Upgrade of McTavish pumping station

Last updated July 25, 2025
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The pumping station was constructed in 1928-1932 and operates every day. Its aging equipment must be replaced to ensure the efficient distribution of drinking water. This summer, we are carrying out phase 2 of this upgrade, which began in 2020.

All you need to know about the work site

Where?

On Avenue du Docteur-Penfield between Rue McTavish and Avenue des Pins Ouest, near the McGill University district and Parc Rutherford.

When?

Summer 2025 to end of 2033

The construction site should be set up by the start of the 2025 school year. In the meantime, surveying work will be done and new permanent signage will be put in place.

What?

  • Make building more earthquake-resistant
  • Replace pumping equipment
  • Replace and upgrade the water distribution pipes
  • Upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
  • Replace and completely upgrade the power facilities
  • Do architectural renovation of the station while preserving its heritage
  • Do landscaping work around the station and in Parc Rutherford
  • Redesign the bank at the corner of Avenue du Docteur-Penfield and Rue McTavish.

Work phases

New permanent signs

To ease traffic flow in the area and keep the number of changes to a minimum, the changes to the direction of traffic flow and right of way on Rue Peel, Rue McTavish, Rue Docteur-Penfield and Rue des Pins Ouest will remain in effect until the construction work is finished. Traffic signs will be installed one month before the work starts. That way motorists can adapt to the changes gradually.

Summer 2025 to fall 2027

The station will be upgraded in several phases. For this first phase, which will last about 2 years, the work will include: 

  • Landscaping of the bank at the corner of Avenue du Docteur-Penfield and Rue McTavish;
  • Building a water recirculation system and changing a valve chamber;
  • Setting up temporary power facilities;
  • Upgrading part of the road around Parc Rutherford
  • Setting up a new parking lot, building a support wall, and putting in place a temporary building for the work site offices.

Why?

Objectives 

  • Ensure a reliable and steady water distribution service
  • Bring facilities up to standard
  • Improve maintenance and raise health and safety standards
  • Upgrade underground infrastructures serving the station
  • Make Parc Rutherford more permeable above the McTavish reservoir
  • Preserve the heritage character of the building and site. 

Benefits 

  • A steady drinking water supply for more than 1.25 million residents served by the McTavish reservoir.
  • Infrastructures that are more reliable and longer lasting
  • Improved operational flexibility
  • Collective heritage in good condition for future generations
  • Building more earthquake-resistant

Construction notice

You can find all the construction notices here.

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