News

2023

• Karel Mayrand appointed chairman of the board of Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

  June 3, 2023

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is pleased to announce that the City of Montréal's Executive Committee ratified earlier this week the appointment of Mr. Karel Mayrand as President of its Board of Directors, following an interim period. He succeeds M. Renaud Coulombe, who chaired the Board for a threeyear term until December 2021.

  Karel Mayrand appointed chairman of the board of Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

  Saturday, June 3, 2023, 62 KB

• Parc Jean-Drapeau welcomes once again Louis Archambaults artwork Personnages

  June 1, 2023

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is pleased to announce that the artwork Personnages, by Montréal artist Louis Archambault, is being donated to the City of Montréal, following an initiative undertaken by the Canada Council for the Arts to showcase the sculpture and make it more accessible to the Montréal public.

  As part of Parc Jean-Drapeau's transformation, the artwork will be installed over the next few years in the canals' gardens area, where it was first exhibited during Expo 67, after it was commissioned by the Canadian Industry and Business Ministry.

  Parc Jean-Drapeau welcomes once again Louis Archambaults artwork Personnages

  Friday, June 2, 2023, 194 KB

• Launch of an adapted sports season at Parc Jean-Drapeau

  April 20, 2023

  The Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve multi-purpose track, as well as the bike link connecting the South Shore and parc Jean-Drapeau, is once again open to sports enthusiasts. While sports enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a one-of-a-kind facility for training, the 2023 season will face some changes due to construction work that will take place at the park this summer.

  Launch of an adapted sports season at Parc Jean-Drapeau

  Monday, May 15, 2023, 130 KB

2021

• Schedule change due to curfew

  December 31, 2021

  For the duration of the curfew put in place by Public Health, the schedule of winter activities has been changed to end at 10 p.m. The winter bike path which allows transit by bicycle will not be affected by these changes.

• The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau announces the creation of its Indigenous Advisory Committee

  December 15, 2021

  After making reconciliation a commitment in its 2020-2030 Management Plan, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) is pleased to introduce its permanent Indigenous Advisory Committee, whose primary objective will be to ensure the Société adheres to this engagement. Working as a steering body, the advisory committee will contribute to the Parc's decision-making process on Indigenous-related matters.

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau announces the creation of its Indigenous Advisory Committee

  Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 1 MB

• Parc Jean-Drapeau announces its winter program

  December 7, 2021

  Although winter doesn't officially begin until December 21, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) is getting an early start to the season by announcing the main components of its winter program, which extends from December 18, 2021 to March 6, 2022. The activities are free and open to all, and they take place in a setting which is a one-of-a-kind playground in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River, a venue easily accessible by subway.

  Parc Jean-Drapeau announces its winter program

  Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 222 KB

• Vaccination at Piknic Électronik

  July 9, 2021

  Parc Jean-Drapeau and Piknic Électronik are both taking part in the collective effort deployed by Public Health to raise public awareness of the importance of vaccination against COVID-19.

  This Sunday, July 11, in partnership with the CIUSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, a pop-up vaccination clinic will be set up at the entrance of Piknic Électronik site on île Sainte-Hélène.

  This special operation, which aims to reach 18-35 year olds, will possibly be repeated in the coming weeks. Accessibility hours will be from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the evening.

  Note : vaccination is available to anyone who visits Parc Jean-Drapeau and not just festival goers, for a first or second dose!

• Temporary closure of the ramp between the Concorde Bridge and Chemin Macdonald on Île Sainte-Hélène

  June 30 2021

  Construction work needs to be done by the City of Montréal on the ramp leading to the Concorde Bridge from île Sainte-Hélène from 10 p.m. on July 4, to 9 p.m. on July 9. During the construction works, the access ramp will be inaccessible for cars, bicycles and pedestrians.

  Temporary closure of the ramp between the Concorde Bridge and chemin Macdonald on Île Sainte-Hélène

  Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 1 MB

• Opening of Parc Jean-Drapeau's Aquatic Complex

  June 4 2021

  One of the finest outdoor aquatic complexes in Canada officially reopens its doors for the summer season at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Saturday, June 5. The recreation pool for open swimming and lap swimming for the general public will be open on the first two weekends of June before being accessible every day during the summer, starting on June 19. Whether it's with your family or friends, or alone, the Aquatic Complex has something to please every swimming enthusiast.

