Le Soir.ca continues its retrospective of the notable news of 2024. In November, the Blouin Group unveiled the largest project in its history by investing $40 million, of which $5.5 million came from the City of Rimouski, in order to build one of the largest convention centers in Quebec in the Hôtel Rimouski for 2026.
Its leaders confirmed the details in the company of Mayor Guy Caron in front of numerous dignitaries and business people during a press conference at the Hôtel Rimouski.
The work, which will begin in spring 2025, involves the erection of a new wing to the south of the current building.
This wing will include a new transformed and expanded 7,500 square foot convention center, which can be divided into three separate rooms, which will add an additional 550 seats, bringing its capacity to 1,500 people. The total area will increase from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet.
This new part will host the new Loto-Québec gaming fair. The state-owned company will be responsible for its construction, estimated at $15 million.
The Rimouski Hotel will also have 39 new rooms.
Plans include updating room technology and renovating common areas.
“This expansion responds to a growing demand for modern and versatile conference spaces in our region. We are enthusiastic about the idea of offering state-of-the-art facilities that will attract more large-scale events, thus stimulating the local economy,” said the general manager of the Hôtel Rimouski-Convention Center, Éric Saint-Pierre. .
Ten major conferences in the first year
In addition to paying $5.5 million for the transformation of the new convention center, the City of Rimouski will transfer to the Blouin Group the land where the Rimouski Hotel is located, which was under a long lease, at a cost of $4.15 $M.
It also undertakes to pay $135,000 annually for 20 years for the operation of the new convention center.
According to forecasts, the Rimouski Hotel wishes to attract at least 10 major provincial conferences in the first year following the expansion.
More large-scale events would provide $4.2 million per year in additional economic benefits for Rimouski, in addition to contributing to the creation of 28 direct and indirect jobs.
Promote business tourism and attract visitors
“As the regional capital of Bas-Saint-Laurent, I am happy to see this major project come to fruition, reflecting our city and our ambitions. We need such infrastructure to encourage business tourism and attract visitors. It is also a project consistent with all our efforts to revitalize the city center in recent years, particularly in this sector. I am confident that the repercussions will be positive, both economically and in terms of attractiveness and influence,” believes Mayor Guy Caron.
Currently, the Rimouski Hotel – Convention Center hosts 500 events of 10 people or more per year. Of these, 150 receive 100 people or more.
