Barely three years after its construction, Montreal must already modify the awning of Plaza Saint-Hubert to prevent injuries from falling snow and ice.
The City has just put out a call for tenders to find a contractor to install “snow guards” on the steel structure. She estimates that the work will cost 1.1 million.
“Contrary to the original premise, the awning does not hold the snow in place”, noted the officials of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie in 2021. The situation can “cause significant injuries or even death”.
As a result, the borough had to have the canopy cleared of snow for the past two winters.
Montreal now wants a permanent solution, hence its call for tenders for the installation of snow barriers. Le Journal de Montreal reported the news first on Tuesday. Interested contractors must bid by April 27.
“The chosen solution will minimize the risk of snowslides during mild spells,” said elected official Sophie Mauzerolle, of the executive committee, in a written response filed Monday with the city council. “For the sake of architectural integration, the elements will be set back slightly and will be painted the same color as the marquee. The anchor supports will be welded or screwed in front of the structure, but this detail will be hidden by the existing flashing. »
“The snow retention system installation work will be done in the fall of 2023 and will take place over 14 weeks,” continues Ms. Mauzerolle’s response. “The contractor shall maintain the traffic lane, pedestrian corridors and access to businesses. The parking supply will have to be reduced during the works. »
The new marquee cost taxpayers $22 million. It was designed by Chevalier Morales Architectes, Régis Côté et Associés, Lateral and Stantec.
