Loto-Québec, Cirque du soleil Propose Montreal Complex

22 Jun 2005

MONTREAL, Quebec – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Loto-Québec and the Cirque du Soleil unveiled a proposal today for the establishment of a world-class entertainment complex to be located on the site of the Peel Basin in the du Havre sector of Montréal. Unique in the world, this project would provide Montréal and Québec with a powerful lever to spur the development of the local economy, tourism and the cultural sector. The project would also translate into the creation of 6,450 direct and indirect jobs.

Loto-Québec's investment in the entertainment complex is estimated at $997 million, which is within the Corporation's financial capacity. The contribution from private partners is estimated to be in the order of $178 million. Loto-Québec will be serving as project manager, while the Cirque du Soleil would look after design and creative and artistic direction.

"This project is what we are recommending to the Québec Government as being the best solution for the future of the Casino de Montréal," explained Mr. Alain Cousineau, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Loto- Québec. "The recommendation is based on the rigorous studies we have conducted, as well as on the creative genius of the Cirque du Soleil. In addition to being a modern reflection of Québec's cultural dynamism and Montréal's exceptional vitality, the complex will offer visitors an unparalleled entertainment experience while showcasing the historical character of the site."

According to the President and founder of the Cirque du Soleil, "the Cirque du Soleil is investing all of its creativity and global expertise in this project in order to ensure that Montréal can fully benefit from the international spin-offs to be generated. Indeed, we are envisioning a concept whose outstanding components will make for a truly world-class entertainment complex. We sincerely hope to be able to invite the millions of people we meet in the four corners of the planet to come and enjoy the new complex, which we are convinced will more than meet their expectations."

NO INCREASE IN GAME OFFERINGS

The complex would encompass a 300-room hotel and 2,500-seat performance hall able to accommodate international touring productions. The Casino de Montréal would also be relocated to the site, offering more spacious facilities than the existing establishment on Ile Notre-Dame. As outlined in Loto-Québec's Development Plan, however, game offerings will not be increased.

In addition, the complex would include a boldly designed spa, an Artists' Wharf, where artistic creators of all kinds will benefit from an extraordinary window on the world, as well as a park that could play host to the Cirque du Soleil's Big Top. The entire complex would bear the signature of the Cirque du Soleil.

EXHIBITION CENTRE

Furthermore, Loto-Québec has negotiated an agreement, pending the Government's approval, to eventually acquire a parcel of land to the west of the entertainment complex on which a commercial exhibition centre could be established for business and trade shows. The cost of acquiring this land is estimated to be $25 million. The Corporation has also received a show of interest from world leaders in the sector in associating with the project as investors and operators. Assuming that all of these conditions are met, Loto- Québec is inviting the economic community, particularly the tourism sector, to mobilize and assume an active role in realizing the exhibition centre project.

The project made public would also see the construction of a monorail to interconnect the entertainment complex, exhibition centre, and the future soccer stadium whose planned construction in the Technoparc was recently announced. As such, the entire sector would enjoy the benefits of a light transportation system allowing for efficient circulation between the principal activities/centres of attraction in the du Havre area.

The Peel Basin was proposed as the site for the complex because it is an enclaved area surrounded by physical barriers separating it from residential zones, and because it is located near downtown hotels and Old Montréal, both major tourist attractions. Situated only 2.9 kilometres as the crow flies from the Casino's current location on Ile Notre-Dame, the new site would not precipitate easier access to the gaming house.

ECONOMIC SPIN-OFFS

According to a study of economic spin-offs conducted by Université du Québec à Montréal professor Yves Rabeau, the project would create 14,200 jobs/year during the planning and construction period. The operation of the complex and exhibition centre would create another 3,150 direct and indirect jobs, and an additional 3,300 direct and indirect jobs would be generated by the tourist drawing power of the complex and exhibition centre, for a grand total of 6,450 new jobs over and above the Casino de Montréal's existing workforce.

This project emerged from a proposal outlined in the 2004-2007 Development Plan presented by Loto-Québec last year. The Corporation's proposal will remain the subject of discussion and clarification, in particular, as part of the evaluation process announced last week by the provincial Government. If the Government gives the project a green light, it will then be submitted for the approval of municipal authorities and will be the subject of public consultations, as prescribed in municipal by-laws.

2010-2011 TARGET

Loto-Québec and the Cirque du Soleil are committed to cooperating fully with these consultations. The target is to be able to inaugurate the new complex in 2010-2011.

"We are firm in our commitment today to approach each phase of this process with total transparency and openness," underlined Mr. Cousineau. "We sincerely hope that this project inspires a spirit of enthusiasm and unity on a par with our creative capacity and sense of innovation."

In addition, specific measures will be taken to maximize the benefits of the project for the residents of southwestern Montréal. For example, Loto- Québec intends to adopt various policies to promote the employability and hiring of residents from the sector. Discussions in that regard will be conducted with various community organizations in the area.

"This partnership between Loto-Québec and the Cirque du Soleil is made possible by the fact that the two parties share the same values of integrity, social responsibility, innovation, uncompromising customer service and respect for employees," concluded Mr. Cousineau. "If the Government gives its approval to this proposal, we are convinced that Montréal and Québec as a whole will gain a powerful engine for the development of the economy, and the tourism and cultural sectors, while opening an exceptional window on the artistic talents of Québecers and the outstanding quality of life in Montréal."

