An Enduring Legacy for Montréal's 375th Anniversary and Canada's 150th in 2017 - Launch of consultations on revitalizing the Old Port of Montréal

MONTRÉAL, June 1, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced the launch of public consultations which will lead to a blueprint for the revitalization of the Old Port of Montréal site, including the Pointe-du-Moulin and its Silo 5.

In view of the coming celebrations of Canada's 150th anniversary and Montréal's 375th, Canada Lands Company (CLC) wants to create an innovative renewal in terms of urban design, landscape and sustainability for Montrealers. CLC will host consultations, and will prepare a range of options for the assets in its territory, some of which need to be revitalized in order to ensure long-term sustainability. Throughout the production of the master plan, CLC will emphasize respect for the community, the environment, the historic character of the site and its heritage. It will seek to improve tourism and entertainment offerings, as well as access to the Saint Lawrence River and green spaces, and will aim to create value that will ensure the site's long-term economic viability.

At a press conference held at the Old Port of Montréal, Minister Lebel emphasized the value creation potential of the Old Port, the most visited recreational and historic site in Quebec. The general public and stakeholders will be invited to speak on questions and issues affecting the future development, which uses of the site to focus on, programming and planning.

These public consultations will culminate in a new vision and a master plan within 15 to 18 months, in time for Canada's 150th Anniversary and Montréal's 375th in 2017. The City of Montréal and the Government of Quebec will be invited to work closely in all stages of the process.

CLC will also create an advisory committee with a mandate to consult throughout the process. It is important to develop a consensus built master plan.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The master plan for the Old Port of Montréal and Pointe-du-Moulin will be a legacy from the Government of Canada at the dawn of Montréal's 375th anniversary celebrations.
• To ensure that Montrealers appropriate this unique site, transparent, inclusive consultations will be carried out both with the general public and partners of the Old Port.
• In addition to the City of Montréal and the Government of Quebec, several key stakeholders from different sectors will be invited to sit on the advisory committee, such as the Société de développement commercial du Vieux-Montréal, Heritage Montréal, Tourism Montréal, urban planning experts, and representatives from the world of business, to name a few – as well as the Commissioner of the 375th, Gilbert Rozon.

QUOTE

"The Government of Canada and the Canada Lands Company want to learn the ideas and expectations of the general public and partners in order to establish a consensus through a master plan for the revitalization of the Old Port of Montréal site, including Pointe-du-Moulin and its Silo 5... We want to make a model, revitalized urban place, and ensure its long-term viability. In the wake of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, we want to offer a legacy of which future generations will be proud. "

- Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

About the CLC: The Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation that optimizes the economic and community value of surplus properties, including those of its sole shareholder, the Government of Canada. Also a recognized leader in the tourism management sector, the Company operates the CN Tower, the Montréal Science Centre and the Old Port of Montréal.

SOURCE Canada Lands Company

Media contacts: Vincent Rabault, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]; Jimmy Laforge, Public Relations Manager, Old Port of Montréal, Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]