Ontario Construction News staff writer
Work is set to begin on a $356.2 million expansion and renovation project at Quebec’s Polytechnique.
With $268.8 million from the Quebec government and $900,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the project includes:
acquisition of the J.-Armand-Bombardier Pavillion in its entirety (formerly shared with Université de Montréal)
expansion of this Pavillion with the addition of a new wing and an underground link to the Main Pavillion
renovation of the spaces vacated by Université de Montréal
extensive renovation of a large section of the back of the Main Pavillion
redevelopment and greening of outdoor spaces at the rear of the campus
The first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed by September 2028, with the entire project, including extensive renovation of the Main Pavillion, set for completion in spring 2031.
Polytechnique’s student population has doubled over the past 20 years and the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec is projecting a need for 52,000 engineers over the next ten years.
“This announcement marks a significant milestone in bringing to life a project of great importance to Polytechnique Montréal and to Quebec as a whole,” said Maud Cohen, president, Polytechnique Montreal. “It confirms the strategic significance of our role and value within education and research.
“This is a major leap forward for Polytechnique and a strong commitment to our scientific, technological and economic future.”
The project will also provide Polytechnique with research and teaching facilities including:
advanced materials and components, innovative processes and bioprocesses to make our industries more efficient and sustainable
hydraulics and hydrology to address water supply challenges, reduce flood risks, optimize our hydraulic structures and improve the sustainability and resilience of our cities and infrastructure
building mechanics to increase the energy efficiency of buildings
mining engineering and geological engineering, to improve site restoration, develop the recycling of mining waste, and perfect geothermal energy
There will also be new spaces designed for training and supporting student entrepreneurs.
Also, 22,000 native plants will enhance the outdoor spaces and support ecological connectivity with Mount Royal and traffic will be redesigned to facilitate active mobility, with new pedestrian areas and bicycle facilities. An ecofriendly car park, a drainage swale and a sedimentation and bioretention basin will be constructed to manage rainwater effectively and naturally.
Finally, to reduce its environmental footprint, Polytechnique will adopt geothermal energy, developing a conventional geothermal field and three standing column wells in collaboration with the Industrial Chair in Geothermal Energy for Standing Column Wells in Industrial Buildings.
“When it comes to sustainability, our goal is to set an example,” said Jean-François Frigon, vice president, Administration and Resources. “We are taking concrete steps to create an environmentally responsible campus that is in harmony with its surroundings and meets the expectations of those who study, work and innovate there.”