Revitalizing a key tourist area in the Laurentians: Creating a downtown public space
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At the intersection of Labelle and Saint-Jovite Streets you’ll find Espace Public—a dream shared by citizens and elected officials alike that has finally become reality. Like many cities, the municipality of Mont-Tremblant wanted to provide a fun, friendly area where people could gather.
The project was launched following the acquisition of two downtown lots, which allowed for an area large enough to create a gathering space for shows, activities, festivals, exhibitions, an open-air cinema, and a wide range of events for everyone.
Since its opening, Espace Public has hosted music festivals, pop-up installations, and shows on a moveable stage. It’s also become a place for locals and visitors alike to stop by for lunch, relax, get to know one another, and even enjoy a friendly game of chess. Grassy, tree-lined areas provide recreational zones that feature parklets, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables with integrated checkers and chess boards.
Although the new installations have a contemporary feel, the city wanted to retain some of the area’s history. Wood pieces from the former Paquin general store and post office were therefore used to build the façade of the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Information Centre, and SAAQ—preserving familiar parts of Saint-Jovite’s past.
“It was important to remember our local heritage,” says Jean-Benoît Crosnier, Mont-Tremblant’s Head of Division, Parks, Green Spaces, and Municipal Buildings. “Our commitment to retaining a trace of the area’s history also influenced our choice of lighting. We opted for Cyclone’s Hudson four-sided lanterns, which reflect a style that’s found throughout the Mont-Tremblant area.”
The contemporary lines and traditional aesthetic of the Hudson luminaires fit seamlessly with Espace Public, giving the space a touch of yesteryear charm while maintaining the performance and practicality needed for the downtown area. “These luminaires also meet a wide range of needs, including providing a utility inlet at the base and receptacles at the top for decorations, as well as banner brackets that make it easy to change banners with the seasons or promote events,” says Mr. Crosnier.
Espace Public has provided the city of Mont-Tremblant with plenty of diversity all year long! From events and splash pads in the summer to a skating rink with built-in stereo system and natural gas fireplace in winter, this unique space has been thoughtfully planned and is destined to become the place to meet in the city.
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Project name:Espace Public in downtown Mont-Tremblant
Where: City of Mont-Tremblant
Category: Outdoor lighting
Product mentioned: Hudson lanterns
Photographer: David Boyer