  Opening of Parc Jean-Drapeau's Aquatic Complex

  Friday, June 4, 2021, 221 KB

• Vaccination at Parc Jean-Drapeau's Espace Paddock

  May 19, 2021

  The Espace Paddock facility at Parc Jean-Drapeau will be accommodating Vaccination — Pit Stop, a temporary vaccination centre for people who want to have a bike-thru vaccination on May 29-30, or a drive-thru in their car on June 5, 6, 12 and 13.

  Montrealers and people from surrounding areas who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can go to Île Notre-Dame for their vaccination while being granted rare access to the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix paddock.

  May 29-30, 2021	Cyclists only No car accepted Make sure to book your appointment on clicsante.ca. Some doses will be available without appointment while supplies remain. Take a look at the plan to learn how to get to the vaccine clinic by bike.
  June 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2021	Car only No cyclist or motorcycle accepted Make sure to book your appointment on clicsante.ca avant de vous présenter. Take a look at the plan to learn how to get to the vaccine clinic by car.

  The Parc Jean-Drapeau team is proud to be able to help with this initiative by providing free use of the Espace Paddock facility, along with its support and expertise to ensure everything goes smoothly with the vaccination process on the island.

  Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve will continue to be accessible to everyone, as usual, during the vaccination period. Please be careful on the circuit. Access for the bike-thru vaccination will be on the Route verte trail. Further details will follow.

• Cancellation of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2021

  May 3, 2021

  After several days of uncertainty, the authorities in charge announced the cancellation of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2021, which was to have been held in June on Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

  The cancellation was for hygienic reasons, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the population.

  The cancellation of this year's race does not jeopardize future Grand Prix events in Montréal. The contract signed with the Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC) to stage the Canadian Grand Prix in Montréal was scheduled to run until 2029, and it has now been extended until 2031.

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau teams will be ready next year to put all the required installations in place to host the event and make use of the Espace Paddock facility which opened in 2019.

• Dévoilement du Plan directeur de conservation, d'aménagement et de développement du parc Jean-Drapeau 2020-2030

  14 avril 2021

  La mairesse de Montréal et la Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD), rendent public aujourd'hui le Plan directeur de conservation, d'aménagement et de développement du parc Jean-Drapeau 2020-2030. Ce plan vise à faire du parc Jean-Drapeau un lieu emblématique reconnu et une irrésistible carte de visite pour Montréal, susceptible d'attirer les visiteurs des quatre coins du globe, non seulement grâce à la diversité des expériences individuelles et collectives qu'il offre en rapport avec la nature, les paysages, l'histoire, la culture et le sport, mais aussi pour son engagement environnemental, en tant que laboratoire des meilleures pratiques en développement durable.

  Dévoilement du Plan directeur de conservation, d'aménagement et de développement du parc Jean-Drapeau 2020-2030

  (French only), Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 88 KB

• The Biosphere joins Space for Life

  April 12, 2021

  The governments of Canada and Quebec and the City of Montréal commit to the future of the Biosphere.

  The museum will join the Space for Life museum complex — a service of the City of Montréal — whose scientific, educational, cultural and social missions correspond to the activities of the Biosphere.

  The Biosphere will be able to resume its activities once the integration of operations within the City of Montréal is completed and when the circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic allow a safe return for employees and visitors.

  The details of this collaboration can be found in the following press release.

• Bike link fully reopens

  April 10, 2021

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) announces the full reopening of the bike path linking Montréal / Saint-Lambert / Champlain Bridge Estacade / Sainte-Catherine starting today, April 10.

  The SPJD advises users of the bike link that the detour on the Victoria Bridge will be continued this season. Cyclists must use the safe passage section of the traffic lane because the cycling overpass is still unusable.

  Bike link from Montréal to Sainte-Catherine fully reopens

  Saturday, April 10, 2021, 124 KB

• Emerald ash borer

  April 4, 2021

  Parc Jean-Drapeau has a duty to preserve the integrity of its ecosystems and that's why you may have noticed a tree cutting operation on site.

  Trees down are sadly infested with the emerald ash borer, an insect that tackles the essences of ash trees. Our teams will recover the cut wood to give it a second life by transforming it either into chips for the amendment of our floors or into planks for our various projects.

  The operation will be followed by a planting of indigenous trees and shrubs to maintain the ecological integrity of our environments.

• Reopening of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve for cyclists

  April 2, 2021

  Taking advantage of the nice weather to speed up the track maintenance process, the Parc's staff was able to finish its track-cleaning operations, erect signage and implement one-way traffic as of Thursday, April 1.

