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23 February 2025

Quebec Provincial News Highlights Sports, Crime, And Business Expansion

From hockey tournaments to bookstore openings, Quebec residents have much to celebrate this week.

Quebec Provincial News Roundup: Exciting Developments from Sports to Business

From thrilling hockey tournaments to significant police investigations and the expansion of beloved bookstores, Quebec is buzzing with newsworthy events. This week, we round up the highlights from the province, showcasing its diverse activities.

Hockey Tournament Gains Momentum

The third edition of the Fred Chiasson Hockey Tournament has hit new heights, with 38 teams battling it out at the Conrad-Parent and Guy-Carbonneau arenas. With nearly 1,500 attendees witnessing the action on Saturday afternoon alone, the tournament has already surpassed last year’s numbers, according to co-organizer Frédéric Touzel. "Ça a pris beaucoup d'ampleur, se réjouit-il. Je te dirais qu’au Québec […] on s'en vient un peu comme la référence en tournoi de hockey adulte," said Touzel, boasting about the tournament's growth.

This year, participating teams are vying for $15,000 in total prizes, significantly more than the $6,000 awarded to winners last year. This increase has attracted high-caliber regional and provincial teams, making the competition more fierce. Funding for these prizes is sourced from team registration fees, along with entrance ticket sales and fundraising events aimed at benefiting local causes. Touzel hopes to raise at least $40,000 to support the Module d'épanouissement à la vie de Sept-Îles, the Fondation cancer du sein du Québec, and the intervention center Le Rond-Point. The championship match is set for Sunday at 6 p.m.

Stolen Military Instruments Investigation Expands

This week also saw developments relating to the theft of military musical instruments valued at $130,000 from the Fusiliers de Sherbrooke. Initially estimated at $60,000, the updated valuation follows detailed inventory checks conducted by the Canadian Armed Forces. An investigation commenced back in September led to multiple searches and arrests on October 24, involving the military police and Sherbrooke police department.

Currently, six individuals are suspected of involvement, though no official charges have been laid. The Canadian Armed Forces' public affairs officials confirmed through correspondence with Radio-Canada Estrie: "Les accusations pourraient être portées contre six personnes." The investigations suggest possible charges of possession of stolen property, but specifics remain under the discretion of Quebec's Crown prosecutor.

Renaud-Bray Set to Expand

On the commercial front, Renaud-Bray, one of Quebec's leading bookstore chains, has announced plans to establish its 37th location in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, scheduled to open next autumn. This ambitious project requires an estimated investment of over one million dollars.

The decision follows the acquisition of commercial property on Boulevard du Séminaire Nord, which is currently home to various tenants, including the Érablement bon shop. "Avec ce projet, nous souhaitons accroître notre rayonnement dans la région de la Montérégie, en augmentant notre présence," stated Floriane Claveau, Renaud-Bray's director of communications. The company aims to boost its local presence as the nearest store currently stands several kilometers away on Boulevard Taschereau in Brossard.

Construction for the new store is expected to begin by April and continue through the summer, culminating with approximately one month dedicated to retail setup. Claveau indicated there will be around 20 job openings created once the store is fully operational, reinforcing Renaud-Bray's commitment to community engagement and employment opportunities.

A Week of Growth and Challenges

This collection of stories encapsulates the vibrant and diverse elements of life in Quebec this week. The hockey tournament demonstrates community enthusiasm and the importance of local sports, the investigation of stolen instruments highlights law enforcement efforts and potential ramifications of crimes, and the bookstore's expansion reflects economic investment and cultural significance.

Quebec continues to showcase its talents and challenges, reminding residents and visitors alike of the province's dynamic character. With events like the tournament motivating communities to come together and new businesses investing in local growth, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of this thriving province.