Canada: Montréal to Open 60-Meter High Observation Wheel this Summer
This summer, a 60 meter high observation wheel will be opened for the public at Montréal’s Old Port – construction works are already underway. “La Grande Roue de Montréal” is the French title of the new tourist attraction, which emerges on Île Bonsecours in the old town of the Canadian metropolis. It will offer guests a stunning 360-degree view on the city, the St. Lawrence River and its surroundings. The 60 meter high observation wheel, which is nearly as high as a 20 storey-building, will feature 42 air-conditioned, glass gondolas with sitting room for up to eight persons. The capacity per hour reaches a maximum of 1,344 persons. A ride on the observation wheel takes three rounds and approx. 15 minutes. At the foot of the year-round attraction, guests can also discover a bistro, a bar and a café. The opening of the observation wheel is scheduled for June this year, in due time for Montréal’s 375th anniversary.
The Dutch company Dutch Wheels BV is in charge of the design and the construction of the new attraction. According to its initiators, among which are the Montréal-based entrepreneurs, Jeff Jorgensen and Jean Bérubé, the investment for the project, which amounts to 25 million Canadian Dollar (approx. 17.6 million Euro) is privately funded. The operation of the observation wheel initially runs under a five-year lease agreement. (eap)
