Montmorency Falls: $38,000 to protect a footbridge that is not used

Owner of a semi-submerged floating footbridge which cost it millions and would be “useless” as it stands at Montmorency Falls, Sépaq must pay $38,000 to prepare the structure for the winter season.

At the end of November, the state company concluded a $38,343 contract with the company Construction Interlag for the “winterization” of the semi-submerged floating footbridge at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency.

Announced in 2018 and delivered in 2023 two years late, this steel infrastructure has still not been put into service due to complications related to its operationalization. It currently rests on the west bank of the river.

“Sépaq assumes its responsibilities by ensuring that, although it is currently the subject of a legal dispute, the footbridge does not deteriorate on the towpaths where it is stored,” says Simon Boivin, spokesperson. speak to Sépaq.

Necessary work

Following an inspection, it was recommended to carry out various work before the frost, for example emptying the boxes, emptying the hoses and pipes, closing the openings and roofs as well as permanently blocking the wheels of the tracks. hauling.

In short, the contract aims “to ensure the best winter storage conditions” and the security of the premises, explains the spokesperson.

Last summer, The Journal revealed that Sépaq was ending its investments in the project and taking legal action against the designers.

In its request filed in Superior Court, the organization calculates that it has swallowed up $16.7 million to date and is claiming this amount from the firms Tetra Tech and CIMA+ for their concept, which is said to be “impractical.”

The gangway must be installed in the spring and removed in the fall, which would be more difficult than expected, particularly due to maritime conditions.

It is “a theoretical work, so difficult or impossible to install, [qu’il] is useless for Sépaq,” alleges the lawsuit.

The two companies intend to contest Sépaq’s request, according to documents filed in court.

Still on pause

In response to our questions, Sépaq confirms that the project is still on hold, but not formally abandoned.

Announced with great fanfare in 2018, the floating footbridge was to offer “a unique experience in the world”, allowing visitors to get closer “like never before” to the falls, right in the spray.

During construction, the costs of the circuit including the footbridge, called “Experience Chute”, have doubled.

These overruns were, however, at least partly offset as part of a larger investment plan, also including redevelopments in the sector at the top of the waterfall.

The budget envelope for this plan, which was initially $48.4 million in 2019, was increased to $53.9 million, we learned in October.