The Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault, is categorical: the Olympic Stadium must have a roof, despite the large bill that will accompany it.
“It needs a roof and we’re looking at different scenarios,” he said Monday when asked about the issue during his visit to the launch of the late hockey player Mike Bossy’s biography in Montreal. Yes, it will be expensive, but I think it is important that the Olympic Stadium has a roof.”
Speaking on the issue, Mr Legault echoed the comments of Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Olympic Park, who noted in July that replacing the stadium’s technical ring was imperative. It is actually necessary to comply with the new building regulations.
“The challenge for me with the Olympic Stadium is that we move from a negative symbol to a positive symbol,” Mr. Legault added on Monday. For me, coming from the world of tourism, [je constate qu’] There are, among other things, a lot of French people who come to Montreal and want to see the stadium.”
If the Prime Minister sees the Olympic Stadium as important tourism infrastructure for Montreal, it would be premature to conclude that the site will one day be used again as a venue for a sports team. The possible replacement of the roof still opens the door to hosting major events.
Until the end of autumn
Remember that at the request of the Régie du logement du Québec, the replacement of the roof and the technical ring became necessary. After an analysis by external and internal experts at the Olympic Park, it was concluded that the 468 meter long concrete oval needed to be replaced. The technology ring, which contains lighting and sound technology, partially supports the weight of the current roof.
Due to recent developments, the Olympic Park has canceled the tender and decided to enter into a private contract with the Pomerleau Canam Group for the future.
The Olympic Park Development and Enhancement Corporation hoped to complete the business case and present it to the government by the end of the fall.