Once a bustling hub now a serene promenade. That’s the story of the Bickerdike Basin. We stand here at the edge of the Bickerdike Basin. It is now the Bickerdike Promenade. This urban development borders the port facilities. It offers Montrealers a relaxing waterfront space.
The Bickerdike Promenade stretches 900 metres. It features a pedestrian space and lookout areas. Street furniture and new trees add to the charm. Take in the exceptional view of the Bickerdike Terminal.
But let’s journey back in time. The Port of Montreal’s Bickerdike Terminal was built in 1896. Until the 1970s port activities thrived here. The terminal was the main provisioning port for Newfoundland and the Magdalen Islands. Local companies exclusively supplied it. Annually Bickerdike Terminal handled almost 600000 tonnes of goods. These goods included containers cars and trucks. It also served cruise ships.
Imagine the scene in 1872. Archives note 70 vessels docked at different berths. Twenty-one of these were ocean-going steamships. They represented a total of 53769 tonnes.
Over the years the Port of Montreal expanded eastward. In 1978 the port ceded the Old Port area. This area became a tourist attraction. It features museums restaurants and shops. Most Port of Montreal facilities are now downstream from the Old Port. The Montreal Port Authority’s head office is upstream from the Old Port. It stands close to the multipurpose Bickerdike Terminal.
The Bickerdike Terminal underwent redevelopment work. This project optimized the facilities. It included redeveloping truck access. The project increased and upgraded electrical capacity. Buildings were replaced and container storage areas redeveloped. Handling areas for cruise ships also saw improvements.
Sustainable practices were key to the redevelopment. Excavated material was reused. It prepared a base for the new container storage area. Underground infrastructure was constructed. This provided dockside electrical installations. It also supplied power for heated reefers. This replaced the use of diesel generators. Twenty-metre lighting towers replaced thirty-metre ones. LED fixtures and baffles reduced visual pollution. A retention basin and hydrodynamic separators treated storm water. Landscaping enhanced the parking lot entrance. New trees were planted. Energy performance measures were implemented. These were for the Empire building on the terminal.
The Port of Montreal is a vital economic engine. Maritime activity supports jobs. It provides billions in economic benefits. The port serves North American markets. It also has representatives in the U.S. Europe and Asia. Northern Europe is a key point of origin. The Mediterranean Asia and the Middle East also play significant roles.
The Port of Montreal is committed to environmental stewardship. It is a founding member of Green Marine. This program addresses environmental issues. These include greenhouse gases and water pollution. The port has purchased GenSet locomotives. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
As we conclude our visit to the Bickerdike Promenade remember its past. It was a place of bustling activity. It is now a space for relaxation and reflection. It exemplifies the Port of Montreal’s commitment. It aims to seamlessly integrate into the urban landscape. It opens up to the public. It raises awareness of its activities.