This technical tour focuses on the restoration and modernization of Montreal City Hall, a heritage building of national significance located in Old Montreal, recognized as a historic site and situated within an area of exceptional heritage value. 

Carried out between 2017 and 2024, this project is one of the largest heritage restoration projects in Quebec. It aimed to preserve and highlight the building’s original architectural features while adapting it to contemporary requirements for safety, performance, and universal accessibility. 

The tour highlights the main areas of focus: 

• Heritage restoration: preservation of significant architectural elements (masonry, woodwork, stained glass, iconic spaces) and enhancement of the building’s historic character;  

• Upgrading to current standards and modernization: complete overhaul of mechanical, electrical, and safety systems, as well as reconfiguration of spaces to meet the current needs of the municipal administration;  

• Environmental performance: integration of high-performance systems and substantial reduction in energy consumption (up to approximately 75–80%), in line with municipal guidelines for decarbonizing buildings; 

• Accessibility and openness to citizens: creation of a public pathway, museum spaces, and amenities that promote a building that is more accessible, user-friendly, and transparent in its civic role;  

The project aligns with the City of Montreal’s objectives regarding ecological transition and the reduction of GHG emissions from buildings, a sector that accounts for a significant portion of emissions across the metropolitan area. 

This visit serves as an exemplary case study illustrating the integration of heritage conservation, environmental performance, and the transformation of existing buildings within a public institutional context.