Montreal waterfront plan to feature swimming area in Old Port

Mayor Denis Coderre has unveiled the citys waterfront plan, which includesCopenhagen-inspired swimming areasin the Old Port.

• ProjetMontreal proposes 'floating bath' in Old Port

The swimming area at the Clock Tower, one of the highlights of Montreals waterfront plan, takes inspiration from the urban beaches inCopenhagen, New York, Berlin and London.

It's not clear exactly what the Montreal version would look like, but options includeafloating barge along the waterfront with a chlorinated swimming pool, or a less expensive version would be aswimming enclosure in the river, that protects swimmers from the current.

Right now, the top choice for location is at the Old Port'sClock Tower beach.

Coderre unveiled several other programs as a part of Montreal's waterfront plan, including:

• New beaches in Verdun and Rivire-des-PrairiesPointe-aux-Trembles.
• A program aimed at improving access to the Rivire des Prairies.
• A program to help support local initiatives aimed at outdoor activities.
• Renaturalization of the rivers, collection of runoff and focus on green infrastructure.

The work is expected to be completed by 2017 for the citys 375th anniversary.