Three physical elements would be emphasized, testifying to specific historical periods and functioning as important symbols: an elevated platform corresponding to the outline of the original parish church foundations would become a prestige arrival/departure area in front of the Basilica; the central monument would remain in its current position (Maisonneuve looking over the city he founded); and the underground washrooms would be reopened and new roles assigned to them.

The surface of the Place would be extended to the fronts of the surrounding buildings, and concentric curved lines inscribed into the ground to draw visitors toward the centre.

The space would also feature “events:” a lighted cross hanging in mid-air and marking the location of the top of the original church’s bell tower, sculptural street furniture, and a giant Christmas tree for the Holidays.

See also:

Presentation of the proposal in PDF format.

Video clip 4 and clip 8.
Comments by the designers on their respective proposals.

Further reading:

"Newsroom" section
Comments on the designers’ proposals by Emmanuelle Vieira (Le Devoir), Mario Girard (La Presse) and Sylvie Berkowicz (Créativité Montréal)