Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has publicly voiced serious doubts about the relevance of a tidal turbine installation that ARECOL Energy plans to place in the St. Lawrence River near Montreal's Old Port. The mayor’s comments came as the company announced its intention to begin work on the project in 2027, positioning the turbines directly opposite the historic waterfront district.
ARECOL Energy, a developer focused on renewable energy solutions, has outlined a schedule that would see hydroturbines installed in the river in front of the Old Port beginning next year, with full operation slated for 2027. The proposal is part of a broader push to incorporate marine‑based renewable sources into the province’s energy mix. However, the mayor’s remarks suggest that municipal officials are not convinced the initiative aligns with the city’s priorities or offers sufficient benefit to the community.
In expressing her concerns, Mayor Martinez Ferrada emphasized the need for projects that clearly demonstrate relevance to Montreal’s long‑term planning and environmental goals. While she did not elaborate on specific shortcomings, her stance indicates a demand for greater scrutiny of the turbine plan before any construction proceeds. The mayor’s skepticism adds a political dimension to a development that has attracted attention for its innovative use of tidal currents.
The upcoming installation, if it moves forward, would be one of the first of its kind in the region, marking a shift toward harnessing the kinetic energy of the St. Lawrence’s flow. Yet the municipal leadership’s questioning of its relevance underscores the ongoing debate over how best to balance new renewable technologies with local interests, heritage preservation, and the practicalities of urban infrastructure.
The dialogue between the city’s mayor and ARECOL Energy is expected to continue as the 2027 timeline approaches, with both parties likely to assess the project’s feasibility and alignment with Montreal’s broader development strategy.