Hydro chooses Grande Bibliothèque site
Despite resistance from various quarters, Hydro‑Quebec has definitely chosen the Grande Bibliothèque site for the new substation it needs to build within 500 m of the existing substation nearby up the hill on Berri.
Taylor 19:16 on 2025-02-07 Permalink
ELI5
Why can’t they build a new substation atop the old one?
That is a primo piece of greenspace in an area that needs all the breathing room it can get.
Nicholas 23:08 on 2025-02-07 Permalink
Taylor, it is really hard to build extra floors on a building in situ (unless it was designed to be expandable). The piles and walls and so on are not designed to take tons of extra weight. Unless some architects and engineers have some solution, it would mean tearing down the current building, which would mean no power for much of that part of downtown for years, something that’s not happening.
And there are so many little parks and green spaces around that area that I’ve not once decided to sit in that park, especially given it’s right across from the bus and police station on a loud, busy road. Maybe a dozen within 250 m.
dhomas 07:30 on 2025-02-08 Permalink
What will happen to the old substation? When the project is complete, can they tear it down and turn THAT lot into green space?
In an ideal world where cost were no obstacle, I would love to see the new substation temporarily built on the Grande Bibliothèque lot, the old substation torn down, then the temporary substation moved back to its original location. One can dream!
Kate 11:27 on 2025-02-08 Permalink
dhomas, I don’t think that would be a favourable spot for a pocket park. That steep little hill between Ontario and Sherbrooke has never been a strolling street and it would be a challenge to landscape. Don’t know what they could do with that lurking chunk of brutalism either if they wanted to save it.
DeWolf 13:23 on 2025-02-08 Permalink
I have my doubts Hydro-Québec is going to deliver a substation that is a worthwhile addition to the area, but let me play the devil’s advocate here…
Considering there is a sculpture park next door and Berri Square just down the street, what exactly is the benefit of this green space? It’s a patch of empty grass. Aside from one or two people tanning themselves in the sun, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone actually use it.