Since August 31, the people of Mont-Tremblant have been able to see a visual depiction of the future Espace public – the Public Space – and get an idea of how the heart of centre-ville will look for many years to come. Reactions were mixed when the panel was revealed, placed in the centre of the future space. Some details, however, have not been revealed. Let’s take a closer look.

The promoter’s building

It’s true that with its some 13 metres in height – three storeys – 63 metres in depth and 19 metres in width, Mr. Beaudoin’s building is impressive. Everything, however, depends on one’s perspective.While the illustration could be confusing, Mr. Beaudoin’s building represents in reality one third of the future Public Space.

It should be noted that the building will house six commercial premises on the ground floor and a dozen luxury condominiums spread over the top two floors. As promised, the Club des Bons Vivants will be relocated in the new building, under which there’ll be underground parking for thirty vehicles. Pre-leasing has begun. Nothing, however, leads one to believe, as we go to press, that a commercial offering will replace that of the Rachelle-Béry health store, whose disappearance many already regret.

From an architectural perspective, the building by Louis Beaudoin, who is known for his many contributions to the built heritage of the Ville de Mont-Tremblant, will be reminiscent of the convent that used to sit where the Jasey-Jay Anderson Park is now.

“Inspired by the history of our place in its proportions and shapes, the building will have a contemporary look in terms of its details and materials,” said architect Marie-Eve Labelle, of the firm Parent-Labelle Architectes.

The real Public Space

During the unveiling, which was attended by one hundred or so residents, Mont-Tremblant mayor Luc Brisebois invited those present to project themselves into this space in order to “grasp all the moments of happiness that it will provide.”

“Will it be a place where you meet with friends, one of relaxation, or of encounter?” he asked those present.

At the time, it was far from easy to contemplate. The presentation of the space, billed as a place where residents would gather, left many unsatisfied and was difficult to imagine as what the Ville said it would be: the Mont-Tremblant Public Space.

From another perspecitve…

Another illustration, seen from another angle, luckily makes Mr. Brisebois’s proposal easier to understand. With the space to accommodate the mobile stage and some 3,000 standing spectators, the future “Village square” will be equipped with a fire pit, water features, a wooden walkway leading to the Ruisseau Clair – providing universal access – and a gazebo that will allow people to view the peaceful waterway and the nature that surrounds it.

To replace earlier improvised bonfires around which visitors – well wrapped up against the cold – might have sat in Muskoka chairs, the fire pit will be fueled by natural gas. As to the water features, the current plans suggest that fountains will be transformed into outdoor ice rinks in wintertime. A small log cabin could then shelter the skaters.

“The council’s objective was to have a place full of life,” explains France Léonard, director of communication and public relations for the Ville de Mont-Tremblant. “The hope was to create an oasis right in the middle of downtown where people could linger and enjoy themselves.”

“It’s the start of something good,” says Mayor Luc Brisebois, referring to other anticipated developments without being able, to his regret, to tell us more during an interview with Tremblant Express. So…to be continued.