The article discusses the puzzling situation of the old Colisée in Quebec City, which has stood abandoned for nearly a decade without clear plans for its future. Unlike other cities that swiftly demolish unused arenas, Quebec City has engaged in endless debates and proposals, but no progress has been made. The author compares the Colisée’s stagnation to other cities that efficiently repurpose or demolish their obsolete arenas, highlighting the unique bureaucratic struggles faced in Quebec City.
In Quebec City, there’s a peculiar situation where a massive, abandoned arena has remained untouched right in the urban center for an entire decade, raising questions about its purpose. As we approach the 10-year mark of the old Colisée’s inactivity, uncertainty looms over its future.
Consider the scenario of other cities where unused NHL arenas have faced timely demolitions since the late 1990s, such as Boston, Detroit, Washington, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Denver, and St. Louis.
Typically, these structures were taken down within two years, with St. Louis taking the longest at four years.
However, Quebec City stands apart. For reasons unknown, the Colisée remains firmly intact, giving off a vibe reminiscent of an “underdeveloped nation with no funds.”
With nearly 10 years of inactivity, this prime location could have transformed into thrilling ventures like an extreme sports complex, a massive field hockey tournament, a karting circuit, or even a colossal mini-golf venue.
The Ongoing Saga
In all seriousness, the entire situation appears disorganized. It’s not merely about the decision against demolition; it’s the bewildering fact that it has stood idle for a decade without any clear plan for its future.
Elsewhere, this process seems straightforward—here, it involves a convoluted mix of committees, consultations, reports, opinions, commissions, and participatory workshops, making it a uniquely complicated affair.
In February 2015, Mayor Labeaume declared intentions to demolish the structure.
A subsequent report regarding ExpoCité favored its demolition.
Yet, here we are, with the Colisée still towering over us.
Fast forward to 2019, when Mayor Labeaume announced the demolition would be completed in 2020—a promise unfulfilled.
In 2021, there was a change of heart, suggesting the Colisée might serve as a venue for emerging sports like BMX and skateboarding, a plan that never materialized.
Jump to 2023, when the city began a public engagement initiative to outline a development vision for the northeast section of the ExpoCité site. The report offered several insights, ultimately suggesting a myriad of options: perhaps don’t demolish it—yet also consider new constructions, maintain an event space, and incorporate both residential and cultural venues. Essentially, no concrete decisions have been made.
Enter the town planning commission into this muddled conversation. Mayor Bruno Marchand asserted that the final decision rests with him. Yet, as it stands, progress remains stagnant.
Not the Norm Elsewhere
This type of situation is highly unusual elsewhere. To reiterate, only here does it drag on like this.
Other cities—like Boston with the Boston Garden, Detroit with the Jos Louis Arena, Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena, or Philadelphia’s Spectrum—quickly dismantled their defunct arenas unless they served some purpose.
Smart individuals consistently devise ways to make demolishing such buildings profitable with new projects on the horizon.
It’s been estimated that tearing down the old Colisée could cost around $17 million.
In a region where a condo previously valued at $120,000 now trades at $300,000, there’s undoubtedly an opportunity for revitalization. The city could seize this chance to generate residential tax revenue.
If we’re capable of envisioning all sorts of transportation options like trams or monorails, surely we can devise a plan for the site of the old Colisée, right?
Other arenas have found new life, while some continue to be utilized.
A remarkable example is the Buffalo auditorium, which took 13 years for demolition primarily due to a failed development by the Bass Pro Shops chain.
In Toronto, the old Garden now serves as a Loblaws and training center, while Montreal’s Forum remains a cherished historical site. The Prudential Center in New Jersey still hosts concerts, and the Forum in Los Angeles is still active for major events. The Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver is also a popular venue for various shows.
Yet, only in Quebec City do we see arenas steadily left unused for extended periods.
Possibilities Ahead
An interesting case is the former home of the San Jose Sharks, the Cow Palace, which has been around since 1941. It previously accommodated the team and still hosts events like rodeos and political gatherings, along with Cirque du Soleil performances.
Could