Landscape Information
Located in the city’s Old Port neighborhood this 3.2-acre relatively flat, bi-level waterfront park incorporates a triangular-shaped quay that extends into the St. Lawrence River and an approximately 850-foot promenade that frames its western border. Oriented north, it runs parallel to the shore, forming a marina.
The upper level, marked by grain sheds and conveyors for much of the twentieth century, includes a Beaux-Arts clocktower (1922), designed by engineer Paul Leclaire to commemorate Canadian seamen who died in World War I. The tower is abutted to the south by a promenade (1990) designed by architects Cardinal Hardy and Associates (now IBI Group, Inc). In 2009 the Société du Vieux-Port de Montréal engaged Claude Cormier + Associés to transform both levels, integrating the clocktower and promenade.
Completed in 2012, the park’s lower level is characterized by two sandy beaches interspersed with blue umbrellas and movable chairs. The western beach extends the length of the quay and is edged by a wooden boardwalk and an ivy shrouded retaining wall. The northern, triangular shaped beach is nestled below the clock tower at the quay’s terminus and affords sweeping river views. Three weeping willows mark each corner of the beach and will offer shade when mature. A series of concrete stair-ramps, or “stramps,” warps around three sides, providing access from the upper level. A wedge-shaped parking area comprised of dual aisles separated by larches, willows, shrubs, and perennials, occupies the western portion of the upper level. The easternmost aisle is oriented on axis with a flagpole that displays the Canadian Flag. Edged by bollards, the parking area includes a roundabout punctuated by hundreds of four-sided blue hued poles.
The clocktower was designated a Federal Heritage Building in 1996.
