The entire system is being designed with a 50-year lifespan in mind, incorporating energy efficiency, insulation, and low-maintenance materials.
Emphasizing Sustainability
Rather than replacing the stadium altogether, the project team is focused on giving new life to an existing structure. That approach brings significant environmental advantages.
“Reusing this major piece of infrastructure means we avoid the massive footprint of demolition and new construction,” Guenfoud explains. “We’re also prioritizing sustainable materials like steel and glass and making sure systems are designed to minimize energy consumption over time.”
Sustainability goals are being integrated into material selection, construction methods, and long-term operational planning for the venue. Furthermore, the Olympic Park has implemented a plan to recover the materials from the old roof aimed at their reuse, recycling, or responsible disposal.
Honouring Architectural Heritage
Originally designed by French architect Roger Taillibert, the stadium remains one of Montreal’s most iconic structures. The roof replacement has been designed to complement its modernist lines and protect the architectural legacy.
“We’re working to highlight what makes this building special,” says Guenfoud. “Preserving the architectural identity of the stadium is a key part of the project.”
The form, proportions, and visibility of the structure will remain intact, with modern materials layered seamlessly into the original design language.
A Coordinated, Transparent Delivery Model
The project is being managed through a collaborative model that brings together engineers, architects, and contractors under a unified approach to risk management and project delivery. According to Guenfoud, this structure helps ensure that all parties are aligned and informed.
“It’s a model that promotes transparency in budget and schedule,” he notes. “Everyone is working toward the same goal: delivering a safe, functional stadium on time and within scope.”
A Year-Round Venue for the Future
Once complete, the stadium will once again be able to host events in all seasons—a significant improvement over the limitations of the past two decades.
“We’ll be able to welcome local, national, and international events 12 months a year,” says Guenfoud. “That opens up real possibilities for tourism, culture, sport, and economic development.”
With nearby assets like the Tower, the sports complex, and the surrounding esplanade, the revitalized Olympic Stadium will serve as an anchor for major events and regular community use alike.
Guenfoud sees the roof replacement as more than a structural upgrade. It’s also a statement about the long-term value of public infrastructure and thoughtful investment in Quebec’s built environment.
“We’re showing that an iconic facility can be updated in a way that’s respectful, sustainable, and forward-looking,” he says. “This project reinforces the role the Olympic Stadium plays, not just in Montreal, but in the life of the province, and internationally.”
For more information on the project, visit: https://toiture.parcolympique.qc.ca/
