVA Group. At the same time, it was also said that TVA would leave its historic head office near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to move to 4545, rue Frontenac, in the building that long housed the newsroom of the Montreal Journal.
The plan has remained the same ever since. Ultimately, the TVA teams, but also the Montreal Journal and the QMI Agency among others, must be relocated to this building in the east of the city. The QuB radio station already moved there at the end of the summer.
More than a third of the employees who are called to work at 4545 Frontenac have already joined the new offices, according to Quebecor. For the moment, however, it is impossible to know when TVA will officially set up at this address.
In an internal memo dating from the end of June, management specified that team moves would not begin “before September”. She subsequently explained that she needed “a few additional days”, indicating that she was aiming for a complete move by the end of October. The departure of 1600, De Maisonneuve was postponed again in the last few days. No timetable has been put forward this time.
“Major technical challenge”
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents TVA employees, recognizes that this situation creates a certain feeling of uncertainty among its members. But above all, the union wishes to be optimistic for the future.
“There is excellent collaboration between employees and bosses at the moment. Everyone is working very hard to make this move a success, and I am convinced that it will be,” says Steve Bargoné, CUPE advisor.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
4545, Frontenac, in the fall of 2023. Note that the building sign has already been changed to the TVA colors.
Steve Bargoné had the opportunity to visit the future studios at 4545, Frontenac which will house, among other things, the news room and Hi Hello!. He says he has noticed that the work is progressing very well. For him, there is no doubt that the move will indeed take place.
By email, Quebecor explained that the construction of new studios represents a “major technical challenge”, hence the delays in the schedule.
Like any project of this magnitude, we want a smooth transition of operations. The work is progressing well and we will take the time necessary to complete this move adequately to ensure that we preserve the quality of the programming presented on the air.
Excerpt from an email from Quebecor
Asked whether the move will take place before or after the end of the year, the media and telecommunications giant did not provide a response.
Towards social housing
Quebecor plans to convert 1600, De Maisonneuve, an imposing 11-story building located in the heart of one of the most devitalized areas of Montreal into social housing. The company is currently registered in the register of lobbyists in order to try to obtain the necessary permits to change the use of the building.
The office of the Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, confirms having had discussions with Quebecor on this subject. The company also indicates that it is working with expert firms to advance its housing project.
