Val-d’Or, April 5, 2004 - Télébec has announced its partnership with the Commission scolaire de l’Or-et-des-bois, the Town of Val-d’Or, and the Quebec government, for a project involving the renovation of the Polyvalente Le Carrefour auditorium, representing a $500,000 investment over ten years. The venue will be re-named Theâtre Télébec.

This initiative falls under the resolutely regional approach Télébec adopted several years ago. Roch Dubé, Télébec President and Chief Executive Officer emphasized that this is a major announcement from several perspectives. Mentioning the commitment, as well as the significant gestures involved, he added that “Télébec’s participation in this project demonstrates the Company’s dedication to development and to the betterment of the people of the Town of Val-d’Or and of the Abitibi-Tιmiscamingue Region”. He also underscored the Télébec’s more than 20-year partnership with the Festival du cinιma international de l’Abitibi-Tιmiscamingue held in Rouyn-Noranda, and the Company’s involvement with Universitι du Quιbec ΰ Abitibi-Tιmiscamingue, and contribution to Salle Augustin-Chιnier de Ville–Marie.

Referring to the new Theâtre Télébec as the flagship for culture in Val-d’Or, Roch Dubé emphasized the significance of the project for the town and the region. “Generally speaking, this theatre will help strengthen cultural vitality and creativity. It will provide access to more performances and shows, and will accommodate more culture enthusiasts. It will also serve as an educational facility as well as a springboard for promoting the town and the region,” Dubι continued as he spoke at the press conference held at the Val-d’Or Town Hall.

Speaking of the type of partnership required to ensure the project’s success, Roch Dubé said that he echoes the Quebec government and Minister Corbeil, who also attended the press conference, in his conviction that the public stands to benefit from partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Not missing the opportunity to validate the accomplishments of Val d’Or Mayor, Fernand Trahan, the openness and the perseverance of Minister Corbeil, as well as the involvement of the President of school board, Gaιtan Gilbert, Roch Dubé continued to speak after the press conference, mentioning that “this new collaboration with the Town of Val-d’Or demonstrates our willingness to invest in the communities we serve. This initiative is closely in line with our mission, which is to contribute to regional development.”

The investment in the auditorium will contribute to improving the quality of culture in the lives of the people in Val-d’Or and of the neighbouring communities by offering them a more comfortable venue with better sound quality and heightened accessibility.

Contact:

Julie Charlebois
Director – Communications and Public Affairs
1 888 737-6673, Ext. 7023