An early 20th-century pier in central Montreal is to receive an overhaul by local firm Provencher Roy, which will add a towering beacon and a public promenade (+ slideshow).

Jutting out into the Saint Lawrence River, the 305-metre-long Alexandra Pier ? which encompasses the Iberville International Passenger Terminal ? will be transformed to provide a better experience for tourists, and extra amenities for locals.
Provencher Roy's proposal involves the reorganisation of the maritime terminal to accommodate higher demand for cruise ship arrivals.

It will be moved to the entrance of the pier, bringing passengers closer to the Old Port and shops. They will arrive at ground level to ease embarking, disembarking and the processing of luggage.
"This is a structuring project for the tourism industry, as well as for residents and visitors of Old Montreal, who will benefit from the revitalisation of the Alexandra Pier facilities," said Claude Provencher, architect and senior partner.
On the roof of the terminal, a landscaped esplanade will allow visitors to walk out to the river ? adding to the sequence of public spaces along the waterfront.

"From the project's outset, our aim was to extend the Old Port's linear park onto the pier," said architect Sonia Gagné. "We wanted to create a space that emphasises the historical richness of the site while also providing a park, a place to relax, and a space that people could make their own."

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