The JCB Construction Canada team was very proud to take part in this special ceremony, which was held in the presence of the school and foundation leadership, Ms. Maude Théroux-Séguin, Mayor of the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough, Ms. Effie Giannou, City Councillor for Bordeaux-Cartierville, Ms. Vana Nazarian, City Councillor for Côte-de-Liesse, and Ms. Séta Topouzian, City Councillor for Renaud–Coursol.

“A school is the lungs of a community. The demineralized park, the large-scale soccer field and the hundreds of trees that will be planted will make this area an even more exceptional place to live. The Armenian community has all our support and, above all, our admiration for its achievements,” said Maude Théroux-Séguin, Mayor of the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.

An Ambitious and Sustainable Project

Designed by Ateliers Ublo, the firm responsible for the project’s design, the complete redevelopment of the Sourp Hagop Armenian School grounds aims to transform the outdoor spaces to create a warm, welcoming and safe environment for students. It will also allow the school to modernize its infrastructure, introduce stimulating educational programs and support students’ development according to the principle of a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Valued at nearly $7.9 million and covering an area of 20,727 m², the project includes the creation of an outdoor classroom, a FIFA-standard soccer field, as well as play structures designed to support children’s gross motor development.

The project also places a strong emphasis on greening and sustainable water management. More than 583 trees and shrubs will be planted, while 1,140 m² of surfaces will be demineralized and replaced with green spaces. The addition of bioretention systems will also provide a water retention capacity of 646 m³.

A study on improvements to air quality and acoustic conditions on the site will also be conducted in collaboration with researchers from ÉTS and Polytechnique Montréal, both before and after the implementation of the new landscaping.

« “We developed this concept with the members of the educational team with the ambition of being exemplary in terms of the environment, with stormwater management that goes well beyond the usual standards, a considerable effort to address heat islands on the site, as well as air quality and noise for the children […] This is the school of the future: designed in 2026, envisioned for the next 100 years and beyond. It will still be up to date decades from now.” — Pascale Rouillé, President and Executive Director, Ateliers Ublo

Building Today for Future Generations

.For JCB Construction Canada, contributing to this project represents an opportunity to play a concrete role in creating a school environment designed with future generations in mind.

“We are extremely proud to contribute to a project that goes far beyond the construction of infrastructure. We are building a place that will support generations of students in their learning, discoveries and achievements. It is a responsibility that is close to our hearts and a project that our entire team can be proud of.” — Alexandre-Stéphane Boucher, President and CEO of JCB Construction Canada

This groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a major transformation for Sourp Hagop Armenian School and its community. Beyond the infrastructure itself, this project will create spaces where students can learn, play, come together and grow for many years to come.

“Yesterday, our ancestors paved the way with courage. Today, with this first shovel, we are not simply digging the earth: we are preparing the future. This ground, which will welcome the footsteps, laughter and discoveries of our children, will become the stage for their greatest ambitions. More than a schoolyard, it is the future that we are planting today, together in this living environment. Beyond sowing seeds, we are cultivating destinies.” — Lory Abrakian, Principal, Sourp Hagop Armenian School.