Access to Stade Canac Threatened as Quebec City Weighs Demolition of Key Pedestrian Bridge
Fan access to Stade Canac could be significantly altered as Quebec City evaluates the demolition of the Pointe-aux-Lièvres pedestrian bridge. The structure, which provides a direct link to the stadium, has already been closed for nearly six months without an official explanation provided to the public.
The possibility of removing the bridge, which spans the Laurentienne highway between Lee and Robert-Rumilly streets, was first brought to light on March 24, 2026. During a press conference focused on upcoming tramway construction, Marc des Rivières, the director of the service of transport and intelligent mobility, discussed the city’s desire to utilize the tramway project to overhaul local infrastructure.
To replace the existing bridge, the city is proposing the development of a recent pedestrian crossing located at the intersection of the Laurentienne highway and rue de la Croix-Rouge. This move would shift the primary pedestrian flow for those heading toward the stadium and surrounding areas.
A city spokesperson confirmed via email that the administration is focused on ensuring that any alternative route is “available, safe and practical” before a final decision is announced. The potential removal of this link comes amid a legal dispute between the municipal government and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility regarding the ownership and maintenance of the structure.
Adding to the uncertainty, the city has refused to release an inspection report conducted in November, which was triggered by a notice from the Ministry. The lack of public data on the bridge’s current structural integrity continues to fuel the debate over its fate.
This evaluation is part of a broader infrastructure shift in the sector. The Adrien-Pouliot bridge, located further south, is already scheduled for demolition around June 2026. That removal is part of the preparatory work for the tramway, intended to restore two-way traffic to rue Dorchester.
For sports fans and residents, the outcome of these discussions will determine how the community navigates the Laurentienne highway corridor to reach major local venues, as the city seeks to balance modern transit goals with reliable pedestrian access. More details on the proposal can be found in the official report on the Pointe-aux-Lièvres bridge evaluation.
