Opening of Place Bell - A world-class, state-of-the-art complex

LAVAL, QC, Aug. 31, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Today Laval inaugurated its Place Bell?a multi-functional complex featuring not only a 10,000-seat amphitheatre that can be converted into a performance venue, but also an Olympic skating rink with a seating capacity for 2500 spectators and a 500-seat community rink. "With Place Bell, Laval is installing a major landmark in the heart of its downtown area. Place Bell has been built in accordance with all rules and regulations and is a major driving force for economic development in the area. Moreover, it meets the needs expressed by the sports associations, which had long been waiting for such high-class facilities," pointed out Laval Mayor Marc Demers at the outset.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Mayor Demers, who was joined by Marcel Alexander, Chairman of the Board of Directors of La Cité de la culture et du sport de Laval; Geoff Molson, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club; Pierre Rodrigue, Vice-President, Industry Relations at Bell, as well as Francine Charbonneau, Minister responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying and Minister responsible for the Laval region, in order to proceed with the official inauguration of Place Bell.

"Place Bell will become an iconic landmark for the North Shore and Greater Montréal communities and will have concrete impacts on sports, cultural and economic development in Laval. By supporting municipalities in infrastructure projects such as this one, the Government is contributing toward the development of all regions in Québec," stated Francine Charbonneau, Minister responsible for Seniors and Anti-Bullying and Minister responsible for the Laval region.

Place Bell will be a unique place for the public to get together to enjoy sports and cultural activities. On the Olympic and community rinks, Laval's budding and high-level athletes will hone their speed skating, figure skating, hockey and ringette skills. Hockey fans and entertainment seekers will also be delighted with the new cultural activities offered here as well as the brand new team on the territory: the Laval Rocket.

"The construction of Place Bell and the arrival of the Rocket in Laval represent an important achievement for our organization, in terms of both sports and culture. Our objective is to give the City of Laval a competitive team and diversified entertainment under the guidance of evenko, while playing a leading role in the heart of the community," said Geoff Molson, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club.

"Every day, our young athletes will cross paths with professional and Olympic ones who will inspire them," added Mayor Demers.

"Bell is proud to bring its name to Place Bell, a vibrant hub for Laval which is becoming an important community gathering place for sports, entertainment and cultural events," said Pierre Rodrigue, Vice-President, Industry Relations at Bell. "Bell's advanced broadband wireless and fibre technology, installed throughout the complex, will provide an enhanced experience for sports fans, event-goers, Place Bell staff and all members of the community."

Project on time and on budget
As it may be recalled, Place Bell?which began construction in November 2014?was completed within slightly less than three years' time, with the building delivered ahead of schedule and for less than the previously announced budgeted amount of $200 million. Included in this amount, over $46.3 million comes from the Programme d'infrastructures Québec-Municipalités administered by the Québec government's Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Occupation du territoire. La Cité de la culture et du sport de Laval, the organization in charge of managing the Place Bell project, with the support of the Société québécoise des infrastructures, was given the responsibility, by Ville de Laval, of looking after the construction. In undertaking such responsibility, La Cité entered into a turnkey contract with Pomerleau. Marcel Alexander, very pleased with this accomplishment, commented: "Place Bell owes its success to the fact that everyone's creativity, talent, expertise and sustained efforts were all combined so well."

"I would like to thank all the stakeholders who invested monumental efforts to successfully complete the construction of this unique world-class building," emphasized Mayor Demers.

Works of art by artists of great renown
Place Bell will be exhibiting two superb works of art. Like a receiving line, Michel Goulet's Faire la vague installation will welcome visitors on the outdoor grounds. This work of art consists of 14 posts, which represent the 14 former municipalities in Laval. Then in the foyer, artist Louise Viger's La voie des souffles sculpture will make its symbolic colours and shapes sparkle: gold, silver and bronze.

In addition, a public artwork project to pay tribute to Henri Richard will also be integrated into Place Bell. With the consent of the Richard family?who is involved in the project?the public work of art will be installed next spring on the walls of the main entrance to Place Bell. In accordance with the public art management framework adopted by the City in 2016, it will be created following a competition open to Québec artists. Additional information will be unveiled in a few weeks' time, in early September.

SOURCE Ville de Laval