The request for qualification for design-build services for the deconstruction of the original Champlain Bridge (2019-2023) was launched on March 8, 2019.

Interested firms had until May 28, 2019, to submit their application. The purpose of this request for qualification was to select three candidates who would then be invited to submit a proposal for the next step of the selection process.

JCCBI carried out a thorough and fair assessment of all submissions. An independent auditor (or external fairness monitor) was appointed to monitor the integrity of the submission evaluation process to ensure that the principles of integrity, fairness, and transparency were upheld and that the terms of the request for qualification process were followed.

The selected candidates had five months to submit a proposal.

This project aimed to select the tenderer whose proposal best meets JCCBI’s requirements. The evaluation of these proposals subsequently made it possible to determine the contractor or consortium to which the contract would be awarded.

Credit: JCCBI
The original Champlain Bridge.

A major three-year project

In 2019, the original Champlain Bridge has reached the end of its service life and has been deconstructed using a sustainable development approach. This major three-year project included several components including environmental protection, material reuse, research and development, and the "Heritage Champlain" project, which will enhance the shorelines for recreational and commemorative purposes.

Participatory approach

Nearly 5,000 people attended the various consultation activities. In May 2019, JCCBI held four “open house” events—two in Montréal, one on Île des Sœurs and one in Brossard—to inform the public about the project to dismantle the original Champlain Bridge and to gather ideas or proposals for enhancing the shorelines of the river and commemorating the existence of this structure.

An online survey, a co-design workshop and a creative collaborative design session held with various interest groups also enabled people to share their ideas with JCCBI. JCCBI then formed an advisory committee made up of 11 partners and stakeholders with a wide range of expertise.

Credit: JCCBI
Open house event.

Credit: JCCBI
Open house event in Montréal.

The Corporation also met with the 14 stakeholders from Brossard, Île des Soeurs and Greater Montréal to present the developments planned in connection with Heritage Champlain. Throughout the course of the project, JCCBI held six meetings with the local population to keep them informed of the progress made on the project.

Credit: JCCBI
Open house event in Île des Soeurs.