Parc Jean-Drapeau redevelopment plans tap 'spirit of Expo 67'
Project features natural amphitheatre that will accommodate up to 65,000 people
Redevelopment plans for Parc Jean-Drapeau hope to tap the spirit of Expo 67, but not in time for the 50th anniversary of Montreal's famous international exposition next year.
The final plans for the $73.4-million project were unveiled Wednesday, and the project is scheduled for completion in 2019.
The centrepiece of the makeover is a natural amphitheatre at the southern tip of Île Sainte-Hélène that will accommodate up to 65,000 people.
Officials say the amphitheatre's design and sound system will cut the amount of noise from music festivals and concerts that's become the summertime bane of residents across the water in Saint-Lambert.
The City of Saint-Lambert has sued Montreal and event promoters to put a stop to noisy concerts in the park.
Other aspects of the redevelopment include:
- An avenue linking Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome and Alexander Calder's L'Homme sculpture.
- A riverside promenade looking out at the Montreal skyline.
- An "events' village" with water park, rest areas and concession stands.