Rebuilding Complexe Crémazie

Rebuilding Complexe Crémazie

Project summary

In summer 2017, we started rebuilding Complexe Crémazie to replace the vast maintenance shops originally built in 1948. The complex is located at the intersection of Saint-Laurent and Crémazie boulevards. It's design takes into account future requirements for new hybrid and electric bus technologies. A multi-purpose building, Complexe Crémazie gives the STM the flexibility it needs to align its production methods with industry best practices. Rebuilding from the ground up ensures that we can meet current maintenance needs and space requirements related to the growing numbers of buses in our fleet.

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Since the end of 2022, Complexe Crémazie has been in operation.

Some residual work still needs to be finished and a few deficiencies corrected. This will be done in 2023 but will have no impact on our operations. These last touches will include work on the turret (the future main entrance of the building), interior finishing and landscaping.


Impact on local residents

In 2023, we will do some residual work on the exterior and interior of the building. This is minor work that will not have any particular impact on residents in the area.

Learn more about the project

  • The production, machining and equipment units will be located along the same corridor to optimize the transportation and supply of materials.
  • Administrative offices will also be in the same area to reduce walking distances and encourage collaboration.   
  • The bus parts refurbishment unit will group together the departments that repair parts. 
  • Units handling small parts, body work, upholstery and seats will also be located on the ground floor.
  • A central aisle will encourage efficient employee movements and transportation of materials.  
  • The maintenance shop is a crucial part in our operations. Modernizing this work area will increase the space between lifting jacks. The height of the shop will make it possible to include two jacks with overhead walkways that will be used for working on the roof of hybrid and electric buses. 
  • Indoor parking spaces will be included for bus maintenance in winter, making the work easier.
  • The distribution centre will centralize the activities of the STM's three main stockrooms in a single location.
  • Lastly, all training will be provided in a single training centre, next to the métro.
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By regrouping several teams and centralizing their activities, the new Complexe Crémazie will significantly improve efficiency and quality of life, drawing on sustainable development principles. It truly expresses our vision of the future where our operations will blend harmoniously with the surrounding urban environment.

This modern building will feature best practices in sustainable development. We are aiming to obtain LEED Gold certification. The complex will include:

  • Highly reflective white roofs as well as green roof systems
  • Natural light
  • Universal accessibility
  • Superior energy efficient building envelope
  • Energy efficient mechanical and heat recovery system
  • Water catchment and recycling

The simulator is an exact replica of the AZUR driving cabs and used to help operators practice driving. It is now located in the new Complexe Crémazie.

Simulator
The simulator reproduces all aspects of the métro network’s environment and driving conditions, allowing operators to quickly put what they learn into practice. Like airplane pilots, métro operators accumulate driving hours in a stimulating and realistic environment. Using the simulator, they practice driving the train in a realistic model of the network that includes all its aspects, passenger flows and unexpected events. This is the last part in a three-part training process, after e-learning and practice with a desktop simulator.

Relocation
The gigantic, five-tonne simulator had to be moved from its former location at Place Bonaventure. To remove it, a brick wall was dismantled and the simulator was secured to a lowboy, a huge trailer capable of carrying very heavy objects. At its new location, the simulator was lifted by crane to the third floor, and a facade was taken down so it could be brought into the room it now calls home.

Consult the accessibility page for more info on the external medias.

See AZUR replica simulator moves to its new location (in French only) on YouTube

The work is being completed in three phases, from the summer of 2017 into 2022.

Here is an overview of the progress so far:

Phase 1: 2017 – 2019

The Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Crémazie Boulevard facades were demolished, and phase 1 construction began and was then completed in 2019. We then moved half of the bus parts manufacturing and repair departments, the training area, and the Azur simulator into this new phase of the project.

Phase 2: 2019 – 2021

Since 2019, the northern portion of the old shops were demolished and new phase 2 construction began. We are in the finishing stages and the new mechanical maintenance area for major bus servicing will be in operation in the summer of 2021. The hands-on bus maintenance training centre will also come into service in the fall of 2021.

Phase 3: 2021 – 2022

Since March 2021, we first demolished the old maintenance shops and then started the project’s third and final construction phase. This phase will mainly serve to connect the new buildings and we will finalize the work on the distribution centre and maintenance workshops.

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The project in images

Consult the accessibility page for more info on the external medias.

See Rebuilding Complexe Crémazie on YouTube


This work is made possible through funding from the Ministère des Transports du Québec.

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