A larger, greener, more welcoming space

The reopening of Square Phillips marks a major milestone: The completion of Phase 1 of the redevelopment of Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, between Rue Mansfield and Rue Bleury, and Avenue Union, adjacent to the square. Widened sidewalks, cobblestones and greening are restoring these downtown urban spaces to their former glory. 

The redevelopment of Square Phillips is part of the larger Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest project. As part of the upgrading efforts, 35 trees were planted, three times as many as before, and the number of green and floral spaces has doubled. A new seven-fountain lawn adds charm to the square in summer and highlights the restored Edward VII monument. Benches integrated into green islands now provide 75% more seating space. The square also features more than 80,000 granite paving stones.

Following the redevelopment project, Square Phillips now offers:

• An area more than 35 per cent larger 
• A lawn with seven water jets 
• Granite paving stones
• Restored monuments (Edward VII and Blue Bird) 
• Three times as many trees planted
• Double the number of green spaces 
• Distinctive street furniture
• 75% more seating space 
• New LED ambient lighting 
• A free WiFi network.

New, more reliable underground infrastructure

Before the Square was redeveloped, the public toilets dating back to 1931 were removed and the soil decontaminated. The outdated sewer and water, electrical and gas networks on Avenue Union were replaced. The gas networks were also repaired on Rue Place Phillips and Rue Cathcart around the square.



A brief history of Square Phillips

Square Phillips played an important role in the birth of Rue Sainte-Catherine’s economic and commercial growth. The square was built in 1842 in a wealthy residential area, which attracted the area’s first large stores.

In 1891, Henry Morgan moved his company (today, the Hudson Bay Company) near the square, as did Henry Birks, who built his headquarters there (Henry Birks and Son) a few years later. At the centre of the square is a monument to Edward VII built by Québec sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert, a gift from the Birks family in 1914.

On the south side of the square, the 10-storey Canada Cement Building was built in 1921. This building was truly ahead of its time: It was the first office tower made completely out of concrete. Not only was this skyscraper the first of its kind in Montréal, but it also pioneered underground parking. Of course, there was very little car traffic at the time!

In 2012, the city set up a monument on the south side of the square to commemorate the victims of the fire at the nearby Blue Bird Café, which happened 40 years earlier. This year marks the 50th anniversary of this tragedy.