The mission and guiding principle of Phase 3 of the Samuel-de Champlain Promenade was to restore the St. Lawrence River to the people of Quebec. The transformation of the highway into an urban boulevard and the relocation of the railway allowed for the liberation of valuable square metres, conducive to the creation of a vast recreational and cultural park, fostering active mobility along a 2.5-kilometer stretch by the river. Favouring the boldness of simplicity, the project embodies a sense of permanence, creating an ambiance where the user feels privileged, enhancing a coastal heritage landscape. Furthermore, the project served as an opportunity to restore biodiversity to this neglected area by planting 1,055 trees, 28,950 shrubs, and 117,000 native herbaceous plants.
The outcome of this multidisciplinary effort stands as a source of collective pride and identity, aligning perfectly with its objective—to offer users a meaningful, enjoyable experience while championing goals related to public health, ecology, biodiversity, and climate action.