Paddocks renovation at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
A modern infrastructure for the 2019 edition of the Canadian Grand Prix
Regarded as the largest tourist event in the country, the Canadian Grand Prix receives an incomparable exposure internationally. The current Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve infrastructures have exceeded their serviceable lifespan and are in need of an upgrade. Formula One World Championship requirements have changed substantially since the first Grand Prix in 1978, particularly in terms of hosting the F1 teams and the technological needs related to the garages, control tower and media areas.
Ensure the longevity of staging the event
As part of the renewal of the agreement to stage the Canadian Grand Prix from 2015 to 2029, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) made the commitment to renovate and expand the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve infrastructures. The objective of the project is to upgrade the equipment in the paddocks, which were built in 1988, and bring it up to the standards required by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Formula One World Championship (FOWC), while increasing the capacity of the loges above the garages to 5,000 people, up from the current capacity of 1,800. The building will be equipped, among other things, with a freight elevator which can be used to bring cars or heavy furniture to each of the levels of the building. It will also have a glassed-in elevator for the clientele.
A magnificent building
The new paddocks will be set up on three storeys, divided in the following manner:
- 1st storey: F1 team garages, control tower and offices for the staff
- 2nd storey: Loges, control tower, podium and media areas
- 3rd storey: Loges and terrace
A multi-purpose building
The SPJD will be constructing a new building which will enable it to consolidate all of the services into one building, which currently isn't the case. The SPJD has worked with its partners to devise a modern, accessible building on the cutting edge of technology, one which can be used for other purposes besides the Grand Prix.
Budget
The project will be carried out thanks to an investment of $59 million, $41 million of which will come from the City of Montréal and $18 million from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation (MAMH).
Watch the paddocks take shape
Follow the progress of the paddocks renovation, from one end to the other of the work area. Psst... You can choose to watch the pictures that were taken as a movie, by clicking on the « time lapse » option at the bottom!
| Architecture | Les architectes FABG |
| Engineers | CIMA+ |
| Scenography | Go Multimédia Inc. |
| Quality control | AECO |
| Construction | Geyser Group |
Download the photos
View overlooking the paddocks entrance. The media area, situated in the centre, is completely glassed-in.
View of the back of the paddocks, located near the Olympic Basin.
The architecture and design of the loges provide a high-quality experience.
View overlooking the paddocks exit. The control tower is on the same level as the rest of the building.
The paddocks, located in the same spot as the former buildings, will be ready for the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact will it have on users while construction is going on?
While work is being carried out on this project there will be no impact for users of the Olympic Basin, which is located behind the paddocks. As for Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve users, especially cyclists, there might be a few slow-down measures implemented in this area, for safety reasons. But the work is not expected to result in any closures of the track.
What are the timelines for the construction work?
| December 14, 2017 | Start of the call for tender process |
| March 2018 | Awarding the contract |
| June 2018 | Canadian Grand Prix |
| July 2018 | Start of the construction work |
| April 2019 | End of the construction work |
| June 2019 | Canadian Grand Prix |
What is the history of the building of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and the paddocks?
Because the track at Mosport, which was used for the Canadian Grand Prix race at the time was deemed to be dangerous, it was decided in 1978 that a new Formula 1 track would be built at Parc Jean-Drapeau. In a record three months' time, the track and temporary infrastructures were built just in time to host the 1978 Grand Prix. A few years later, in 1988, a permanent structure was built to house the paddocks.
Can these facilities be used for other purposes?
Considering the versatility and spaciousness of the facilities, we are assessing the possibility of renting some of the spaces for corporate or other types of events.
