Gatineau unveils plans for new $50M convention centre

Tashi Farmilo

The Government of Quebec, in partnership with Loto-Québec, announced the completion of a major expansion project at the Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy complex in Gatineau, aimed at boosting the region’s capacity for business tourism. The new convention centre, funded with a $50 million investment from Loto-Québec, will add over 100,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space to the facility, significantly enhancing the region’s ability to host large-scale conventions and corporate events.

Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx, alongside local representatives and Loto-Québec executives, officially presented the project today, emphasising its role in strengthening Gatineau’s standing as a key business destination within Quebec. Designed for efficiency and rapid completion, the expansion was completed within approximately 24 months, with construction taking place without disrupting the operations of the existing hotel and casino facilities.

Officials highlighted several strategic advantages of the new centre, including its central location, accessibility, and existing infrastructure that allowed for an economically responsible expansion at no direct cost to Gatineau’s residents. In addition to the convention centre itself, the Ministry of Tourism announced $1.5 million in new funding to support Tourisme Outaouais’s efforts to promote the region and attract new events. An additional $1 million will further bolster winter tourism initiatives, following successes such as the inaugural Igloofest in Gatineau.

The government also confirmed the creation of a steering committee composed of local tourism and business leaders to ensure that the economic and cultural benefits of the project extend broadly across the Outaouais region, including revitalisation efforts in downtown Gatineau’s Old Hull sector.

In 2023, business tourism generated more than $2.2 billion in Quebec, and with projects like this, officials are confident they will meet the goal of $2.5 billion by 2026. Gatineau’s new convention centre is seen as a critical step toward realising that vision, positioning the Outaouais region as a competitive player in the national and international business tourism market.

"Our government is delivering a project that lives up to the community's ambitions," said Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism. "Tourism is a true driver of economic development, and I am delighted to see Gatineau, one of Quebec's major tourist gateways, better positioned than ever to reap the benefits."