Chemin-Qui-Marche

Rich with hundreds of years of history that includes its still visible industrial heritage, the project revives a long-abandoned industrial site.

The planning concept for the park is an expression of the traces of its past and the important moments of its history. The esplanade also highlights the spirit of place found in the contemporary urban grid of the neighborhood. The park becomes a witness to the site’s history, commemorating it through three key landscape elements: the river and its piers, the vestiges of former railways lines, and the historic city in development.

The new layout for the park creates an unconventional terrace, suspended between the city and the river. It becomes a platform for contemplation, offering 180 degree panoramic views of many architectural, industrial and landscape icons. The assembled views function as a stage set, bringing these emblematic witnesses of the island of Montreal to life.

The long, narrow promenade progressively reveals the history of the site. The materials and furnishings are inspired by the industrial, railway and marine language of the Old Port. Wooden decking, benches, lamp posts, plantings, balustrades and waste receptacles all participate in the narration of the site.

As seventy-five percent of the site is located on an existing railway tunnel, much of it is, in effect, a green roof. The new linear park improves the offering of green space in the neighbourhood and creates a cool and shaded retreat. In addition to native plants that optimize xeriscaping, other interventions related to environmental best practices are incorporated: the choice of light coloured materials composed of recycled, reused or sustainable materials; the sourcing of local materials and selected equipment; and the use of woods that respect the requirements of sustainable forest management.

With a length of 166 metres, the linear park welcomes neighbourhood residents to enjoy its fun, safe and friendly space in the city centre. City dwellers traverse it, cyclists stop by to enjoy a break, and tourists visit it to take in the views and discover the history of the city and the site. The Chemin-Qui-Marche Lookout possesses the necessary ingredients to support the urban appropriation of the riverbank, and to become a landmark for the neighborhood and the city.

Chemin-Qui-Marche Lookout, Montreal, Canada
Program: park and lookout
Architects: Groupe IBI-CHBA
Client: City of Montreal, Ville-Marie Borough
Area: 3060 sqm
Completion: September 2012