Espace Montmorency—When Light Transforms an Inner Courtyard into a Winter Destination
12-meter (40-foot) Diamond Christmas Tree – The centerpiece of the light display, designed as a gathering place in the heart of the inner courtyard.
Designed to be much more than a simple collection of functions, Espace Montmorency has established itself as one of Quebec’s most ambitious urban projects. Located at 600 Lucien-Paiement Street in Laval, this multifunctional complex—with over 1.3 million square feet of leasable space—is the result of a shared vision championed by Groupe Montoni and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ, and brought to life through the bold and resolutely contemporary architecture of Sid Lee.
The complex comprises 717 rental units, a 188-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel, 16 floors of LEED Platinum-certified office space, and 32 retail stores and restaurants. At the heart of the complex, a spacious inner courtyard serves as a true public square—a vibrant space where residents, workers, and visitors come together. Directly connected to the Montmorency metro station via an underground pedestrian tunnel—a first for Laval—the complex also benefits from its immediate proximity to Place Bell and several university campuses. As the first project in Quebec to earn LEED v4 Gold certification for neighborhood planning, Espace Montmorency embodies an integrated vision where urban life, sustainability, and quality of life converge.
It was in this demanding, vibrant, and ever-changing environment that the 2025 holiday season was set to come into its own. The goal was not simply to add decorations, but to create a luminous centerpiece—a gathering spot capable of transforming the inner courtyard into a must-visit winter destination, a signature location where residents, workers, and visitors could come together, marvel at the sights, and fully embrace the holiday spirit.
Create an experience, not just a setting
To kick off Espace Montmorency’s first Christmas Market, Alcovi Capital commissioned Leblanc Illuminations-Canada to design an installation tailored to the venue. The mandate was as specific as it was ambitious: to create a magical atmosphere that goes beyond traditional seasonal decor and provides a memorable experience for everyone—from passing visitors to merchants, workers, and residents alike.
Drawing on its expertise in custom lighting design—which combines scene simulation, phased implementation, and rigorous technical support—Leblanc Illuminations approached this project with a twofold objective: to design a monumental centerpiece and to orchestrate around it a cohesive, sustainable lighting ecosystem deeply rooted in the site’s identity
Let's Hear from the Experts
Annie Beauvais, Director of Sales and Marketing at Leblanc Illuminations-Canada, spoke with Tamara Turcotte, Communications and Marketing Manager at Espace Montmorency, to discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects of the project, the challenges they overcame, and the positive impact observed during this first edition of the Christmas Market.
Espace Montmorency – Interview with Annie Beauvais and Tamara Turcotte
Tamara Turcotte
Manager, Communications and Marketing, Espace Montmorency / Alcovi Capital
" In three words, I would describe my experience with the Leblanc Illuminations team as:
, Collaboration, Reliability, and Results."
A lighting design thought out down to the smallest detail
The installation was designed as a complete lighting ecosystem, in which each element interacts with the others to create an immersive experience throughout the complex. From the centerpiece to the finest details, everything was carefully designed to create coherence, spectacle, and emotion.
Diamond Christmas Tree, 12 / 40 ft — A monumental centerpiece with built-in seating, visible from throughout the inner courtyard. The central gathering spot for the entire festive experience
3 km of string lights—strings of lights strung throughout the entire site to create a twinkling atmosphere and visual continuity between all areas.
Gold-colored e-deco diamonds – Made from recyclable bio-based materials using 3D printing with robotic equipment, reflecting the project’s distinctive and eco-friendly aesthetic.
Giant 3D Christmas ornaments – Gold and white ornaments incorporated into the winter decor to create a cohesive look between the hanging decorations and the floor arrangements.
Illuminated Trees on the Premises – All the trees on the grounds have been illuminated, creating the effect of a twinkling forest that envelops visitors as soon as they arrive.
Two illuminated canopies— marking the complex’s two main entrances—signal the festive atmosphere and invite passersby to step inside and experience it.
The Project in Pictures
Technical challenges tackled with expertise
Installing a 12-meter centerpiece in an environment as complex as Espace Montmorency cannot be done on the fly. Every challenge was anticipated and resolved in collaboration with a local engineering firm, the builder’s engineers, and Leblanc Illuminations’ industrial design department.
Sustainable Design
In line with Espace Montmorency’s LEDED Gold and Platinum certifications, every choice of materials and equipment was guided by principles of sustainability.
LED Lighting
Recyclable aluminum
Bio-based materials
Robotic 3D Printing
Reusable components
LEED-compliant
A Highly Successful First-Ever Christmas Market
Serving as the centerpiece of Espace Montmorency’s veryfirst Christmas Market, the Sapin Diamant helped transform the atrium into a true winter destination. The event brought together more than 30 local artisans, traditional choirs, illuminated domes, and entertainment organized by the client.
Enhanced Pedestrian Experience — The Diamond Fir created a striking visual landmark that naturally guided and drew visitors into the inner courtyard, enriching their experience and increasing the time they spent on the site.
Photo Spot & Organic Visibility — The installation has become a must-see photo spot, generating organic visibility on social media and boosting Espace Montmorency’s reputation as a family-friendly winter destination in Laval.
Increased Foot Traffic — The festive atmosphere helped boost foot traffic at the site’s 32 stores during the holiday season, one of the busiest times of the year for retailers.
Enhanced Event Programming — The installation supported and enhanced the entire winter program, including a craft market featuring more than 30 artisans, traditional choirs, and entertainment, transforming each visit into an experience in its own right.
A development that redefines Laval as a winter destination
The Diamond Christmas Tree at Espace Montmorency illustrates how a custom-designed lighting installation can transcend mere seasonal decoration to become a powerful catalyst for urban vitality, real estate enhancement, and community engagement.
Thanks to the technical and creative expertise of Leblanc Illuminations-Canada and close collaboration with Alcovi Capital, the inner courtyard of Espace Montmorency has established itself as a must-see destination for the 2025 holiday season in Laval, paving the way for an evolving annual display.
Would you also like to transform your space into a signature destination for the holiday season? Contact Leblanc Illuminations-Canada to design a custom lighting installation that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.