An urban beach in the Old Port of Montréal as of Summer 2012
The Old Port of Montréal Corporation presents its vision for the development of the busiest tourist site in Quebec
“We want to invest $180 million and we will employ boldness, creativity and cleverness to form partnerships with the private sector while respecting the principles of the citizenry”
Claude Benoît, President and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation
It was at the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal, on May 25, that the President and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, Ms. Claude Benoît, announced the opening of an urban beach that will be opened in the Old Port in May of 2012.
The urban beach will feature real silky sand along with sun loungers and coloured umbrellas, bordered by a boardwalk. It will be able to accommodate up to 800 people.
“Inspired by the Paris Beach (“Paris Plage”) project in France and similar sites in Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest and Prague, our urban beach will be located on the lower berth and the tip of the Clock Pier. It will provide a fun and friendly experience, with a unique holiday atmosphere close to downtown. Montréalers will be able to access to the beach starting in the summer of 2012, thanks to the creative genius of the team from Claude Cormier and Associates, Landscape Architects,” explained Benoît.
“The urban beach will offer stunning views of the St. Lawrence, Jacques Cartier Bridge and Saint Helen’s Island as well as a magnificent view of Old Montréal. This project is the result of the repeated requests of citizens to be able to get closer to the water and the river and to feel as though they are somewhere else, even while in the city,” she said.
Ms. Benoît also stressed the importance of the Old Port’s facilities and the extent of its economic impact. She also provided guidelines for the future development of the Old Port.
“Since the late 1970s, the Government of Canada has allocated the Old Port $147 million; an additional $305 million has been invested by the City and the Quebec governments. These investments have generated more than $2.4 billion for downtown Montréal and created more than 5,000 businesses that employ more than 120,000 people,” said Ms. Benoît.
“In addition, between 1981 and 2006, the development of the Old Port of Montréal and the historic district resulted in a 108% increase in the area’s population compared to 5% elsewhere on the island of Montréal. This has helped create a new living environment,” she added.
Moreover, the President and CEO of the Old Port of Montréal expressed her determination to continue the development of this major Montréal destination. She emphasised that private partnerships will be sought to ensure the continued development of the premier tourist site in Quebec, the second largest in Canada.
While the President of the Old Port acknowledges that public authorities must be involved in preserving the area’s assets, constructing new facilities and ensuring the area’s continuity and integrity, she has also agreed to support this development using relationships with quality partners. “We want to invest $180 million in the next 5 years and we will employ boldness, creativity and cleverness to form partnerships with the private sector while respecting the principles of the citizenry,” said Ms. Benoît.
The Old Port of Montréal Corporation plans to make these investments within 5 years in order to be ready for the 375th anniversary of Montréal and the 150th anniversary of Canada. According to their estimates, these investments will create over 2,000 jobs and generate $140 million for the Montréal economy.
“We want to showcase the Old Port of Montréal as a world class destination by increasing the recreational tourism and cultural offerings. We have many development projects including: transforming Hanger 16 into an international exhibitions and events centre; extending the promenade and the esplanade to the east by covering them with a green roof and housing a commercial complex; and further harnessing the commercial potential of the Jacques-Cartier Pier where we host the Cirque du Soleil and large tented stage shows,” Ms. Benoît explained.
“While the Old Port of Montréal is an exceptional site and a popular destination for Montréalers and tourists, it is also a true generator of economic benefits and represents a tremendous opportunity for companies wishing to contribute to projects that serve both their own interests as well as those of Montréal and Montréalers,” concluded Ms. Benoît.