Architects say nixed Champlain Bridge design competition is big loss

Some Montreal architects saythe federal governments decision to cancel a design competition for thenew Champlain Bridgeis a missed opportunity.

Earlier this month, federal Infrastructure Minister DenisLebelannouncedthe much-needed replacement would be completed by2018, three years earlier than originally planned. But that new schedule comes without thearchitectural design competition that many had been expecting.

• New Champlain Bridge will be built by 2018, Lebel says

Instead, the design of the bridge has beenawarded to Danish architectPoulOveJensen,who will be working with engineers at Arup Canada, Inc. on the new Champlain.

Will this become the greatest boondoggle in Montreals history, making the Olympic Stadium look like childs play?-Stephen Leopold, Real Estateentrepreneur

CBCs Cinq Six spoke with Montreal architectsPhilippe Drolet andLouis Lemay, as well as Real Estate entrepreneurStephen Leopold, who foundedAudacit Montreal, a movement to replace the ChamplainBridge with an "architectural icon."

All three professionals agree on one thing opting out of thedesign competition is a major misstep.

LemaytoldCinqSix host Jeanette Kelly that a competition would bring out the best of Montreal talent, and provide an opportunity to shine on the international stage.

• Click here to listen toCinqSix's interview with Philippe Drolet
• Click here to listen toCinqSix's interview with Louis Lemay
• Click here to listen toCinqSix's interview with Stephen Leopold

He says that building strictly forpurpose and not pleasure leaves something wanting.

If we just think about building for the use, then we miss a point. We wouldnt have a Vienna, a Paris, a London, if we were just thinking about the use," he said.

Leopold agrees, and that's why he's still hoping to convince officials to hold a competition.

Recently the federal government released an updated schedule for the bridge's development. Originally planned to be completed in 2021, the replacement bridge is now set to be built by 2018.

Leopold sayshe's concerned about what kind of shortcuts are being taken in order to make that happen.

"All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the magic wand touches the Champlain Bridge, and bingo three of the eight years of construction have been knocked off. How is that done?"

"Will this become the greatest boondoggle in Montreals history, making the Olympic Stadium look like childs play?"