The Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault, is categorical: the Olympic Stadium must have a roof, despite the hefty bill that must accompany it.
“It takes a roof and we are looking at different scenarios,” he indicated on Monday, when questioned on the subject during his visit to the launch of the biography of the late hockey player Mike Bossy, in Montreal. Yes, it will be expensive, but I think it is important that the Olympic Stadium has a roof.”
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In speaking out on the issue, Mr. Legault joined the comments of Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Olympic Park, who noted, in July, that the replacement of the stadium’s technical ring was imperative. It is indeed necessary to comply with the new Building Code.
“The challenge for me with the Olympic Stadium is that we are going from a negative symbol to a positive symbol,” added Mr. Legault on Monday. For me who comes from the world of tourism, [je constate qu’] there are lots of French people, among others, who come to Montreal and who want to see the Stadium.”
If the Prime Minister considers the Olympic Stadium to be an important tourist infrastructure for Montreal, it would be premature to conclude that the place will one day be used again to host a sports team. The possible replacement of the roof nevertheless opens the door to the presentation of large-scale events.
By the end of fall
Remember that the replacement of the roof became necessary, as did the change of the technical ring, following a request from the Régie du logement du Québec. After an analysis by external and internal experts of the Olympic Park, it was concluded that the concrete oval, which measures 468 meters, must be replaced. The technical ring, which contains lighting and sound equipment, partly supports the weight of the current roof.
Following the latest developments, the Olympic Park canceled the call for proposals and decided to enter into a private contract with the Pomerleau-Canam Group for the future.
The Olympic Park Development and Enhancement Corporation hoped to be able to complete the business case and submit it to the government by the end of fall.