The original Champlain Bridge deconstruction project, centered on the removal of the former bridge linking the cities of Montreal and Brossard, has received the prestigious Envision Gold rating from ISI for its exceptional sustainability performance. Managed by The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), a Canadian Federal Crown Corporation, the deconstruction of the bridge was carried out between 2020 and 2023 with a strong focus on sustainability throughout.

Following completion, the owner implemented the revitalization and shoreline redevelopment component of the project between 2024 and the spring of 2026, where sustainability was equally prioritized. With the Envision Gold rating, the project’s diverse and long-term sustainability achievements have been recognized and validated through an independent, thirty-party evaluation processed managed by ISI.

“The Envision Gold rating for the original Champlain Bridge deconstruction project is a proud recognition of our efforts to deliver the project differently — by protecting the St. Lawrence River environment, maximizing the value of recovered materials, advancing our knowledge on infrastructure, and creating a lasting community legacy through the Héritage Champlain Pathway,” said Sandra Martel, Chief Executive Officer of JCCBI.

“Congratulations to the entire team on earning Envision Gold for the original Champlain Bridge Deconstruction Project,” said Anthony Kane, President & CEO of ISI. “The project carefully safeguards various ecosystems, restores aquatic zones and enhances natural shoreline areas. This exemplary project truly reflects the spirit of Envision: by dismantling a structure that could no longer be used, the team seized the opportunity to ensure the local community inherits a cleaner, healthier, and more connected environment.”

Project Background

The deconstruction of the 3.4-kilometre (2.11 mile) bridge spanning the St. Lawrence River within a dense urban environment was technically complex and was completed using innovative methods rather than conventional demolition techniques. Working in a highly sensitive aquatic ecosystem, the project used temporary jetties and barge platforms to minimize environmental impacts. In January 2022, the project reached a key milestone in its staged deconstruction process with the controlled lowering of the 2,200-tonne, 117.5-meter (2,425 U.S. ton, 385.5 ft) central steel span onto a barge for subsequent dismantling operations. Overall, 96% of the former bridge material (by mass) was recycled or reused, including structural steel and concrete, and 100% traceability.

The original Champlain Bridge included large shoreline structures and dock-like platforms used for access and maintenance. As part of the deconstruction effort, two jetties covering approximately 1.5 hectares were dismantled, enabling the restoration of more natural shoreline conditions. This work supported the re-establishment of native vegetation and aquatic habitats, reconnected fragmented wetland and shoreline ecosystems, and restored more natural water flow and sediment processes along the river edge. In parallel, approximately 7 hectares of shoreline space were reclaimed and transformed into bicycle and walking paths, enhancing public access and active transportation opportunities. This integrated shoreline revitalization component is known as the Héritage Champlain Pathway.

Verified Sustainability Achievements

Resource allocation – Reduce construction waste – The project exemplifies how sustainable development principles, including the circular economy, are integrated into JCCBI projects. The deconstruction of this bridge generated 264,000 tonnes of materials (about 290,000 U.S. tons), 96% of which was recovered (reused or recycled). Plus, one of the public initiatives launched by the Corporation is a Canada-wide Material Reuse Competition to give a second life to steel components from the bridge. Ultimately, 11 creative projects were selected and allowed the Original Champlain Bridge to remain in the collective memory. In 2023, nearly 4,000 keepsake bridge rivets were also given out to the public.

Natural World – Enhancing Wetlands and Functional Habitats – The project went above and beyond to protect aquatic and riparian habitats. Some 88,000 m² (21.7 acres) of new aquatic habitat zones were created, alongside the restoration and improvement of existing habitat areas. Detailed environmental inventories made it possible to identify existing habitats and minimize impacts through adapted planning and targeted mitigation measures, particularly for reptiles, amphibians, and bird species. Collaboration with agencies such as Environment and Climate Change Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada informed the strategies implemented.

The project turned previously developed areas such as docks and industrial areas into natural areas. Shorelines were stabilized using bioengineering and rock-armoring techniques, promoting an ecological transition toward a natural substrate and a functional habitat for fish, waterfowl, and other species. The establishment of emergent wetlands, and the revegetation of the riparian corridor in coordination with surrounding infrastructure all strengthen ecological resilience and restored hydrological and wetland functions, thereby ensuring a long-term improvement of ecosystems within the project area.

Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement – The Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) prioritized sustainability considerations early on and for the project’s duration. As one example of this commitment, project partners were selected based on their demonstrated commitment to sustainability and approaches they proposed to deliver the work. In addition, the contractor was required to develop a robust environmental management system to manage the project and to report monthly on its sustainability performance.

In addition, JCCBI positioned itself as a leader in research and development for transportation infrastructure by providing researchers with access to components of the deconstructed bridge. This project was a unique opportunity to significantly improve the knowledge of infrastructure performance and sustainability. As a result, the owner launched a competition among Canadian research bodies, and more than ten research projects were selected, involving seven Canadian universities and research entities. In several cases, large bridge components were made available to research teams. The owner has positioned itself as a leader in research and development for transportation infrastructure and established the project as a model for the industry.

Rendering of the Héritage Champlain Pathway — Brossard sector

Quality of Life – The community will benefit from access to new public spaces. Three parcels of land were redeveloped through the Héritage Champlain Pathway component of the project in consultation with the surrounding community. In particular, nearly 7 acres of land in three areas (Île des Sœurs, Seaway Dike, and Brossard) have been reclaimed. Design strategies such as pedestrian bridges, the opening of sightlines, and the addition and preservation of cycling paths explicitly aimed to create and restore visual perspectives while balancing safety and aesthetic quality. Distinctive elements of the former bridge, including piers and reused materials, were identified, protected, and integrated for reuse or commemoration.

Local concerns were carefully integrated into a design that emphasized the development of active transportation solutions. Public consultations conducted throughout the process provided valuable input from citizens and stakeholders, ensuring that mobility and accessibility strategies aligned with community expectations.