Deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge

Redevelopment work at three shoreline sites starting September 3 

JCCBI would like to inform residents of Île des Sœurs and Brossard that the shoreline redevelopment for the Héritage Champlain project will begin on September 3, 2024 and last until December 2025 in the aeras of Île des Soeurs, St. Lawrence Seaway dike and Brossard.

This project will involve redeveloping:

1. the shoreline on the Montreal side.
2. the area around the St. Lawrence Seaway Dike.
3. the shoreline on the Brossard side.

Participatory Approach

Recap of the 2019 Consultations Activities

Nearly 5000 people participated in these activities.

• 4 information days
  • Centre for Sustainable Development in Montreal (2 days)
  • Île des Sœurs (1 day)
  • Brossard (1 day)
• Online survey (1 month)
• Co-design workshop with interest groups
• Design charrette

In 2019, creation of a still-active Advisory Committee of 11 partners and stakeholders with diverse expertise.

Meeting with the 14 stakeholders from Brossard, Île des Sœurs and Greater Montreal.

Results from the 2019 Consultation Activities

4 themes from the participatory process held in 2019:

• Connectivity: Provide active transportation access to the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River.
• Citizen ownership: Create and direct people to exceptional viewpoints and discovery stops.
• Biodiversity: Create features that promote diverse wildlife habitat and protect and develop fauna and flora.
• Commemoration: Commemorate the bridge through a linear concept that ties the project together.

Redevelopment Concepts for the 3 Sectors

• Connectivity: Dedicated pedestrian path and bicycles paths connected to the existing network.
• Citizen ownership: Views onto the river, rest areas where people can take in the scenery.
• Biodiversity: Naturalized space, areas landscaped with native species.
• Commemoration: Remaining piers and steel components integrated into the project.

• Connectivity: Lookouts that extend from a proposed street (SPP) and proximity to REM.                     
• Citizen ownership: Perforated panels that provide shade and urban furniture to contemplate.
• Biodiversity: Observation of wildlife and migration corridor of the St. Lawrence River.
• Commemoration: Reuse of bridge components such as piers and steel modular trusses.

• Connectivity: Access via the Estacade, dedicated path connected to the Seaway path. 
• Citizen ownership: Window onto the river with a spectacular view of the 2W pier and downtown.
• Biodiversity: Compensation project carried out to restore space for fish habitat.
• Commemoration: Highlighting of a monumental bridge pier and the bridge’s original alignment.

• Connectivity: The Riveraine multipurpose path will be connected to new development features.
• Citizen ownership: Proximity to the river with different features for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Biodiversity: Heavy focus on naturalization with native species.
• Commemoration: One pier will be preserved that people can walk through.

• Connectivity: Shoreline site that connects to the existing active mobility network.
• Citizen ownership: A space where pedestrians and cyclists can relax and take in the view.
• Biodiversity: Greening of the area to promote wildlife. 
• Commemoration: The pier and arches will highlight the original alignment of the Champlain Bridge.

This summary report contributed to the development of initiatives carried out as part of the Heritage Champlain program.

The redevelopment project will leave a legacy for the community, provide enhanced access to the St. Lawrence River, and preserve portions of the bridge to commemorate its part in Montreal history.