Visit Hydro‑Québec’s head office!

In the wake of the first phase of electricity nationalization in Québec led by the government of Adélard Godbout, the brand‑new government‑owned corporation set up its head office in what was called the “Power Building” on Rue Saint‑Antoine, in the former premises of Montreal Light, Heat and Power. Today, the Palais des Congrès is located at this address.

The evolution of Québec society brought about many changes, including an increased demand for electricity. Hydro‑Québec was expanding, as were its workforce and number of customers. The company launched the project to build a new, modern head office (me!), worthy of the pride of Quebecers.

Construction of the new Hydro-Québec head office began in 1958. The building, whose architecture is inspired by the International Style, is one of the first skyscrapers in Montréal. It was built at the same time as Place Ville-Marie, another Montréal landmark.

The reputation of Gaston Gagnier (1906–1982), the project’s architect, was well established. He designed the main hall of the École polytechnique de Montréal and numerous Québec churches.

At the same time, the development of Dorchester substation behind the head office was progressing well. Occupying five floors, it became the largest and most powerful underground substation in North America when it was commissioned in the 1960s. Still today, it plays a key role in supplying downtown Montréal with electricity.

Construction was almost complete, so Hydro‑Québec organized a competition for Québec artists to create a work of art for the lobby. The mural Lumière et mouvement dans la couleur by world‑renowned artist Jean‑Paul Mousseau, the youngest signatory of the Refus global, won the competition. It is one of the best‑known works of art in Hydro‑Québec’s collection, which has more than 1,300 works.

Montréal was rapidly expanding, and the Quiet Revolution had profoundly transformed Québec. On June 8, 1962, I was inaugurated in the presence of Premier Jean Lesage and René Lévesque, Minister of Natural Resources. That same year, the Lesage government, with its Maîtres chez nous! campaign, was re‑elected. In 1963, he implemented the second phase of electricity nationalization in Québec, which was to be a major driver of growth for Hydro‑Québec.

From 1966 to 2003, all Québec premiers, including René Lévesque, Robert Bourassa and Bernard Landry, had an office in my building to work in when they were in Montréal.

In 2016, major restoration work on my outer shell was undertaken, which was completed in 2019. An important part of Québec heritage, my original appearance was fully preserved.