The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) began work in November 2015 to restore Alexandra Pier and Iberville Passenger Terminal.
Despite major investments over the past 10 years to maintain these facilities, built more than a century ago in the heart of Old Montreal, they were showing signs of deterioration and operational obsolescence, which was compromising their ability to continue to provide the services expected of them.
The final concept was designed after open houses were held and following several meetings with key partners from the economic, tourism and political sectors, as well as with stakeholders committed to Montreal’s harmonious development. It will allow this site to be dedicated to cruise passengers, who are visiting Montreal in ever increasing numbers through maritime tourism on the St. Lawrence, and improve the welcome they receive.
This new concept will also contribute to better integrating the terminal and the pier into the urban fabric of Old Montreal and respond to the wishes of citizens who would like to have better access to the river. This will occur through the inclusion of a green roof and by sloping the end of the pier toward the river.
The project’s total cost is estimated at $78 million. “The MPA would like to thank its financial partners, the Government of Quebec for its contribution of $20 million, and the City of Montreal for providing $15 million toward the project through its 2015-2017 three-year capital works program,” said MPA President and CEO Sylvie Vachon.
Work at this major site is expected to continue in order to inaugurate a new passenger terminal for the 2017 cruise season and to coincide with celebrations marking the 375th anniversary of Montreal and the 150th anniversary of Confederation.