Redevelopment plan for Square Viger

As part of the public consultation organized by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) on September 25, 2016, Montréal has presented its redevelopment plan for Square Viger. The city unveiled sketches of the design concept for the Daudelin and Chénier sections that were presented in September 2015 and expanded to include the entire square.

The Square Viger redevelopment plan aims to enhance this major iconic space for the city. A major transformation is underway to create a visually clear, contemporary, user-friendly, safe and accessible space. Also, public art enhancement work is a core component of the design project. The project will give Montréal’s first square back its prestige for the benefit of everyone who reappropriates the space.

A large community-building project

As part of the contract awarded to NIPPAYSAGE in January, the site was analyzed in depth and stakeholders, especially the artists’ families, were consulted, in order to refine the concept for the Chénier and Daudelin sections and develop a large community-building project that meets the conditions of the site.

The Square Viger redevelopment plan includes the following elements:

A large central axis that unifies the four sections of the square, with programs and activities
A green canopy
A large lookout for sitting and relaxing, with play areas on each side
Large open spaces designed for everyone to appropriate
Integration and enhancement of current works of art

The design principles presented in 2015 for the Chénier and Daudelin sections were integrated into the Square Viger development concept. There are a few elements that were adder to refine the concept:

Rain gardens to recover rainwater
More pergolas will remain on the square
Mastodo is being moved in order to create a harmonious interplay between the work, the fountains and the water all, with respect for the artist’s intentions
A change to the location of the service areas: The café-retaurant will be located near Rue Viger (the only zone that is free from underground restraints) and the little building near Rue Berri has become a movable booth.

The first phase of work operations on Viger Square will begin in the fall of 2018. The work also includes the rehabilitation of adjacent streets and sidewalks.

This consultation has concluded.