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Montrealers are about to reclaim a large piece of waterfront property as construction work advances on an ambitious restoration project in the historic Old Port of Montreal. The Montreal Port Authority is overseeing the reinvigoration of Alexandra Pier and the Iberville Passenger Terminal, with local firm Provencher Roy behind the design.
Strong marine tourism along the St. Lawrence River has led to an uptick in the number of passengers visiting Canada's second largest city by cruise ship. The aging facilities on the pier are becoming obsolete, prompting the significant upgrade that seeks to restore its core focus of welcoming passengers. The updated facilities will serve as an enhanced entry point to the city, while reconnecting the pier to the mainland via a new promenade and public spaces.
Over 300 metres in length, the century-old Alexandra Pier and Iberville Terminal have operated exclusively as a port for cruise passengers since 1967. The unwelcoming paved surfaces currently on site will be replaced with landscaped green space. Pedestrian and vehicular circulation will be separated to allow for safer movement throughout the site and multiple seating areas will give visitors plenty of opportunities to relax and admire the waterfront views.
The green roof-topped terminal will be joined by a 100-metre-tall observation tower, standing near the end of the pier like a giant lighthouse, with a public park positioned at its terminus. The 25,000-square-metre project is primed for completion in 2017, marking the 375th anniversary of Montreal and the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation.
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