One of the most spectacular and technically complex construction operations in recent Canadian history is underway in Montreal. The city’s iconic Olympic Stadium — famous for its distinctive roof and monumental tower — is undergoing a major modernization designed to prepare the structure for decades of future use.

A historic challenge: how do you remove a concrete ring weighing thousands of tonnes?

Montreal's Olympic Stadium is not hosting any World Cup 2026 matches because it was unable to meet the required standards and costs, leading to the city withdrawing its bid. There had even been hopes that the stadium might host Canada’s opening game. And while BetVictor has Canada priced at 250/1 to lift the trophy, a favourable draw could still hand them a very winnable opener. In that case, using the betting bonus available through Oddspedia could offer strong value for money, making the occasion potentially momentous. However, the stadium is now undergoing a massive renovation project to replace its roof, with a target completion date of 2028.

At the centre of the work is the massive ring — a concrete structure encircling the stadium that once supported the original roof. Earlier this month, its dismantling was officially completed, marking a key milestone in the $870-million project to replace the roof and its entire supporting infrastructure. The work is progressing on schedule, and the contractors openly admit: this operation is absolutely unique.

When the Olympic Stadium was built in the 1970s, no one imagined it would ever need to be taken apart. As engineers from Pomerleau-Canam explain, the initial idea of disassembling the stadium in the reverse order of how it was constructed quickly proved impossible. The structure required a tailor-made approach. The biggest challenge was the technical ring, with each segment weighing an astonishing 125 tonnes.

To cut it apart, the team mounted a diamond cable saw on a mobile rig, slicing the ring into manageable sections. To prevent a dangerous whiplash effect when a segment detached, workers drilled holes in the concrete and installed heavy-duty slings. Each cut piece was then lowered safely and transported to the stadium floor for dismantling. The numbers speak for themselves: 1,332 tonnes of steel removed, 42,019 m² of roofing membrane taken down, and 22,237 metres of cable dismantled.

In the coming years, the old concrete ring will be replaced by a new metal structure clad in curved aluminum panels. The redesigned roof is expected to be lighter, more durable, and far better adapted to Canada’s harsh climate.

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A second life for the roof: from stadium to tote bag, backpack, and bike pouch

Not everything removed from the stadium is headed for a landfill. On the contrary — enormous sheets of the former roof membrane have inspired local creators. Montreal-based studios Atelier 1142 and Iso-Protek received portions of the historic material and are transforming them into unique accessories: tote bags, backpacks, cosmetic cases, and bike bags. The durable membrane is weatherproof, tough, and — most importantly — saturated with history.

For the designers, this is more than work; it’s a mission. By promoting circular economy principles, they give new life to a material that was part of one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks for decades. For them, it’s both a privilege and a responsibility to create something new out of a piece of Montreal’s architectural identity.

© abdallah (cc: by)

CF Montréal and MLS: the stadium will return to action — but not until 2028

The transformations at the stadium coincide with major calendar changes in Major League Soccer. Starting in 2027, MLS will shift to a fall–spring schedule, aligning with European leagues. This creates logistical and climate-related challenges for northern clubs, including CF Montréal. To avoid playing in freezing conditions at the open-air Stade Saputo, the club is planning a hybrid approach: outdoor matches in summer and indoor games at the Olympic Stadium in winter.

The problem? The Big O won’t be fully operational until 2028. This means several transitional seasons during which the team will need to remain flexible — splitting games between venues, training in temporary facilities, and adjusting to unpredictable weather. Still, club officials remain optimistic, viewing the calendar change as an opportunity that brings MLS closer to global organizational and transfer standards.