Historic Dorchester Square is in the process of getting a much-needed facelift, and Canada Place is also due for some work.
EXPLAINER TAKES A STROLL AROUND THE NEW DORCHESTER SQUARE.
1. It was over a decade ago that the city solicited bids from companies to complete a restoration of Dorchester Square. The winning entry came from two firms, Claude Cormier Landscape Architects and Groupe Cardinal Hardy, who proposed "restoring the public garden to its original layout, rationalizing the surrounding street traffic, and improving pedestrian links to social destinations in the adjacent urban areas." The initial budget for the square was in the low millions and a master plan for work was developed. Then the city put the brakes on the project in 2002. The good news is that things have restarted and the budget is now much higher, partly because the square continued to deteriorate in the ensuing years. Phase one of the restoration will be completed this summer, which is good news since the square has been closed to the public for more than a year.
2. The new square will feature lots of benches, new landscaping and more natural light. The square’s statues and monuments have been restored as well. "You will see the big trees that provide shade and comfort, and benches – we have worked hard to reintroduce those comfort aspects," says Sophie Beaudoin, the project manager for Claude Cormier Landscape Architects. In addition to re-creating the original landscaping, a few new elements, such as granite curbs, will be incorporated. "This was a restoration-oriented project," says Beaudoin. "The approach was with a kind of respect for the original design, but with a modern touch." They have also created a nod to the square’s history. The land was originally a cemetery, and so the new granite curb and other parts will include small representations of crosses to represent the cemetery. A plaque will also explain the significance of the cross markers. The square reopens in June, but there is still a bit more work to be done, which will require another couple of years. (Beaudoin says that as of June, the work will be "80 percent complete.") In the meantime, Canada Place will also be undergoing a restoration. The total budget for both spaces is over $20-million. For those who want a peek at the new square, the city has also put up a (French) website that offers additional details: www.squaredorchester.ca.
2 comments
I find projects in Montreal …. ummm… how should I say this … long and painful!
It is amazing how in the 21st century with all our capabilities the Dorchester square restoration project is going to take 2 years. Mont Royal, which was designed by Frederic Law Omstead (the same architect who designed Central Park in NYC), took over 2 years to complete in 1876! Will this city ever have a project that comes both under budget and under time?
Exactly two years ago to the day a man biking through Marlborough Park barely a 5 minute walk from my home was attacked by a gang of thugs and ended up in a coma. Nearby bushes provided perfect hiding locations. This happened despite the fact that the park is located in a quiet residential area that I myself walk through several times a week on my way to the bus or train.
In a downtown green space like Dominion Square you are surrounded by a commercial area that would pose even greater dangers especially late at night. With so much money spent on landscaping the grounds you would expect there to be adequate lighting and security cameras. There cannot be any vegetation obscuring views from the street. Security guards patrolling the area may be required to give peace of mind. Like most residential parks this urban oasis should be closed between midnight and 6 AM. You can never be too safe.