Montreal – Quebec Premier François Legault and Minister of Higher Education Martine Biron confirmed the authorization today for Polytechnique Montréal to begin work on the J.-Armand-Bombardier project. This expansion and renovation project will enable the engineering university to offer its community additional resources to shapea more sustainable world.

The estimated $356.2 million project will receive $268.8 million in funding from the Quebec government(of which $68.7 million has already been allocated for the preliminary stages) and $0.9 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

A decisive phase in campus development

A first milestone in an ambitious campus transformation plan, this project includes:

• The acquisition of the J.-Armand-Bombardier Pavillion in its entirety (formerly shared with Université de Montréal). The transaction closed in June 2024;
• Expansion of this Pavillion with the addition of a new wing and an underground link to the Main Pavillion;
• Renovation of the spaces vacated by Université de Montréal;
• Extensive renovation of a large section of the back of the Main Pavillion;
• Redevelopment and greening of outdoor spaces at the rear of the campus.

Users will move into the new spaces in the J.-Armand-Bombardier Pavillion in multiple phases. The first section is scheduled to open in September 2028, with the entire project, including extensive renovation of the Main Pavillion, set for completion in spring 2031.

Strengthening Polytechnique's contribution to Quebec's development

Polytechnique's student population has doubled over the past 20 years, reflecting its leading role in engineering education and research. With the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec projecting a need for 52,000 engineers over the next ten years, this project will make it possible to enrol more students and accelerate the training of the next generation of highly qualified engineers.

"This announcement marks a significant milestone in bringing to life a project of great importance to Polytechnique Montréal and to Quebec as a whole. It confirms the strategic significance of our role and value within education and research. The Quebec government's support will enable us to increase our capacity for innovation and skills development in engineering when society needs it most. This is a major leap forward for Polytechnique and a strong commitment to our scientific, technological and economic future." — Maud Cohen, President

Establishing a benchmark for sustainable advancement

The project will also provide Polytechnique with state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities to support innovation in areas with strong societal impact:

• Advanced materials and components, innovative processes and bioprocesses to make our industries more efficient and sustainable;
• Hydraulics and hydrology to address water supply challenges, reduce flood risks, optimize our hydraulic structures and improve the sustainability and resilience of our cities and infrastructure;
• Building mechanics to increase the energy efficiency of buildings;
• Mining engineering and geological engineering, to improve site restoration, develop the recycling of mining waste, and perfect geothermal energy.

The project will also promote technological entrepreneurship by creating dedicated spaces on campus for training and supporting student entrepreneurs.

"These new facilities will provide our faculty and students, who are among the most talented minds of their generation, with the environment they need to reach their full potential. They will stimulate creativity, advance knowledge and strengthen our ability to drive sustainable progress." — Foutse Khomh, Vice President, Research and Innovation

A campus designed to inspire and endure

The project also aims to make the campus more inclusive and aligned with the values of the next generation.

Leveraging Polytechnique’s prime location on Mount Royal, the renovations will foster both visual and physical connections with nature, while new indoor and outdoor communal spaces will encourage collaboration and enhance wellbeing.

Greening will be a core element of the project: 22,000 native plants will be planted to enhance the campus's outdoor spaces and support ecological connectivity with Mount Royal. Traffic will be redesigned to facilitate active mobility, with new pedestrian areas and bicycle facilities. An ecofriendly car park, a drainage swale and a sedimentation and bioretention basin will be constructed to manage rainwater effectively and naturally.

Finally, to further reduce its environmental footprint, Polytechnique will adopt geothermal energy, developing a conventional geothermal field and three standing column wells in collaboration with the Industrial Chair in Geothermal Energy for Standing Column Wells in Industrial Buildings.

"When it comes to sustainability, our goal is to set an example. We are taking concrete steps to create an environmentally responsible campus that is in harmony with its surroundings and meets the expectations of those who study, work and innovate there." — Jean-François Frigon,Vice President, Administration and Resources

More information on the project: https://developpementcampus.polymtl.ca/projetjab

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MEDIA ENQUIRIES AND INTERVIEWS  

Christian Merciari  
Media Relations and Spokesperson  
Communications Department  
Polytechnique Montréal  
514-742-8586  
christian.merciari@polymtl.ca