Major CFL expansion boost? Quebec City investors eye $350 million Colisée stadium

Growing optimism around CFL expansion in Quebec City amid stadium discussions

Momentum appears to be building toward a potential CFL expansion in Quebec City, according to a recent report.

Veteran journalist and FM93 radio host Sylvain Bouchard revealed on his show Bouchard en parle that discussions have been ongoing for more than a year about bringing a CFL franchise to the city. He noted that several influential business figures are involved in early-stage planning for a possible stadium project, although nothing has been officially finalized or submitted to government authorities.

The tentative proposal involves constructing a 25,000-seat open-air stadium on the former site of the Colisée de Québec, once home to the NHL’s Quebec Nordiques. The arena has been unused since 2015 and is scheduled for demolition in 2027, which would clear a prime development area next to the Centre Vidéotron. The estimated cost of the project is around $350 million, with a possible completion target of 2030.

Bouchard stressed that the idea is still in its early stages, but said prospective investors have already met with CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston in Toronto. According to league sources, the CFL is currently reviewing the group involved in the proposal. One insider reportedly expressed strong confidence that Quebec City will eventually secure a franchise, and even a potential team name—L’Attaque de Québec—has been suggested.

Quebec City has been viewed as a possible CFL expansion destination for several years. Former commissioner Randy Ambrosie first highlighted the city as an alternative after plans for an Atlantic Schooners franchise in Halifax collapsed. Current commissioner Stewart Johnston has also kept Quebec City in consideration, though expansion has remained a long-term goal rather than an immediate decision.

Bouchard believes Johnston is genuinely interested in the Quebec City market and may even prefer it as the league’s next expansion destination. He also suggested that recent CFL efforts, such as increased bilingual presentations during the Grey Cup, were intended to better connect with Francophone audiences following past criticism.

Support for expansion appears to extend to key local figures. Pierre-Karl Péladeau, owner of the Montreal Alouettes and Québecor (operator of Centre Vidéotron), is reportedly in favour of a second CFL team in the province. Jacques Tanguay, a major supporter of the Université Laval Rouge et Or football program, is also strongly supportive of the idea.

In a recent interview, Tanguay stated that he and the Rouge et Or would be “the most ardent supporters” of a CFL franchise in Quebec City, describing it as beneficial for the region. This stance challenges previous assumptions that university football interests might oppose CFL expansion, although Tanguay emphasized that a new stadium would still be necessary.

Those involved in the project hope to resolve the stadium issue by the end of the decade, but there is also discussion about potentially introducing a team before the new facility is completed. While existing facilities like Stade Telus at PEPS would not serve as a permanent CFL home, they could potentially host a temporary arrangement for a season or two.

Quebec City has long been seen as a strong football market, but past CFL-related events have drawn mixed attendance results. A 2015 preseason exhibition game in Laval between Montreal and Ottawa attracted just 4,778 spectators, while a 2003 exhibition matchup between Montreal and Ottawa drew 10,358 fans.