Montréal to shine in 2017 with the illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge

Important legacy for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and Montréal's 375th anniversary

MONTRÉAL, July 30, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - In preparation for the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and Montréal's 375^th anniversary, the Government of Canada today announced a major interactive illumination project for the Jacques Cartier Bridge, which will contribute to showcasing Montréal's urban heritage.

The Jacques Cartier Bridge is an icon in the Greater Montréal area for its history and its unique architecture. One of the great engineering feats of the 20^th century, it is used every day by thousands of people to cross the Saint-Lawrence River. Illuminating the bridge for Canada's 150^th anniversary and Montréal's 375^th anniversary in 2017 will shine the spotlight on Montréal and touch the hearts of local citizens and visitors alike.

The year 2017 marks the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and Montréal's 375^th anniversary.

Quick facts

• Interactive illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge to mark the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and Montréal's 375^th anniversary.
• Living Connections: a unique interactive lighting concept activated in real time by the seasons and the energy of the city.
• The feasibility study and preliminary concept was carried out by Moment Factory in collaboration with six Montréal multimedia and lighting studios: Ambiances Design Productions, ATOMIC3, Éclairage Public / Ombrages, Lucion Média, Réalisations and UDO Design.
• The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated will be project manager.
• The estimated cost of the project is $39.5 million, which includes the feasibility study, concept, design, completion as well as operating and maintenance costs over a 10-year period. The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated will contribute $30 million to the project, while the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375^th Anniversary will inject up to $9.5 million.
• The lighting will be unveiled in time for the celebrations in 2017.

Quotes

"Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is proud to put forward a flagship project for Montréal on the eve of Canada's 150^th anniversary. This historic and innovative project is a true reflection of Montréal's character. The year 2017 will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate our country. Our Government is pleased that this illumination project on the Jacques Cartier Bridge will serve as the focal point for Canada's 150th celebrations in the Greater Montréal Region."

The Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

"Montréal's 375^th anniversary is a pivotal moment for the city and its citizens. Reflecting the dynamism that characterizes Montréal's creative thinkers and entrepreneurs, the innovative illumination of the Jacques Cartier Bridge is yet another example of our efforts to promote Montréal on the world stage. This unique achievement, which promises to have both economic and tourism benefits, will further contribute to Montréal reputation as an attractive, world-class destination."

Robert Poëti,
Minister of Transport of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Montréal region

"Montrealers can be proud of this project worthy of their great city. The Jacques Cartier Bridge has been part of our city's history for 85 years now. With the support of our government partners, we are giving it new life through the use of light. The illuminated bridge promises to be a must-see attraction for all visitors and a powerful symbol of Montréal's creativity. From now on, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge will move to the beat of Montréal."

Denis Coderre,
Mayor of Montréal

 "We would like to thank the Government of Canada for it its considerable support in making the illumination of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge a reality. This project is proof of the creative intelligence of Montréal's talents. The concept is simple, innovative and brilliant. It embodies the very energy we want to infuse Montréal with in 2017 for the 375^th celebrations. Montrealers will be able to feel the pulse of their city in real time. This lighting project, which is unique to Montréal, is on the cutting edge of what is being done in interactive lighting worldwide."

Gilbert Rozon
Commissioner, Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375^th Anniversary

Related links

Visit the press zone at www.375mtl.com to download the video and to get pictures of the concept.

For more information about the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated, go to http://jccbi.ca/.

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy, consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.

To learn more about the Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375^th Anniversary, go to 375mtl.com

Follow us on Twitter at @INFC_eng

SOURCE The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated

Vincent Rabault, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, 613-943-1838; Julie Paquet, MA, Director, Communications, The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated; 450-651-8771, ext. 232; Anne-Catherine Couture, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of Transport of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Montréal region, 514-873-3444; Catherine Maurice, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee, 514-346-7598; Anne Dongois, Media Relations, Society for the Celebration of Montréal's 375th Anniversary, 514-826-2050, [email protected] ; Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, [email protected]