Canada Lands Company lights up Silo 5 for the holidays!

Montréal, December 19, 2024 – Canada Lands Company is pleased to announce the launch of a lighting program for Silo 5, an iconic site in Montréal.

With the installation of 26 LED spotlights, the new lighting will showcase this emblematic structure, honouring the rich industrial heritage of the western sector of the Old Port of Montréal. An integral part of the urban landscape for decades, Silo 5 remains one of the city’s most visible and recognizable buildings.

The lighting program will start on December 19, running from dusk until dawn. Over the holiday period, Silo 5 will come alive with festive colours, through to January 1. New Year’s Eve celebrations will include a special 15-minute light show at the stroke of midnight. Every night after that, Silo 5 will be illuminated with an elegant, soft white light, with a subtle movement during the first two minutes of every hour, transforming the structure into a veritable urban clock.

The lighting design by the Québec experts at Ombrages in collaboration with LUXTEC for integration and controls are based on Lumenpulse spotlight technology, creating beams of light spanning the full 66-metre height of the Silo. These beams stop at the upper parapet to reduce light pollution. What’s more, each beam can vary in colour and intensity, creating dynamic lighting scenes for different events or seasons.

This lighting initiative aims to highlight the historical importance of Silo 5, while adding a contemporary touch to Montréal’s urban landscape. The lighting also boosts safety in the western sector of the Old Port, and provides an enhanced visual experience for locals and visitors alike.

The site is closed to the public and not accessible, but Canada Lands Company invites Montrealers to admire the full splendour of Silo 5 from a distance, thanks to the new lighting effects.

“We’re delighted to launch this lighting program for Silo 5. Not only will it showcase this iconic structure, it’s going to add a magical touch to the holidays,” said Marc Robinson, Director, Real Estate, Québec at Canada Lands Company.

History of Silo 5

Silo 5’s industrial history began in the early 20th century when its owner, the Grand Trunk Railway, leased land to the Montréal Harbour Commission at Pointe-du-Moulin to build a modern grain silo.

Reaching a height of 66.4 metres and stretching for almost 500 metres along the Old Port, Silo 5 is an emblematic symbol of Montréal’s industrial golden age. Built between 1903 and 1906, it played an important role in grain trade and storage, making Montréal the world’s leading grain port at the time.

Opened in 1906, it was expanded several times until 1963 to meet growing demand. Montréal’s decline in the world grain trade during the 1980s gradually affected the Silo. In 1991, only one of the three buildings was still in use, before the site was completely closed in 1994.

About Canada Lands Company

Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation specializing in real estate development and attractions management. Since 1995, Canada Lands has enriched Canadian communities and experiences by embracing the full potential of the properties it owns and operates The Company acquires, transforms and reintegrates surplus lands from the federal government into sought-after communities enabling much needed housing and affordable housing. Canada Lands is a leader in attractions management with its operations of the CN Tower and Downsview Park in Toronto, the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre. Canada Lands Company strives to enhance economic, social and environmental value for Canadians. It has delivered more than $1.3 billion in economic benefits to Canada since inception.

-30-

For more information:
Jeannie Tsang
Canada Lands Company
@email
416-605-0382

Manon Lapensee
Canada Lands Company
@email
416-402-0538