Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada voiced serious reservations on Tuesday about ARECOR Energy’s proposal to place tidal turbines, known as hydroliennes, in the Saint‑Lawrence River near Montreal’s Old Port. The mayor said she is not convinced the project is relevant, signaling a cautious stance ahead of the company’s plan to begin installation in 2027.
ARECOR Energy has outlined a schedule to start deploying the hydroliennes in the river next year. The initiative is positioned as a renewable‑energy effort that would require formal approval from the City of Montreal before any equipment can be placed in the waterway adjacent to the historic waterfront district.
In response, Mayor Martinez Ferrada highlighted the need for the city to assess whether the turbine project aligns with municipal priorities and the broader interests of residents and stakeholders. Her comments underscored a demand for clearer justification of the project’s relevance to the community and the river’s ecosystem.
The mayor’s remarks come as the city prepares to review the application submitted by ARECOR. Municipal officials are expected to examine technical, environmental, and regulatory aspects of the proposal as part of the standard approval process. The outcome of that review will determine whether the planned installation can proceed as scheduled.
The dialogue between the mayor’s office and ARECOR reflects the procedural steps required for large‑scale renewable‑energy projects that intersect with public waterways. While the company remains intent on moving forward in 2027, the expressed doubts from city leadership suggest that further discussion and evaluation will be necessary before the turbines can be installed near the Old Port.