Pier
We wanted to create a
space that emphasizes the
historical richness of the
site while also providing a
park, a place to relax, and
a space that people could
make their own,” adds
Sonia Gagné, architect and
partner at Provencher_Roy.
M
aritime
terminal
The
maritime
terminal,
completely redesigned,
will be moved to the
entrance of Alexandra
Pier, bringing passengers
closer to the Old Port and
its shops. Furthermore,
the terminal will now
welcome passengers at
ground level in order to
facilitate embarking and
disembarking and the
processing of luggage. Also,
continuous-loop lanes for
vehicles will improve traffic
flow and simplify access
to the port facilities and
parking spaces. A reserved
pedestrian pathway will
Signature tower
One of the project's more
innovative features is the
addition of a tower whose
primary function will be
to convey and embody
Alexandra Pier's maritime
vocation. Like a lighthouse,
it will constitute the first
means by which ships and
passengers will discern the
port; for Montrealers, it will
signal the location of the
river.
Thanks to several elevated
viewing platforms, the
tower will offer a unique
vantage point for observing
the city and river, and
enable visitors to discover
the city upon arrival in
the port. It will also serve
as a transitional element
connecting the raised
esplanade, the maritime
terminal, and the new park
at the tip of Alexandra
Pier. The architectural
vocabulary developed for
the tower and its structure
evokes the port's rich
industrial heritage.
“After having been one of
the leading forces in the
founding of Montréal, the
Port of Montreal proudly
continues this contribution
with Provencher_Roy by
providing the city modern
and inviting maritime
facilities for cruise
passengers and residents.
These improved facilities
will meet client needs and
give Montrealers a renewed
access to our majestic
Saint Lawrence River to
mark Montréal's 375th
anniversary in 2017,”
concludes MPA President
and CEO Sylvie Vachon.
be integrated, significantly
improving access to the site
as well.
Public promenade
A major new development:
Montrealers will have
access to a landscaped
esplanade located on
the roof of the maritime
terminal. This pedestrian
path will represent a
sizeable addition to the Old
Port's network of public
spaces and help forge
stronger ties between the
Saint Lawrence River, the
terminal and the urban
fabric.
“From the project's outset,
our aim was to extend the
Old Port's linear park onto
the pier.
Landscape & Urban Design Issue 20
19