Pierrefonds-Roxboro’s Future Public Square Is Taking Shape
Pierrefonds-Roxboro will soon be home to a new public square, a landmark project that will transform the borough’s civic core.
A Visionary Project for the Community
Located in front of the borough hall and close to the new aquatic complex and the library, the future public square will become a gathering place where residents can meet, relax, participate in activities, and enjoy community events year-round.
Designed as a true civic hub, the future public square reflects a clear vision: to provide residents with a welcoming space that embodies the spirit of Pierrefonds-Roxboro while incorporating best practices in sustainable development, climate adaptation, and universal accessibility.
Covering approximately 11,000 square metres, this multifunctional public space will accommodate a wide range of everyday and special-event activities. It will also serve as a significant cooling oasis and an innovative example of flood-resilient design.
An Architectural Concept by WAA Montréal Inc. and Ponton Guillot
Following a multidisciplinary landscape architecture competition launched in December 2024, the team of WAA Montréal Inc. and Ponton Guillot was selected as the winning team to design this major public space. Their proposal impressed the jury with its architectural quality, community-oriented vision, and ability to address the climate challenges specific to the area.
Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027, and residents will be able to enjoy the new public square as early as spring 2028.
The winning proposal stands out through its integration of water as a central component of the public experience. A water square and misting features will create opportunities for cooling, relaxation, and play while highlighting the unique connection between Pierrefonds-Roxboro and the Rivière des Prairies, with its 27 kilometres of shoreline.
The project also includes generous green spaces, accessible seating and relaxation areas, and amenities designed to promote comfort and enjoyment for people of all ages.
A Project Designed for Climate Resilience
Beyond its role as a gathering place, the future public square will provide a practical response to the climate challenges facing the borough.
As Borough Mayor Dimitrios (Jim) Beis explains:
We decided to create a public square in response to the spring floods that have affected our borough in recent years. This new space will incorporate innovative flood-resilient design practices to help reduce the impacts of future flooding. It will also create a seamless continuity that strengthens residents’ sense of belonging and enhances their enjoyment of a space designed to reflect their expectations and aspirations
In addition to serving as an important cooling oasis, the public square will complement other transformative projects that will help revitalize the area while improving sustainable mobility and quality of life throughout the borough.
A Vision that Earned Strong Support
The jury praised the way the project creates a meaningful connection between the surrounding natural environment and the borough’s civic centre.
According to jury chair Mélanie Glorieux:
We particularly appreciated the concept’s extension of the Millennium Park woodland into the urban and civic space, creating a permeable public square and a welcoming opening onto Pierrefonds Boulevard.
The jury also highlighted the proposal’s civic presence and its ability to create a landmark public space that residents of Pierrefonds-Roxboro can take pride in for many years to come.
An Excellence-Driven Design Process
To ensure a project that reflected the borough’s ambitions, a multidisciplinary landscape architecture competition was launched in December 2024. Thirteen teams submitted proposals for this new public space.
Following a rigorous and anonymous evaluation process, four finalist teams were selected:
- ADHOC + Hélio Araujo + GBI
- NIPPAYSAGE + Eurêka Environnement
- Pelletier de Fontenay + Enclume + Nouveaux Voisins + LN Paysage
- WAA Montréal in collaboration with Ponton Guillot
The finalist projects were presented to the public on November 4, 2025, at the Pierrefonds Cultural Centre, allowing residents to discover the different visions proposed for this future landmark destination.
An Investment in the Future
The project is supported by a construction budget of $3.7 million, funded through the Pierrefonds-Roxboro BoroughTen-Year Capital Expenditure Program.
More than just a new public space, the future public square will become a signature destination where residents can gather, celebrate, relax, and enjoy neighbourhood life in a welcoming, accessible, and resilient environment.
Architectural Renderings
Scroll through the images below to view the architectural renderings of the future public square.
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