Work on the new Maison de Radio-Canada (MRC) in Montreal is now underway after a groundbreaking ceremony Sunday. Minister of Canadian Heritage Mélanie Joly joined President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada Hubert T. Lacroix, President of Broccolini Real Estate Group Roger Plamondon, and Mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre, in kickstarting the development by releasing dozens of butterflies.

Maison de Radio-Canada, image via Broccolini

Butterflies have been a symbol of transformation and innovation for the country's public broadcaster for over 50 years, making their debut with the introduction of colour programming, and reappearing to mark the transition to high definition. A press release says the butterflies have now evolved to "symbolize a drive towards the future represented by the new MRC in Montreal."

Maison de Radio-Canada, image via Broccolini

The 418,000-square-foot facility will be built by Broccolini and boast a seven-storey tower joined by an atrium to a four-storey building. The glassy complex will create a collaborative and innovative home for creators and programmers, serving as a technological, artistic and community hub.

Maison de Radio-Canada, image via Broccolini

"The new Maison de Radio-Canada will reflect who we are — more digital, closer to Canadians, and at the heart of their conversations," said CBC/Radio-Canada's President and CEO, Hubert T. Lacroix. "The future Maison de Radio-Canada will continue to be a place where CBCers get together to create fascinating things — things that move us, inform us, make us think, and make us smile. Canadians will also see themselves reflected in the new facility and be able to make this open, modern, attractive and dynamic public space their own."

Maison de Radio-Canada, image via Broccolini

Spaces for Radio-Canada's Central Equipment Room and Media Presentation Centre are expected to be ready in the summer of 2018. The new MRC should open by late 2019, with an official unveiling set for 2020.

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