The third permanent accommodation (1996)

ICAO’s success was evidenced by the dynamic and sustained increases in the number of States adhering to its Convention after the decolonization in Africa and the collapse of the countries in East Europe; the number of States Members had grown from 119 in 1970 to 162 in 1990, whereas in the same time the number of members of the Council had been increased from 27 to 33. The 600-seat Assembly Hall could no longer accommodate all the delegates in attendance (including non-member states and observers), with the spill over forced to listen in on closed-circuit TV. The building on Sherbrooke was no longer well enough equipped to meet future needs, in terms of electronic security and print shop. Since the early 90s, the Government of Canada, as host of the Organization, perceived the needs for more suitable accommodations for ICAO.

ICAO's new and current premises is located at 999 Boulevard Robert Bourassa (at the corner of Avenue Viger Ouest) and is named La Maison de l’OACI.

Its unique architectural design admirably captures the dynamics of the Organization, was occupied by ICAO in October 1996, and was officially inaugurated on 5 December 1996.

Ken London Architects was the prime architect responsible for the base building design, while Provencher Roy Associés was responsible for the overall design of the interior space and common areas. Rented by the Government of Canada for 20 years, the new complex encompasses an area of 40,000 square metres, for 350,000 square feet of rentable space.

Flanked by the flags of ICAO, Canada, and local governments, the complex is located along a prestigious gateway into Montreal and contributes immeasurably towards unifying and structuring the city’s downtown urban fabric.

Severe challenges in terms of air quality, noise, vibration, site serenity and security were presented to the engineers, as the building site is located directly over the westbound and eastbound tunnels of the Ville-Marie Expressway.

Two separate steel and concrete structures, a 15-storey office tower and a 5-storey conference block, are joined by a dramatic glass-covered atrium, flying bridges and criss-crossing escalators. The result is a delicate balance of transparency and continuity, in a classic yet modern environment. Limestone and precast concrete represent the strength of the Organization, while back-painted textured glass permits natural lighting to wash the walls with a delicate filtering effect.