  Reopening of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve for cyclists

  Friday, April 2, 2021, 205 KB

• Contraintes supplémentaires en raison du confinement

  7 janvier 2021

  Pour la durée du couvre-feu mis en place par la Santé publique lors du second confinement, l'horaire de certaines activités hivernales a été modifié pour se terminer à 19 h. De plus, l'accès à l'île Notre-Dame sera impossible après 20 h.

  Le parcours cyclable hivernal qui permet le transit à vélo ne sera pas affecté par ces modifications.

2020

• This winter, it's an outdoor playland at Parc Jean-Drapeau!

  December 15, 2020

  Even though winter's official arrival isn't until December 21, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) eagerly got a head start by unveiling the main features of its new winter program, which will run from December 19, 2020 to March 7, 2021. The program has something for everyone, in a unique playground-type of setting in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River that is easily accessible by taking the métro.

  With the help of Québec Government funding, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is enhancing its winter offering and enabling park users to fully embrace the joys of winter in the city. While the pandemic has forced the cancellation of the 2021 edition of the Fête des neiges de Montréal, there's no need to be confined to staying indoors!

  This winter, it's an outdoor playland at Parc Jean-Drapeau!

  Tuesday, December 15, 2020, 220 KB

• Closure of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and the bike path for the winter season

  December 9, 2020

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is announcing a series of changes for the use of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and the closing of the bike link.

  Closure of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and the South Shore bike path for the winter season

  Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 142 KB

• Unveiling a winter cycling route on île Sainte-Hélène

  December 8, 2020

  To welcome cyclists all year round, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau will be providing a winter cycling route between the Jacques-Cartier and Concorde Bridges. The winter bike trail, which will cross île Sainte-Hélène by going through a combination of multi-purpose and vehicular roadways, will have snow removal on a regular basis so cyclists can enjoy safe travels all winter long. Blue signs with snowflakes will inform cyclists of the route to use.

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau announces the unveiling a winter cycling route on île Sainte-Hélène to ensure active mobility year-round

  Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 157 KB

• Espace Paddock receives Kéroul certification

  November 2, 2020

  Accessibility certified by an evaluator from the Kéroul organization, Espace Paddock meets all of the criteria relating to visitors' accessibility while on the premises, thereby rendering an enjoyable experience for people with mobility restrictions.

  Please check the complete information sheet for all of the details about the levels of accessibility and the list of services offered.

• La Société du parc Jean-Drapeau remporte le prix Interentreprises

  23 octobre 2020

  French only

  C'est à l'occasion de la remise des Prix Leaders en mobilité durable de Voyagez futé le jeudi 22 octobre dernier, que la SPJD a remporté le prix Interentreprises | Leaders en mobilité durable. Ce prix a été remis à la SPJD en reconnaissance à tout ce qui a été fait au Parc en 2020 pour favoriser la mobilité durable. Réduction et conversion de certains espaces de stationnement, amélioration de la desserte du transport collectif, ainsi que du service piétonnier et cyclable, ne sont que quelques exemples des mesures ayant été mises en place et qui ont connu un vif succès.

  Merci à nos partenaires, le Musée Stewart, la Biosphère, La Ronde et le Casino de Montréal pour leur grande collaboration dans ce projet de mobilité durable.

  Revoir la remise de prix

• Daedalus and Icarus, Espace Paddock's latest art work

  September 25, 2020

  Mathieu Lévesque has won the competition held by the City of Montréal's Bureau d'Art Public Art Bureau for the creation of an Espace Paddock art work.

  The sculpture he designed is composed of golden geometric shapes that appear to be going across the floor of the new building's upper level. The concept is derived from the myth of Daedalus and Icarus, evoking the connections between motor sports and the mythological father-son duo. The descriptive work also provides a human-scale experience that enables people to discover and appreciate the work from other viewpoints in conjunction with the architecture and landscape.

  All the details

• Announcement of a summer travel plan | Setting up safe active transportation circuits at Parc Jean-Drapeau

  July 21, 2020

  La Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) is currently rolling out its summer travel plan, developed in conjunction with the City of Montréal summer travel plan, and in this regard it will be helping in setting up the Montréal parks' system, which got underway last month. By making large public spaces available and accessible to visitors through the creation of active transportation circuits, the SPJD is promoting active travel in the battle against COVID-19 and is offering an entirely new experience at the Parc.

  Announcement of a summer travel plan

  Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 293 KB

• Opening of a bypass road on the Victoria Bridge connecting Saint-Lambert to parc Jean-Drapeau

  July 17, 2020

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) announces the opening of a bypass road to the Victoria Bridge connecting Saint-Lambert to the Parc Jean-Drapeau / Estacade / Sainte-Catherine section (Bike Link), which is an integral part of the Trans Canada Trail and the Route verte, starting Saturday July 18.

  The Corporation de la Voie maritime has in fact agreed to make one of its vehicular passages available to cyclists, which will be secure and will act as a bypass road.

  Ouverture d'une voie de contournement à la passerelle du pont Victoria reliant Saint-Lambert au parc Jean-Drapeau

  (French only), Friday, July 17, 2020, 128 KB

• Opening of the Aquatic Complex

  July 15, 2020

  One of Canada's finest aquatic complexes will again be accessible to users as of Saturday, July 18. The three swimming pools at Parc Jean-Drapeau are reopening to swimmers, for competitive training purposes or for a relaxing time in the water, either alone or with your family.

  Opening of the Aquatic Complex

  Wednesday, July 15, 2020, 167 KB

• Nomination de Me Selena Lu au conseil d'administration de la Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

  9 juillet 2020

  French only

  Le comité exécutif annonce la nomination de Me Selena Lu au conseil d'administration de la Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD), et ce, pour un mandat de 3 ans. Cette nomination, qui sera effective lors du CA de septembre prochain, fait suite à une résolution du comité exécutif adoptée le mercredi 8 juillet 2020.

  Avocate de formation, madame Lu est depuis 2019, associée au cabinet Lavery Avocats. Oeuvrant en droit des affaires, elle s'occupe entre autres de la négociation et de la mise en oeuvre des transactions commerciales incluant l'achat et la vente d'actifs et d'actions ainsi que le financement pour le compte de sociétés fermées.

  Nomination de Me Selena Lu au conseil d'administration de la Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

  (French only), Thursday, July 9, 2020, 197 KB

• Opening of Jean-Doré Beach

  July 8, 2020

  On the heels of the Olympic Basin's reopening, the next facility to do so is Jean-Doré Beach, whose official opening will occur on Saturday, July 11. The time has come to safely enjoy the summer season with family and friends at this veritable island of refreshing coolness, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau, which is just a few steps from home.

  Opening of Jean-Doré Beach

  Wednesday, July 8, 2020, 159 KB

• Reopening of the parking lots at Parc Jean-Drapeau

  July 2, 2020

  Parc Jean-Drapeau officially reopens all the parking lots located on Île Notre-Dame as well as parking lots P7 and P13 on Île Sainte-Hélène.

  The other parking lots will gradually open during the month of July.

• Reopening of the rock-climbing wall at Parc Jean-Drapeau

  June 26, 2020

  The Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) announces the reopening of its Rock climbing wall

  After conducting maintenance work and receiving the go-ahead from the Public Health Department for doing rock-climbing activities in the province, Parc Jean-Drapeau is now ready to welcome climbers on its site. Consequently, parking lot P13 (near the Stewart Museum on Île Sainte-Hélène) will be re-opened for sports enthusiasts. The climbing wall will be accessible from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 27 to November 30, 2020.

• Implementation of the opening process for Jean-Doré Beach, the Aquatic Complex and the Olympic Basin

  June 21 2020

  In collaboration with the administration of the City of Montréal, the SPJD announces the beginning of the opening process for the Jean-Doré Beach, the Aquatic Complex and the Olympic Basin.

  For each of these sports facilities, measures will be taken to comply with the instructions of the health authorities. Logistical requirements being numerous for each of these infrastructures, the opening dates will vary for each installation, but should be expected during the first three weeks of July.

  * Update June 25, 2020: Please note that the 3 pools of the Aquatic Complex will be open this summer, and not only the recreational pool, as previously announced in the press release below.

  Mise en place du processus d'ouverture de la plage Jean-Doré, du Complexe aquatique et du Bassin olympique au parc Jean-Drapeau

  (French only), Sunday, June 21, 2020, 205 KB

• Espace Paddock wins the Ordre des Architectes du Québec 2020 prize

  June 10 2020

  The Espace Paddock, created by Les Architectes FABG, was awarded the Grand Prix d'excellence 2020 by the Ordre des Architectes du Québec! The infrastructure has also earned the Innovation mention.

  The Jury also applauded the careful planning and use of an impressive number of prefabricated components thanks to which this major project, which consisted in replacing the old Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve paddock, could be carried out in as little as ten months by a new permanent building meeting the requirements of the Formula 1 World Championship.

  Congratulations to all the professionals who worked on this colossal project.

  More details

• Isabelle Bonneau is named Director general of the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

  June 3 2020

  Isabelle Bonneau has been appointed the new Director General of the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD), effective July 6. The appointment, approved today by the City of Montréal's executive committee, ratifies the recommendation made by the SPJD's Board of directors. Ms. Bonneau's appointment comes after the retirement of the current Director General, Ronald Cyr, who has served as the DG since April, 2015.

  Isabelle Bonneau is named Director general of the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

  Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 161 KB

• Fermeture de la passerelle cyclable du pont Victoria vers Saint-Lambert

  29 mai 2020

  La Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) annonce la fermeture de la passerelle cyclable du pont Victoria vers Saint-Lambert pour des raisons de sécurité, et ce, pour toute la saison 2020.

  Une firme d'ingénieur a confirmé que la passerelle a des problèmes structuraux et seule sa reconstruction complète permettra d'en assurer la sécurité. La SPJD travaille en étroite collaboration avec les divers intervenants au dossier, afin de trouver une alternative qui permettra de rétablir un lien cyclable temporaire jusqu'à la fin des travaux à venir.

  Les cyclistes en provenance de Saint-Lambert qui souhaitent traverser vers Montréal doivent emprunter les pistes multifonctionnelles des ponts Jacques-Cartier et Samuel-de-Champlain.

  Fermeture de la passerelle cyclable du pont Victoria vers Saint-Lambert

  (French only), Friday, May 29, 2020, 202 KB

• Reopening of the Île Notre-Dame cycling network at parc Jean-Drapeau

  May 21, 2020

  Île Notre-Dame will officially reopen on Saturday, May 23. It is the bike link section of the Sainte Catherine / Estacade (Champlain Bridge Ice Control Structure) / Parc Jean-Drapeau, which is an integral part of the Trans Canada Trail and the Route verte, as well as the entire Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve that will be accessible to cyclists.

  Users must, however, respect the physical distance measure of 2 meters at all times, as recommended by the public health department.

  Reopening of the Île Notre-Dame cycling network at parc Jean-Drapeau

  Thursday, May 21, 2020, 173 KB

• Ouverture du lien cyclable Sainte-Catherine / Estacade / Île-des-Soeurs

  9 mai 2020

  La Société du parc Jean-Drapeau annonce la réouverture annuelle du lien cyclable Sainte-Catherine / Estacade / Île-des-Soeurs. Ce lien cyclable, situé en bordure de la voie maritime devait ouvrir le 15 avril dernier, mais était demeuré fermé en raison de la pandémie et des mesures mises en place par la Direction de la santé publique.

  Les cyclistes devront cependant faire preuve de patience pour ce qui est du tronçon Estacade / Parc Jean-Drapeau qui mène à la Route verte et au circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. En effet, la crise actuelle retarde son ouverture en raison de potentiels rassemblements de cyclistes sur l'Île Notre-Dame et particulièrement autour du circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

  Ouverture du lien cyclable Sainte-Catherine / Estacade / Île-des-Soeurs

  (French only), Friday, May 8, 2020, 148 KB

• Cancellation of summer events planned at Parc Jean-Drapeau

  May 8, 2020

  As requested by the Institut national de santé publique and Government of Quebec, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau is announcing that no sporting or cultural events, including festivals, will take place on its site until August 31, 2020.

  Questions pertaining to specific events (reimbursements, new dates, etc.) should be directed to their organizers.

• Closure of Île Notre-Dame

  April 5, 2020

  We would like to inform the public that Île Notre-Dame (including the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve) is closed to the general public until further notice due to the current crisis surrounding the Coronavirus.

  Ville de Montréal press release

• Indoor and outdoor assembly

  March 24, 2020

  As of this week, the Quebec Government announced that all indoor and outdoor assemblies are prohibited to ensure the health and safety of the population and to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

  The Council of Ministers having adopted on March 20 a decree aimed at renewing the state of health emergency until March 29, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau will apply this same ban on assembly on its territory.

• Parc Jean-Drapeau's buildings
  Closed for an indefinite period

  March 23, 2020

  In order to control the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus and to respect the measures put in place by the City of Montréal and the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, The Pavillon CJPX, the Pavillon du Canada, the Athletes' Quarters and the Aquatic Complex will be closed to the public for an indefinite period and have undergone disinfection work.

• Covid-19
  Preventive Measures

  March 18, 2020

  Since the beginning of March, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD) has implemented important preventive measures regarding its employees health and safety.

  These measures include the reduction of field workforce, the increase of teleworking, the improvement of technological means available to employees and the implementation of a campaign to clean up workspaces, in order to ensure essential functions and business continuity of the Société.