Desjardins Multi Sport Center, Iles-de-la-Madeleine

The Desjardins Multisport Center in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine is a modern recreational complex located in Étang-du-Nord. Inaugurated in October 2019, the building houses two ice rinks and an indoor jogging track.

Delivered in a design-build format, the project was awarded following a performance-based tender issued by the Municipality. The contract was secured in spring 2018, followed by the preparation and approval of construction plans. Despite the scale of the project and the logistical challenges related to transporting materials by boat and the availability of labor, the 16-month schedule was successfully met.

Key Features of the Building

• To meet the Municipality’s functional and architectural requirements, the multisport center includes:
• A fully glazed meeting area between the two ice rinks, offering unobstructed views and a space that can be heated or air-conditioned as needed
• A main ice rink with 800 seats
• A secondary rink with a 190-meter elevated walking track for walkers and spectators
• A climate-controlled main arena, suitable for events and performances
• An entrance hall with full-height glazing on two walls, capable of accommodating around 100 people
• 10 locker rooms accessible from the main corridor
• A wide central staircase leading to the stands and upper-level facilities
• A chair lift to assist people with reduced mobility and families
• A press gallery and VIP lounge designed for tournaments and special events

The building totals 7,100 m² (60,000 ft²) over two floors

Energy Performance and Sustainability

All equipment and the refrigeration system, operational year-round, are state-of-the-art to reduce operating costs and environmental footprint. The high energy efficiency of the Honco building relies in particular on a heat-recovery system from the compressors, used to heat the stands, domestic water, and the snow pit basin. These elements were prioritized from the project’s design stage.