Alexandra Pier and Iberville Passenger Terminal: Restored and ready for the 2017 cruise season

MONTREAL, April 25, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Minister of Tourism, Minister responsible for the Mauricie region Julie Boulet, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security, Minister responsible for the Montréal region Martin Coiteux, Minister for Maritime Affairs, Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region Jean D'Amour, and Mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre announced $35 million in financial support to the Montreal Port (MPA), in the presence of MPA President and CEO Sylvie Vachon. This partnership will make it possible to restore Alexandra Pier and Iberville Passenger Terminal and provide modern port facilities for the 2017 cruise season.

"Montreal is one of the main gateways for foreign visitors to Quebec. Our government has also made several major investments in recent years to strengthen Quebec's tourism offering and thereby stimulate our economy, a high priority for us. Today's announcement will enable us to better welcome tourists and in turn consolidate Quebec as an original, must-see destination for international and Canadian clienteles as well as Quebeckers," said Minister Julie Boulet.

The project consists of restoring the existing infrastructures for receiving international cruises, located in the Old Port sector, a tourist zone annually frequented by close to seven million tourists and tens of millions of visitors and residents.

"Our city has many world-class attractions and stands out from other large North American cities through its unique culture and reputation as a creative festival city. This important legacy that will be part of Montreal's 375th anniversary will be an additional attraction for tourists from home and abroad as well as for all Montrealers," said Minister Martin Coiteux.

« The 2015-2030 Maritime Strategy is one of the major pillars of Quebec's economic plan, and drawing attention to the tourist vocation of the St. Lawrence is a major component of this strategy. As Minister for Maritime Affairs, I am delighted that this major project for tourism development of Quebec is materializing," said Minister Jean D'Amour.

Alexandra Pier is more than a 100-year-old infrastructure. Iberville Passenger Terminal, remodelled for Expo 1967, has been welcoming cruise ships visiting Montreal for decades. Despite major investments over the past ten years to maintain these facilities built over a century ago in the heart of Old Montreal, they are showing signs of aging and operational obsolescence that are compromising their ability to keep providing the services expected of them.

"The Port of Montreal is a real treasure for the city, and remains one of our main economic assets. I am very pleased that the City of Montreal is joining with the Government of Quebec and the Montreal Port Authority to launch this structuring project that will enable us to welcome a greater number of cruise passengers and by doing so, make the most of the ensuing economic benefits. The restored facilities of Alexandra Pier and Iberville Passenger Terminal will let us extend a magnificent welcome to the tourists and visitors who will come celebrate Montreal's 375th anniversary with us in 2017," said Mayor Denis Coderre.

The concept chosen will also make it possible to integrate the terminal and the pier into the urban fabric of Old Montreal more seamlessly. Furthermore, it will meet the expectations of citizens who seek better access to their river, by clearing the end of the pier so that the far end can be lowered closer to the river, and by adding a green rooftop terrace to the terminal.   

"The Montreal Port Authority wishes to express its deepest gratitude to its financial partners, the Government of Quebec and the City of Montreal, without whom this project would not have been possible. After being one of the leading players in the history of the city's creation, the Port of Montreal proudly continues to make this contribution by offering Greater Montreal modern, welcoming marine facilities for cruise passengers and citizens. These improved infrastructures will meet clients' needs and give Montrealers renewed access to our majestic St. Lawrence River for 2017, a year brimming with symbols and festivities for Montreal," concluded MPA President and CEO Sylvie Vachon.

The total cost of this project is estimated at $78 million. The Government of Quebec is allocating $20 million through the Maritime Strategy – Tourism Component, and the City of Montreal is allocating $15 million.

About the Maritime Strategy

Like the Plan Nord, the Maritime Strategy is a major economic project for Quebec.  The goal of the Strategy is to ensure optimal and responsible use of maritime potential in Quebec.  It includes various measures designed to showcase maritime transportation, tourism and marine resources. From now until 2030, the Maritime Strategy will attract multi-million dollar investments that will result in the creation of 30,000 jobs throughout Quebec.

For more information about the Maritime Strategy, or to review the documentation, please visit www.strategiemaritime.gouv.qc.ca.

About Montreal's 375th anniversary

In 2017, Montreal is celebrating the 375th anniversary of its founding. This celebration is the cornerstone of the "Montreal of tomorrow," a modern, dynamic city open to the world. As a major partner in the celebrations, the Government of Quebec is investing in the festivities and in carrying out several lasting legacies that will be real heritages for generations to come. The redevelopment and enhancement of Montreal's historic sites will contribute to its reputation as a great cultural, tourist and economic city.   

About the Port Of Montreal

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is a major diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods - containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. It is a leading container port served by the largest container shipping lines in the world. In 2015, the Port of Montreal handled 32 million tonnes of cargo and welcomed 91,000 passengers and crewmembers at its cruise terminal. It has its own rail network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. Port activity supports 16,000 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in economic spin-offs annually.

To learn more about the project: http://www.port-montreal.com/en/project-iberville-terminal-community.html

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SOURCE PORT OF MONTREAL

Image with caption: "Martin Coiteux, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security, Minister responsible for the Montreal region; Julie Boulet, Minister of Tourism, Minister responsible for the Mauricie region; Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO, Montreal Port Authority; Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal; Jean D’Amour, Minister for Maritime Affairs, Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. (CNW Group/PORT OF MONTREAL)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160425_C5075_PHOTO_EN_673942.jpg

Christine Beaulieu, Manager, Community Relations, Montreal Port Authority, [email protected], Telephone: [phone]; Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux, Press attaché, Office of the Minister of Tourism, Minister responsible for the Mauricie region, Telephone: [phone]; Marie-Ève Pelletier, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security, Minister responsible for the Montréal region, Telephone: [phone]; Marc Lapointe, Press attaché, Office of the Minister for Maritime Affairs, Minister responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, Telephone: [phone]; Catherine Maurice, Press attaché, Mayor's Office and Executive Committee, City of Montreal, Telephone: [phone]