Challenge(s)
How can the waterfront be redeveloped to attract more tourism and engage with the local population?
Good practice
Carefully choose the location of passenger terminals and promote links with urban centres
The redevelopment of the waterfront in Montreal aimed to attract more tourism and engage the local population by transforming the former Alexandra pier into the Grand Quay. This new space includes a cruise terminal, landscaped promenades, and a roof terrace overlooking the Saint Lawrence River and the city. The addition of a viewing tower, a Port Center, and multipurpose spaces further enhances public accessibility and educational opportunities about port activities. The project, led by Provencher_Roy, combines modern design with respect for the area's historical significance, showcasing a balanced approach to waterfront redevelopment that caters to both tourists and locals.
This good practice also includes objective 8.3 (Developing public spaces and recreational or cultural amenities in City Port interface zones to create an appealing new area) of the AIVP's 2030 Agenda.
Case study
On the 3rd of June 2018, the Port of Montréal formally opened the Grand Quay, a new space housing a new cruise terminal built on the former Alexandra pier in the Old Port. The site is also highly symbolic, as it was here that immigrants and settlers arrived in the early 20th century. Its main purpose now is to receive cruise passengers, but there was also a desire to open the site up for the local population. To that end, the exterior spaces have been redeveloped as landscaped promenades, with a roof terrace now overlooking the Saint Lawrence and the city. The Grand Quay at the Port of Montreal has been completed with the addition of a viewing tower, the Montreal tower, whose construction started in 2019 and opened in May 2023. Festivities have also been planned for the summer period. In another mark of the willingness to open the site up to the public, the terminal housed a Port Center between 2018-2025 to explain and educate visitors about port activities. Multipurpose spaces are also available to rent. The terminal is very close to the Old Port and the City Centre. It can accommodate up to three vessels at once, and the terminal is equipped with cold ironing facilities. and the terminal is equipped with cold ironing facilities. Almost 130,000 passengers and 90 stopovers were expected in 2018 (+12%/ 2017). The budget has been split between the Port of Montreal (CAD 43 million), the City of Montreal (CAD 15 million), and the Government of Quebec (CAD 20 million).
Provencher_Roy, in collaboration with the Port of Montreal, has undertaken the restoration of the Grand Quay site and cruise terminal. This site, located along the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal’s Old Port, serves as the initial point of contact for cruise passengers visiting the city. Opened to the public in 2018, the Grand Quay features the Promenade d’Iberville, a landscaped esplanade on the cruise terminal’s roof with wooden terraces and lush vegetation.
Provencher_Roy’s design includes five light wells that illuminate the cruise terminal, while integrated green zones and trees enhance the landscaping. The transformation of this pier into a modern cruise terminal can host a large volume of passengers and crew members. The historical significance of the Alexandra Pier, dating back to the early 1900s, was considered during the renovation. Other phases of the project include an observation tower and a sculpture honouring Montreal’s pioneering women. This project highlights a modern approach to port infrastructure, meeting the city’s needs while respecting its industrial heritage.
Additional information
Jetée Alexandra | Alexandra Pier (video)
Ouverture Grand Quai du Port de Montréal (video)
In images
