Big O interior renovation a ‘game changer’ for Montreal’s east end economy

Olympic Stadium remains under construction. (CTV News)

A half century ago, the 1976 Montreal Olympics opening ceremony kicked off.

On Friday, the Quebec Tourism Ministry will announce further investment in the oft-repaired structure that was the symbolic heart of the games, but became a textbook example of how not to execute an infrastructure project.

Tourism Montreal and the East Montreal Chamber of Commerce believe the Olympic Stadium’s interior revamp will allow the iconic structure to become an “engine of economic development” in the eastern part of the city.

“We are finally realizing our ambitions. After several decades of waiting, the stadium will finally be able to fully realize its potential as a world-class infrastructure and allow Montreal to compete with the largest North American metropolises,” said Chamber president and CEO Jean-Denis Charest.

The stadium is currently undergoing an $870 million repair and restoration, which began in 2024 and includes replacing the massive canvas roof and technical ring.

Tourism Montreal says the investment in the stadium and surrounding Olympic Park will be a turning point for Montreal’s ability to attract major events.

Montreal, notably, missed out on the Taylor Swift Eras Tour and any chance of hosting World Cup games due to the stadium’s state.

“Cities that invest in their infrastructure attract major events,” said Tourism Montreal CEO and president Yves Lalumière. “Others watch the economic and tourism benefits go elsewhere. With this modernization, Montreal is giving itself the means to be an essential destination for event tourism.”

The chamber expects the economic benefits of the revitalization to be around $1.5 billion in the decade after completion.

“With this announcement, the Quebec government is providing predictability to partners interested in establishing or developing their operations around the stadium and, consequently, will give the Olympic Park team the means to realize several major commercial projects,” said Charest. “Furthermore, the Chamber is confident that today’s announcement paves the way for ensuring the future of CF Montreal in the metropolis.”

Tourism Montreal says that Taylor Swift’s six concert dates in Toronto generated $282 million, with over 93 per cent of that money coming from visitors who travelled to the Ontario capital.

Celine Dion’s 16 concerts in Paris, Tourism Montreal says, will draw almost half a million fans and are expected to generate around 500 million euros ($800,660 CAD).

The two organizations feel that the Olympic Park modernization will help develop Montreal’s east end.

In addition, CF Montreal, which plays home games at the open-air Stade Saputo, will be eager to move to a pitch with a closed roof as MLS switches to a winter schedule next season.