The Commission de la Capitale Nationale du Québec launched an international ideas competition to help unlock the potential of the St. Lawrence River Shoreline in Québec City.
The site, which stretches over 8 km between the D’Estimauville area and Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, inspired us to explore the spatial, cultural, and sensory dimensions of the river. Studio Egret West's concept plays on the dual meaning of "ondes", which in French means both "water" and "soundwaves". Ondes Laurentiennes proposes a series of interventions aimed at the ecological, but also cultural, sensory, and spiritual rehabilitation of this multidimensional landscape.
Taming dissonance
It is time to reinstate the St. Lawrence River's place in the cultural identity of those who live along its shores. The proposals seek to overturn the power dynamic that shaped the coastline, amplify the voice of the Saint Lawrence River, and overcome and repair the landscape divide, revive the biodiversity of the coastline, but also to invite the coastal landscape to spread into the inland neighbourhoods.
Establishing resonance
The coastal trail offers an opportunity for the residents of Quebec City to reconnect with the Saint Lawrence River. The design aims to create a spectacular starting and ending point for a clearly defined cycling and walking route. To the south of the route, the design introduces two new tidal footbridges that connect the Bay of Beauport to the Beauport Flats, thereby creating a new natural park.
The design enhances the connections between the historic Maizerets Domain and the more intensively programmed Bay of Beauport, to create a consolidated destination green space for the city, composed of three elements. At the heart of this green space, a set of pavilions provides a place for people to reconnect with the Saint Lawrence River and learn more about its history, ecology, and significance to the coastline. At the northern end of the route, the design reimagines the Île d'Orléans Bridge as an elevated cycle path and pedestrian passage, repurposing this structure once the new road bridge is constructed.
Sequencing experiences
Walking, cycling, or driving along the coastal trail will allow people to reconnect with the history of the river, experience revitalised riverfront habitats, and have new cultural experiences through interventions that amplify the river's natural character. Users will hear the sound of the river, birds, and wildlife, as well as the rustling of the wind through the salt marsh grasses, restoring the previously broken physical and spiritual connection with the river.
Illustration by Maysa Phares.