$500K ‘Bonjour Montréal’ sign unveiled in Old Port

It might not say “Bonjour-Hi” – a nod to Montreal’s bilingualism and age-old language debates – but there is a new greeting welcoming visitors to the city.

Tourism Montreal unveiled the new “Bonjour Montréal” sign at the Grand Quay in the Old Port Wednesday – giant colourful letters with the downtown high rises as their backdrop.

The seven-foot-tall, 50-foot-wide sign – which weighs more than 11,000 pounds – is a photo-friendly spot for tourists and Montrealers alike.

Tourism Montreal says the structure welcomes visitors to the city with typical Montreal hospitality, offering a spectacular view of the city along the St. Lawrence River with a wink to the city’s French origins.

“This major achievement reinforces the welcoming message of the ‘Bonjour’ brand and propels Montreal as a leading destination and French-speaking metropolis of the Americas,” said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourism Montreal. “This initiative marks an important step in promoting Montreal to visitors seeking a rich experience.”

The sign was entirely designed and built in Montreal. The giant letters in the front are made of wood from Montreal’s ash trees, while the back features a mirror-polished effect.

The Bonjour Montréal structure is permanent and will be illuminated at night. Heating devices were integrated into the letters to prevent ice build-up during the winter.

The structure cost just under $500,000 through funding from the Canada economic development for Quebec regions.