The original Champlain Bridge Deconstruction Project Earns Envision Gold Rating

Latest measure of sustainability achievement for a transformative project

The original Champlain Bridge deconstruction project, centred 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 Award, 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 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 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.

Read about the project’s verified sustainability achievements in the full project announcement below.