Post by ReJ40 on Feb 12, 2011 0:15:22 GMT -5
Here is my amateur attempt at translating/paraphrasing the original Radio-Canada article:
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Details on the Arena released today
Thursday, Feb 10th, 2011 at 10:52am
The City of Quebec will make an announcement today that they will be beginning construction for their new amphitheater. The city and the province will be taking the financial risk to build the complex, without the help of the federal government.
The press conference will be held at the Colisée at 11:45am today. The details concerning the solution to the funding gaps will be discussed at the conference.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest as well as the Minister responsible for the Quebec City area, Sam Hamad, have confirmed their presence at the press conference. Sam Hamad seems very enthusiastic. « There are several projects in the region, and we must continue to finish them. This is great news for Quebec City », said Mr. Hamad.
The province could announce that they would be willing to pay up to half the price tag for the arena, up to 200 million dollars. The City, for it's part, could triple it's initial contribution.
The president of the "J'ai ma place" (I have my place) group, Mario Bédard, who will also be present, is excited about the coming announcement.
"J'ai ma place" is a group promoting a new multi-use complex in Quebec City. They collect funds for this project by selling seats to the general public. « I have the verbal and moral confirmation from Mayor Lebeaume and of Premier Charest that the money collected by "J'ai ma place" will go towards the project », mentions Mr. Bédard.
So far, "J'ai ma place" has collected 13 million dollars.
Federal contribution?
There will not be anyone representing the federal government at the meeting today.
The office of the Minister of Finances, Jim Flaherty, has said a bit earlier on Wednesday that the Feds could use part of the Federal Fuel Tax to fund entertainment facilities. The Minister's Office has said that they would not close the door to the possibility.
The federal minister responsible for the Québec region, Josée Verner, has mentioned Wednesday that the Fuel Tax money allows investment in infrastructure such as roads, bridges and even public transport.
Minister Verner also said that the federal government's stance on the issue remains the same. Ottawa's participation in this project is not far-fetched, she said, but Quebec City must provide a business plan that includes significant involvement by the private sector.
The Minister said she has spoken with Sam Hamad on Tuesday and that she will have a meeting with Quebec City's mayor.
Other absentees
President and CEO of Quebecor, Pierre-Karl Péladeau, who made a "substantial" offer to the City, will not be present during this press conference.
At Quebec City Hall, independant councellor Yvon Bussières predicts that, as soon as construction starts, it is vital that the private sector throws in at least an equal slice of the funding pie as the City. According to him, if the City's contribution exceeds what is planned, the residents will fire back « If the City's funding exceeds 50 million dollars, it would have to go to a vote and then Mayor Lebeaume would have to negotiate with the citizens of the city », says Mr. Bussières.
The arena project is projected at 400 million dollars. The provincial government has already said they are willing to invest 45% of the final price tag. Quebec City has thrown in 50 million dollars towards the project.
The details concerning the Financial plan, as well as the physical location of the new Colisee will be announced at the press conference.
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Details on the Arena released today
Thursday, Feb 10th, 2011 at 10:52am
The City of Quebec will make an announcement today that they will be beginning construction for their new amphitheater. The city and the province will be taking the financial risk to build the complex, without the help of the federal government.
The press conference will be held at the Colisée at 11:45am today. The details concerning the solution to the funding gaps will be discussed at the conference.
Quebec Premier Jean Charest as well as the Minister responsible for the Quebec City area, Sam Hamad, have confirmed their presence at the press conference. Sam Hamad seems very enthusiastic. « There are several projects in the region, and we must continue to finish them. This is great news for Quebec City », said Mr. Hamad.
The province could announce that they would be willing to pay up to half the price tag for the arena, up to 200 million dollars. The City, for it's part, could triple it's initial contribution.
The president of the "J'ai ma place" (I have my place) group, Mario Bédard, who will also be present, is excited about the coming announcement.
"J'ai ma place" is a group promoting a new multi-use complex in Quebec City. They collect funds for this project by selling seats to the general public. « I have the verbal and moral confirmation from Mayor Lebeaume and of Premier Charest that the money collected by "J'ai ma place" will go towards the project », mentions Mr. Bédard.
So far, "J'ai ma place" has collected 13 million dollars.
Federal contribution?
There will not be anyone representing the federal government at the meeting today.
The office of the Minister of Finances, Jim Flaherty, has said a bit earlier on Wednesday that the Feds could use part of the Federal Fuel Tax to fund entertainment facilities. The Minister's Office has said that they would not close the door to the possibility.
The federal minister responsible for the Québec region, Josée Verner, has mentioned Wednesday that the Fuel Tax money allows investment in infrastructure such as roads, bridges and even public transport.
Minister Verner also said that the federal government's stance on the issue remains the same. Ottawa's participation in this project is not far-fetched, she said, but Quebec City must provide a business plan that includes significant involvement by the private sector.
The Minister said she has spoken with Sam Hamad on Tuesday and that she will have a meeting with Quebec City's mayor.
Other absentees
President and CEO of Quebecor, Pierre-Karl Péladeau, who made a "substantial" offer to the City, will not be present during this press conference.
At Quebec City Hall, independant councellor Yvon Bussières predicts that, as soon as construction starts, it is vital that the private sector throws in at least an equal slice of the funding pie as the City. According to him, if the City's contribution exceeds what is planned, the residents will fire back « If the City's funding exceeds 50 million dollars, it would have to go to a vote and then Mayor Lebeaume would have to negotiate with the citizens of the city », says Mr. Bussières.
The arena project is projected at 400 million dollars. The provincial government has already said they are willing to invest 45% of the final price tag. Quebec City has thrown in 50 million dollars towards the project.
The details concerning the Financial plan, as well as the physical location of the new Colisee will be announced at the press conference.
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