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The architect behind its design, Sonia Gagné, explains that throughout the process, she and her team from the firm Provencher_Roy kept in mind the need to add a “festive element” to the Grand Quai at 200, rue de the West Commune. Around the glass structure, relaxation areas have been set up, and there is a large terrace as well as privileged access to the river. “Strangely, at the start, the project did not include a tower,” she explains. “There was an old shed at the end of the wharf. Suddenly, we had the idea of unfolding it, of orienting it vertically, to finally create an observatory,” she adds.
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Built at a cost of $117 million, the structure and its amenities were originally scheduled to be inaugurated in 2021. But the construction of the tower has suffered several delays due to the unavailability of certain materials, delivery times and the shortage of workforce,” explained the senior APM leader. The envelope of the Tower traces a steel structure, an industrial reminder, and its core is composed of rigid concrete frames. “We also had to stabilize the foundations of the Grand Quai. We have finally provided the metropolis with a building that will pass the time. This is what is important to remember, ”adds CEO Martin Imbleau (in the photo).
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The Tour du Port will be open to the public from the weekend of May 27. Access will be free to visitors for the first two days. From the front door to the belvedere, visitors will be transported virtually into the history of port activity in Montreal. Halfway, five musical balloons emit different sounds depending on the interaction with visitors. The symphony was premiered by the Orchester métropolitain under the direction of maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
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Year after year, visitors are reminded, two million containers pass through the port on board huge cargo ships. The number of cruise passengers is on the rise. Over the years, the wharf has made its mark for its recreational tourism activities, in particular its numerous exhibitions. The architects behind the design of this tower hope that it will position itself among the best places to see in the metropolis, along with the Quai de l’Horloge, the Silo noh 5, the Notre-Dame basilica, the Tour des Convoyeurs or the Tour de la Banque Nationale.