La Maison de Radio Canada (MRC) Development Project

under construction

Opportunity The Maison de Radio-Canada(MRC) project involves building the new CBC/Radio-Canada facilities as well as developing a larger site to create a dynamic urban neighbourhood in Montreal with affordable social housing, private residences businesses and office buildings that co-exist in harmony. The accommodation and space requirements include: Technical Production Infrastructure, production rooms, broadcasting rooms, Information Technology (I.T.) Rooms, television production, archives, outdoor spaces such as a taxi stand, parking and shipping/receiving, and a range of public spaces such as a reception area, daycare and museum. The private partner will build the facilities and then CBC/Radio-Canada will become a tenant under a 30-year lease. The project is subject to federal Treasury Board approval. Results The CBC/Radio-Canada facilities are at the corner of René-Lévesque Boulevard and Papineau Avenue and includes a four-storey atrium, rooftop patio and parking. The facilities meet environmental and sustainable development standards equivalent to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. During the operating term the private partner is responsible for maintenance and lifecycle services in addition to security, emergency management, waste management, snow management and parking. The agreement ensures that CBC/Radio-Canada can lease its new facility for the next 30 years at a stable annual cost equivalent to its current maintenance costs, which amount to $21 million per year. The public broadcaster avoids the risks inherent in managing real estate assets.

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