Place George-V: Restoration

Learn about the project to restore Place George-V, which is located in front of the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury.

Project overview

Location

Québec, Quebec

Type of project

Restoration of Place George-V

Lead department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Firms responsible

OPTION aménagement Inc., CIMA + SENC, in consortium

SAHO Construction Inc.

Value

Roughly $7 million (taxes included) in contracts for:

design services
development of plans and specifications
site supervision
restoration work

Project status

Finished. Work began in May 2022 and was completed in July 2023. The official inauguration took place on October 11, 2023.

Project description

Place George-V is closely linked to the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury, as recognized by different heritage designations. Following the 2008 fire, we rebuilt the Armoury, combining heritage and modernity. The restoration of Place George-V was the final step in the full enhancement of the Voltigeurs de Québec Drill Hall National Historic Site of Canada.

Before the 2008 fire at the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury, Place George-V was mainly used by National Defence as a commemorative site and as a space for ceremonial military events. For the past several years, it has also been used by residents and tourists as a public space for large events. The restored Place George-V now better accommodates both these uses.

Sustainable development principles

We followed sustainable development principles when carrying out the project. It included a strategy to reduce the “heat island” effect. Heat islands are urbanized areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. Structures such as buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes like forests and bodies of water.

We reduced heat islands at Place George-V by using coatings that reflect little heat from the sun and by adding trees that cast shade and retain moisture and coolness.

The landscaping is well adapted to the region and its climate. It requires little maintenance. When it rains, the landscaping allows rainwater to seep into the ground, so less water reaches municipal sewers.

The Government of Canada invests in its historic sites to ensure they are preserved for future generations.

Key milestones

Year 2020

On November 17, 2020, we announced our project to restore Place George-V. At that time, we consulted with event and festival promoters to determine their needs with regard to the use of Place George-V. We also consulted with National Defence and the City of Québec before this meeting.

Year 2021

Following a call for tenders, we awarded a contract for $930,191.00 (taxes included) to OPTION aménagement Inc., CIMA + SENC, in consortium, to:

detail the design
complete the plans and specifications
provide site supervision during the upcoming restoration work

On March 12, 2021, the Government of Canada unveiled the redevelopment concept for Place George-V.

Year 2022

Following a call for tenders, we awarded a fit-up contract valued at approximately $6.4 million (taxes included) to SAHO Construction Inc. to perform the restoration of Place George-V.

Work began in May 2022.

A groundbreaking ceremony to launch the redevelopment work took place on May 27, 2022.

Year 2023

The restoration of Place George-V was completed in 2023. The site has been accessible to all since summer 2023.

Place George-V offers a large plaza, partly grassed and partly paved. It is better suited for large public events.

A commemorative pedestrian walkway facilitates movement between the various sites surrounding Place George-V. In the centre of this walkway, there are 4 commemorative monuments that were previously spread out on the property. Residents are also able to use the street furniture installed on the site.