Building the New MIFO
Where will the new MIFO building be located?
The new MIFO building will be located on the site of the current building, at 6600 rue Carrière, Orléans. The existing building will be demolished, and the new one will be built on the same site.
When will the current building be demolished?
Demolition phase - Summer 2025
Demolition work begins on July 8, 2025, and continues until mid-August 2025. Here are the scheduled stages:
- Demolition of the structure: approx. 2 weeks
- Foundation removal: approx. 1 week
- Removal of asphalt, sidewalks and other landscaping: approx. 1 week
During this period, noise is to be expected during the day caused by the use of mechanical shovels, hydraulic hammers, pulverizers and other specialized equipment.
We thank you for your understanding and cooperation throughout this project. Further updates will follow as work progresses.
When will the New MIFO open?
Construction of the New MIFO is scheduled to take place from summer 2025 to summer-fall 2027. This schedule is subject to change as the project evolves. Information will be updated regularly on the MIFO website.
What kind of space will the New MIFO include?
Four times the size of the current building, the New MIFO will have three floors and will house, among other things: a gymnasium, a multi-purpose hall (shows, receptions, dance evenings, etc.), a soundproof studio, an art gallery, three multi-purpose rooms, studios for the music school, four meeting rooms, a café area, a foyer and a garden.
For full details, visit mifo.ca/building-a-new-mifo
Where can I find more information on the construction of the new building?
In addition to this FAQ, visit mifo.ca//building-a-new-mifo for full details on the New MIFO construction project and the progress of work.
Where will MIFO's temporary space be located during construction?
During construction of its new building, MIFO will continue to operate from temporary space on the 2nd floor of the Place d'Orléans shopping center (110 Place d'Orléans Drive).
MIFO is also maintaining its activities in its eight educational centres, as well as at the Shenkman Arts Centre (performances) and other venues in Orléans.
For full details, visit mifo.ca/relocation (in French only).
When will construction begin?
Construction of the New MIFO is scheduled to take place from summer 2025 to summer-fall 2027. This schedule is subject to change as the project evolves.
Information will be updated regularly on the MIFO website.
What are the construction hours?
Construction is scheduled to run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
There should be no evening or weekend work, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Where possible, MIFO will post information on this subject on its website.
Will construction cause much inconvenience?
MIFO will keep the community informed of the stages and impacts via its website. It is indeed possible, with a project of this scale, that temporary inconveniences will occur.
Keep checking mifo.ca/building-a-new-mifo and our social media for details.
How will traffic near MIFO be affected during construction?
Deliveries will take place mainly in the early morning before students arrive at nearby schools.
Will the Carrière Park parking lot be used by workers building the new MIFO?
The Carrière Park parking lot will be accessible on a first-come, first-served basis, as in previous years.
Vehicles belonging to workers or professionals involved in the construction of the New MIFO may be parked there.
Due to the various construction works to be carried out, more frequent use is to be expected for certain periods. The number of vehicles may vary from day to day, and even from hour to hour, depending on the work in progress.
Will the construction site be safe?
A security perimeter will be set up around the site. Fencing has already been installed.
Security cameras will also be installed on site.
The contractor has also informed its subcontractors that no trucks of 10 wheels or more will be allowed between 7 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. during the school year.
What will happen to the Monument de la francophonie?
The Monument de la francophonie will not disappear: it will live on virtually on the MIFO website throughout the construction period of the new building, and will remain accessible and present in the collective memory.
Once the new building is complete, the Monument will be reborn in a modernized form, redesigned to harmonize with contemporary architecture. It will also benefit from a new location, close to the main entrance, where it will be more prominently displayed and more visible to the community at large.
Will trees be cut down for the construction of the new building?
Tree cutting will be kept to a minimum, and will be carried out in compliance with municipal by-laws.
Will the new building include sufficient parking spaces?
Yes, it will meet municipal parking regulations.
Will there be bike racks to encourage active transportation?
Yes, bike racks are planned for the front of the building.
Thanks to our funders for their support of this project!
MIFO would also like to thank:
