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Works at the plaine des Jeux

Société du parc Jean-Drapeau Building and development projects

The restoration of the plaine des Jeux (Playground) is one of the cornerstone projects of Parc Jean-Drapeau's Management and Development Plan! Renovations to the Playground's chalet and the picnic shelter have been underway since May 2022 and are ongoing to restore its open access to the public.


Restoration work

These two heritage buildings on Île Sainte-Hélène have a special place in the Parc and enhancing their profile is a worthy venture because they herald back to the first military occupations on the island.

Objectives:

  • Highlight the strong ties between the Playground, the Saint Lawrence River and the city of Montréal.
  • Provide the Playground's chalet with a new vocation and return the picnic shelter to its original vocation.

Features and components of the sector

Playground Chalet

The emphasis is on the restoration of the Playground Chalet's outer envelope, which is clad in breccia stone extracted from the island itself, and its copper roofing.

The indoor spaces are completely renovated so they are more open, functional and accessible. Sustainable and noble material, such as wood, will turn the chalet into a cozy refuge. The complete replacing of the windows and the adding of a skylight will bring natural lighting into the building.

From atop the stone bleachers overlooking the Playground, the chalet opens onto to a new slate-slab terrace, erected between the building and steps. Complemented by tables, the area will have an uninterrupted view of the Playground's grassland and an outstanding panorama of downtown Montréal.

Picnic shelter

The picnic shelter is also restored and turns into a more cordial place to visit! A slate terrace is built, with a host of furnishings set up on the premises: a circular bench, drinking fountain, trash, recycling and composting bins, a counter and community barbecue.

A revitalized landscape

The landscape layout surrounding these two buildings will be enhanced by the adding of urban furniture, lighting and wood foot bridges. The vegetation covering will be preserved and diversified by planting many types of tree species, of varying sizes.

  • Enhancing the woods' canopy by creating an ecological corridor to promote biodiversity and diminish the effects of heat islands.
  • A new forest that is thick and in continuity with Mont Boullé, will be established.
  • Enhancing the profile of the historic trails and masonry walls next to the two buildings.

Timetable

Phase 1

May 2022 to
April 2023


Playground Chalet

  • Restoration of the outer envelope of the chalet and its copper roofing.
  • Renovating the indoor spaces.
  • Completely replacing the windows and adding skylights.
  • Building a new terrace.
  • Adding urban furniture.

Picnic shelter

  • Completely restoring the shelter.
  • Building a new terrace.
  • Adding urban furniture.
Budget $6.8 million
Status In progress
Impact The Chalet de la plaine will not be open to the public while the work is going on.

Phase 2

August 2023 to
December 2024


Landscape layout

  • Enhancing the wooded areas' canopy.
  • Promoting historic trails.
  • Adding urban furniture.
Budget -
Status Has not started
Impact -

Learn more

To obtain more details or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact our staff.

Mobility

Getting to Plaine des Jeux

To make it easier to get around, here is the exact location of the plaine des Jeux at Parc Jean-Drapeau posted on Google Maps.

Jean-Drapeau Subway Station

The Jean-Drapeau subway station is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. To get to the Parc easily and quickly, the subway is still the best way to go!

River shuttle

During the summer season, Parc Jean-Drapeau visitors can use the river shuttle as a means of transportation, from the Vieux-Port de Montréal (Jacques-Cartier pier) and the city of Longueuil.

Users can also bring along their bikes and they have access to a network of cycling paths at each stop.

STM shuttle

Two STM shuttles provide a connection between the Jean-Drapeau subway station and various attractions:

To find out about STM shuttle routes and schedules, click here.

Bike

The Parc is one of the few places where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River on your bike: simply take the bike paths of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Concorde Bridge or the Bike link.

Walking

People can enjoy many of the cycling paths to get to or pass through the Parc Jean-Drapeau, either running or walking.

With more than 25 kilometres of trails and pathways, the Parc is a pleasant spot for hiking, all year round.

Parking

Motorists can get to Parc Jean-Drapeau by taking the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge.

Nearby parking areas: P7, P9, P10

Parking passes are available for the P7.

Taxibus service

You can reserve a taxi for your travels at the Parc by using a valid STM transport fare (ticket or OPUS card).

Schedule

September 3 to June 23
Monday to Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
  • The service is not offered on statutory holidays

Reservation

You need to reserve 30 minutes beforehand whenever you want to use this service : 514 273-6331 or online form

Taxibus stops

Métro Jean-Drapeau, Athletes' Quarters, La Ronde, Espace Paddock, Pavillon du Canada, Pavillon des Services and Pavillon de la Tunisie.

  • Subway
    Station
  • Taxibus
    service
  • STM
    shuttle
  • River
    shuttle
  • Bike
  • Walking
  • Parking