Quebec City armoury to be rebuilt

The historic Quebec City armoury will rise from the ashes by 2016, federal Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jose Verner announced Friday.

The armoury, which sits on the plains of Abraham, across from the national assembly, was badly damaged by fire two years ago.

Most of the building, which was built in 1884, collapsed, leaving only a brick wall and two towers standing. The building was under renovation at the time.

The remaining parts of the faade will be integrated into the new design, the minister said.

Ottawa will launch a call for tenders for the reconstruction of the building in the fall, Verner told reporters a news conference in Quebec City.

The final plans won't be completed before 2012 and construction is unlikely to begin until 2013, she said. In the meantime, $3.5-million will be spent preparing the site.

The armoury will remain the headquarters of Canada's oldest French regiment, the Voltigeurs.

There will also be increased public access to the building, which will include cultural and community spaces, federal government offices and a museum to celebrate the armoury's history, Verner said.

The minister quashed rumours that a permanent stage would be built at the back of the building, facing the plains of Abraham. Verner said the city doesn't need such a facility.

An investigation into the fire in April 2008 revealed it was started by a lamp left behind by workers installing a sprinkler system in the building, known for its impressive wooden ceiling.

The federal government is suing the company for damages.

The armoury was designed by architect Eugne-tienne Tach, who also designed the national assembly. Opened in 1887, it is considered to be the second most important military building in Quebec, after the Citadelle, also in Quebec City.