CFL Expanding To Quebec City
QUEBEC CITY — The Canadian Football League has reportedly taken a significant step toward expansion, with the league’s board of governors voting unanimously in favour of potentially adding a franchise in Quebec City, according to a report by TVA’s Stéphane Turcot and coverage from 3DownNation.
The reported vote took place on September 9, with the primary voting representatives of the CFL’s nine existing franchises in attendance. While the decision could pave the way for a 10th team, the expansion process remains subject to further requirements, including the development of a suitable stadium and the completion of the league’s approval process. The CFL has not officially confirmed that the vote took place.
Stadium Proposal at Former Colisée Site
The proposed expansion effort reportedly involves the construction of a new, 25,000-seat open-air stadium on the site of the former Colisée de Québec, once home to the Quebec Nordiques.
The estimated cost of the facility is approximately $350 million, with a potential completion timeline that could allow a Quebec City franchise to begin play in 2030 or 2031.
The Colisée site, which has been closed since 2015, is scheduled for demolition in 2027. Its location next to the Centre Vidéotron has been identified as a potential opportunity for a new football facility.
The stadium proposal remains subject to further development and approvals. Earlier reporting in June indicated that discussions had been ongoing for more than a year and that the plan had not yet been formally presented to the government.
Local Investment and CFL Support
Real estate businessman William Trudel has been identified in media reports as a possible financial backer of the expansion initiative. Radio commentator Sylvain Bouchard reported that Trudel and CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston had met to discuss the project.
The Trudel Group has declined to comment on rumours while indicating that it would speak publicly when there was something concrete to announce.
Commissioner Johnston acknowledged that the league has held discussions with a local group working to bring CFL football to the region.
“We have had good discussions with a local, serious, and determined group that is working to bring CFL football to the region.”
— CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston, as quoted by 3DownNation from an interview with TVA.
The Montreal Alouettes’ ownership and Université Laval football benefactor Jacques Tanguay have also been reported as supportive of the possibility of a Quebec City franchise.
A Potential New Chapter for the CFL
Quebec City has emerged as a leading expansion possibility following the collapse of plans for an Atlantic Schooners franchise in Halifax. Former CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie had previously identified Quebec City as an alternative expansion destination, while Johnston has continued to discuss the league’s long-term expansion prospects.
The addition of a Quebec City franchise would bring the CFL to 10 teams, provided the necessary conditions are met. However, the reported ownership vote represents a step in the process rather than a formally announced franchise launch.
For now, the prospect of professional football returning to Quebec City has moved closer to reality, with stadium development, ownership arrangements and league approval remaining key milestones in determining whether the provincial capital will eventually welcome its own CFL team.
