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Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, one of the city’s most recognized landmarks, is undergoing a multi-year transformation aimed at restoring its year-round functionality and enhancing its role as a hub for large-scale public events. At the centre of this transformation is the complete replacement of its roof—an ambitious, technically complex infrastructure project now underway. 3
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Approved by the Government of Quebec in 2024, the new roof will address longstanding structural issues while preparing the stadium for at least 50 more years of use. The project is being led by the consortium Groupe Construction PomerleauCanam and the Olympic Park. Nadir Guenfoud, Vice President - Olympic Stadium’s Modernization and Roof Replacement, says the plan reflects a balance of engineering innovation, architectural respect, and long-term economic value. THE CASE FOR CHANGE The Olympic Stadium has faced ongoing roof issues since its original retractable Kevlar roof was installed in the 1980s. It was made permanent in 1990 after frequent tears and then replaced in 1998 with a Teflon-coated fiberglass structure that suffered similar problems. By 2024, that second roof had developed more than 20,000 tears and had reached the end of its lifespan. “In recent decades, winter use of the stadium was extremely limited,” says Guenfoud. “Since 1999, events weren’t allowed if snow or ice was in the forecast. It restricted the venue’s ability to fulfill its potential.” With a maximum capacity of 67,000, the stadium remains Quebec’s only facility capable of hosting more than 22,000 people indoors. A new roof was seen as essential to unlocking year-round usage and attracting a broader range of event organizers. 5
TACKLING A TECHNICAL CHALLENGE Unlike a new build, this project requires working within the constraints of a 50-year-old structure. The stadium’s unique shape and stress profile mean the dismantling of the existing roof and supporting systems must be done carefully. “This is a highly complex engineering effort,” says Guenfoud. “We’re removing and rebuilding critical structural components, like the technical ring, on a high-rise site that spans from ground level to 165 metres at the top of the tower.” New methods have been developed to carry out the dismantling safely, and work is staged across three primary zones (ground, roof and niche). The stadium has also been winterized to manage exposure to temperature extremes and protect against heavy rain, wind, ice, and snow: conditions that Montreal experiences regularly. PROJECT TIMELINE The roof replacement is being executed in three major phases: 2024: Dismantling of the existing roof 2025: Removal and rebuilding of the technical ring 2026–2027: Fabrication, assembly, and installation of the new roof system Each stage is planned to maintain site safety and minimize disruption to nearby activities and infrastructure. 2028: Olympic Stadium reopening 6
DESIGNING FOR LONGEVITY AND LIGHT The new roof will be fixed and built from durable metal panels engineered to withstand weather and wear. A translucent perimeter roof will allow natural daylight to filter into the stadium bowl, improving the atmosphere and energy inside the venue. “The design is about durability, but also about the experience for everyone using the space,” says Guenfoud. “We want it to feel bright, open, and modern.” 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 7
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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. 9
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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/ 11
As seen in BusinessEliteCanada.com https://toiture.parcolympique.qc.ca
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