A Bequest at Parc Jean-Drapeau for Montréal's 375th Anniversary - Unveiling of the final concept for the development and enhancement of the south sector of Île Sainte-Hélène: a world-class site that combines nature and culture

Natural Amphitheater and Central Concourse (CNW Group/SOCIETE DU PARC JEAN-DRAPEAU)

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) unveiled today the final concept of the Development and Enhancement Plan for the South Sector of Île Sainte-Hélène, an ambitious project that will see the construction of a 65,000-seat natural amphitheatre and a central concourse linking the masterful works of Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome (Biosphere) and Alexander Calder's L'Homme sculpture. The development and enhancement project has a $73.4 million budget, $35 Million of which comes from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy (MAMOT) and $38.4 Million from the City of Montréal.

"The Québec government is a proud supporter of the Parc Jean-Drapeau development project", said Martin Coiteux, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, the Minister of Public Security and the Minister responsible for the Montréal region. "This major legacy of the Québec government and the City of Montréal for the city's 375th anniversary, will contribute to the development and exposure of Montréal, which is known internationally as a city that stands out for what it has to offer from a cultural standpoint."

"The transformation project at Parc Jean-Drapeau will be a tremendous legacy accentuating Montréal's 375th anniversary, in providing the city with an outdoor site of international calibre," stated Montréal mayor Denis Coderre. "Once the construction work is finished, the new site will be able to accommodate major events, and it will also be a first-class tourist attraction. The project has developed considerably over the last year, but it is still faithful to its main objectives: recreating the spirit of Expo 67, while blending nature and culture", added Mayor Coderre.   

"This project needed to be done because the new amphitheatre and its reception facilities will now be able to more efficiently meet the technical, stage-setting and logistical challenges that come with playing host to international-calibre events," remarked SPJD Board Chair, Danièle Henkel. "This outstanding legacy will become a favourite destination for Montrealers and tourists from all over the world. It will also help in enhancing the visitors' experience while providing them with a unique access to the river", added Mrs. Henkel.      

The overall project, which was designed in consideration of the needs of visitors and event promoters, will include five different sectors:

• The central concourse connecting the Biosphere and Calder sculpture will have a reception pavilion set up at the Jean-Drapeau station subway exit.
• The amphitheatre will have an all-season program of events and will be equipped with permanent services in terms of electrical infrastructures and stage settings.
• An event village will offer a restaurant area and an outstanding view of the Calder sculpture, the river and downtown Montréal.
• A natural agora, located near the Calder sculpture and intended for smaller events, will house the new washroom facilities building.  
• A riverside walkway will accentuate the connection with the river because of its unobstructed views.

Construction will get underway in February 2017 with site-preparation work, ahead of the arrival of the general contractor in May 2017.  The construction schedule calls for the work to be completed in December 2018, for a 2019 opening.

Moving of major events

Because of the work conducted in the south sector of Île Sainte-Hélène, the SPJD will be setting up alternate sites in which to hold major events. Consequently, the Fête des neiges de Montréal will stay on Île Sainte-Hélène, but will be relocated to the west of the Aquatic Complex. The Week-ends du monde event and the major musical festivals staged by our evenko partner, will be relocated to Île Notre-Dame for the next two years.

About the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is a City of Montréal para-municipal organization whose mission is to manage, administrate, develop, protect and animate Parc Jean-Drapeau. For further information or to download sketches of the project, visit http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com.

SOURCE SOCIETE DU PARC JEAN-DRAPEAU

For further information: Geneviève Boyer, Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, 514 872-7322, [e-mail]