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	Loto-Québec, Cirque du soleil Propose Montreal Complex 22 Jun 2005 <a href='https://ad.casinocity.com/adclick.php?n=a21efcd1'><img src='https://ad.casinocity.com/adview.php?what=-site:vendors/width:250/RON&n=a21efcd1' border='0' alt='' /></a> MONTREAL, Quebec – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Loto-Québec and the Cirque du Soleil unveiled a proposal today for the establishment of a world-class entertainment complex to be located on the site of the Peel Basin in the du Havre sector of Montréal. Unique in the world, this project would provide Montréal and Québec with a powerful lever to spur the development of the local economy, tourism and the cultural sector. The project would also translate into the creation of 6,450 direct and indirect jobs. Loto-Québec's investment in the entertainment complex is estimated at $997 million, which is within the Corporation's financial capacity. The contribution from private partners is estimated to be in the order of $178 million. Loto-Québec will be serving as project manager, while the Cirque du Soleil would look after design and creative and artistic direction. "This project is what we are recommending to the Québec Government as being the best solution for the future of the Casino de Montréal," explained Mr. Alain Cousineau, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Loto- Québec. "The recommendation is based on the rigorous studies we have conducted, as well as on the creative genius of the Cirque du Soleil. In addition to being a modern reflection of Québec's cultural dynamism and Montréal's exceptional vitality, the complex will offer visitors an unparalleled entertainment experience while showcasing the historical character of the site." According to the President and founder of the Cirque du Soleil, "the Cirque du Soleil is investing all of its creativity and global expertise in this project in order to ensure that Montréal can fully benefit from the international spin-offs to be generated. Indeed, we are envisioning a concept whose outstanding components will make for a truly world-class entertainment complex. We sincerely hope to be able to invite the millions of people we meet in the four corners of the planet to come and enjoy the new complex, which we are convinced will more than meet their expectations." NO INCREASE IN GAME OFFERINGS The complex would encompass a 300-room hotel and 2,500-seat performance hall able to accommodate international touring productions. The Casino de Montréal would also be relocated to the site, offering more spacious facilities than the existing establishment on Ile Notre-Dame. As outlined in Loto-Québec's Development Plan, however, game offerings will not be increased. In addition, the complex would include a boldly designed spa, an Artists' Wharf, where artistic creators of all kinds will benefit from an extraordinary window on the world, as well as a park that could play host to the Cirque du Soleil's Big Top. The entire complex would bear the signature of the Cirque du Soleil. EXHIBITION CENTRE Furthermore, Loto-Québec has negotiated an agreement, pending the Government's approval, to eventually acquire a parcel of land to the west of the entertainment complex on which a commercial exhibition centre could be established for business and trade shows. The cost of acquiring this land is estimated to be $25 million. The Corporation has also received a show of interest from world leaders in the sector in associating with the project as investors and operators. Assuming that all of these conditions are met, Loto- Québec is inviting the economic community, particularly the tourism sector, to mobilize and assume an active role in realizing the exhibition centre project. The project made public would also see the construction of a monorail to interconnect the entertainment complex, exhibition centre, and the future soccer stadium whose planned construction in the Technoparc was recently announced. As such, the entire sector would enjoy the benefits of a light transportation system allowing for efficient circulation between the principal activities/centres of attraction in the du Havre area. The Peel Basin was proposed as the site for the complex because it is an enclaved area surrounded by physical barriers separating it from residential zones, and because it is located near downtown hotels and Old Montréal, both major tourist attractions. Situated only 2.9 kilometres as the crow flies from the Casino's current location on Ile Notre-Dame, the new site would not precipitate easier access to the gaming house. ECONOMIC SPIN-OFFS According to a study of economic spin-offs conducted by Université du Québec à Montréal professor Yves Rabeau, the project would create 14,200 jobs/year during the planning and construction period. The operation of the complex and exhibition centre would create another 3,150 direct and indirect jobs, and an additional 3,300 direct and indirect jobs would be generated by the tourist drawing power of the complex and exhibition centre, for a grand total of 6,450 new jobs over and above the Casino de Montréal's existing workforce. This project emerged from a proposal outlined in the 2004-2007 Development Plan presented by Loto-Québec last year. The Corporation's proposal will remain the subject of discussion and clarification, in particular, as part of the evaluation process announced last week by the provincial Government. If the Government gives the project a green light, it will then be submitted for the approval of municipal authorities and will be the subject of public consultations, as prescribed in municipal by-laws. 2010-2011 TARGET Loto-Québec and the Cirque du Soleil are committed to cooperating fully with these consultations. The target is to be able to inaugurate the new complex in 2010-2011. "We are firm in our commitment today to approach each phase of this process with total transparency and openness," underlined Mr. Cousineau. "We sincerely hope that this project inspires a spirit of enthusiasm and unity on a par with our creative capacity and sense of innovation." In addition, specific measures will be taken to maximize the benefits of the project for the residents of southwestern Montréal. For example, Loto- Québec intends to adopt various policies to promote the employability and hiring of residents from the sector. Discussions in that regard will be conducted with various community organizations in the area. "This partnership between Loto-Québec and the Cirque du Soleil is made possible by the fact that the two parties share the same values of integrity, social responsibility, innovation, uncompromising customer service and respect for employees," concluded Mr. Cousineau. "If the Government gives its approval to this proposal, we are convinced that Montréal and Québec as a whole will gain a powerful engine for the development of the economy, and the tourism and cultural sectors, while opening an exceptional window on the artistic talents of Québecers and the outstanding quality of life in Montréal."