St. Joseph’s Oratory Redevelopment

A spectacular transformation for a Montreal icon

We have secured the contract for the redevelopment of Saint Joseph's Oratory, the largest religious building in Montreal.

Our impressive achievements

We have created a new pavilion of 5,814 m² (62,582 ft²) housing a restaurant, a shop, and a unique glass campanile, accommodating 62 bells weighing a total of 20,000 kg. These bells, after a long journey from their manufacturer in France, the Paccard foundry in Annecy-le-Vieux, have found their place in this majestic structure. In addition to the 56 restored bells, six new bells have been added, refurbished after 68 years of use. The chime of these bells resonates on the glass structure, creating a unique and enchanting sound. This carillon is the only one in Quebec and one of 11 in Canada.

The pavilion provides greater accessibility for people with reduced mobility. The legendary pilgrimage stairs, with more than 110 steps, have been carefully renovated. The central part in rare red cedar is bordered by granite sides, offering a historical and secure climbing experience.

The new forecourt of the Oratory, covering a total area of 16,427 m² (176,818 ft²), has been landscaped to welcome visitors in a green and harmonious setting. The parking lot has been redesigned to facilitate access, and a retaining wall has been renovated to ensure the stability and safety of the site.

The goal is to obtain LEED Silver certification

The project aims for LEED Silver certification and meets all the necessary criteria for success. The focus is on waste elimination in the City of Montreal's drainage system, proper disposal of all aerosols, and project containment through barriers and partitions.

Challenges mastered

Installating a cross-laminated timber ceiling

The challenges we faced include the installation of the cross-laminated timber (CLT) ceiling of the new pavilion, consisting of 74 panels weighing approximately 44,000 kg (97,000 lb). The prefabricated panels, arriving on-site with their own hardware and pre-drilled holes, required millimetric accuracy and meticulous coordination, involving the use of a crane and many hours of planning. Thanks to our expertise developed on other projects, we successfully completed this complex operation. 

Assembling the glass campanile

The assembly of the glass structure of the campanile also presented challenges due to its complexity, and the bells arriving from France required careful management and handling. Additionally, managing and coordinating traffic and parking during the work required logistical expertise, given that this site is one of the most visited places in Quebec.

A successful synergy

The collaboration between Pomerleau and Saint Joseph's Oratory was essential for the success of the project. Together, we worked in close coordination to ensure that every aspect of the redevelopment met the high standards and expectations of the Oratory. Through constant communication and meticulous planning, we were able to modernize the Oratory while preserving its historical character. This fruitful collaboration not only facilitated access to the Oratory for all users and tourists but also strengthened our partnership with the Oratory.