As a close friend of the Bombardier family, Roger Desmarais became involved in the preservation of the legacy of J. Armand Bombardier after his death. An originator of a company that is now a world leader in aeronautics, a foundation was created to bring together the collection of vehicles developed by the brilliant inventor, including several thousand tools, artifacts, and the Bombardier garage and workshop, which was moved to the site in 1968 and restored for the occasion. One of the biggest items on display was the famous snowmobile, or as it is better-known in Quebec, the skidoo.
To contrast the picturesque style of the small red-roof hangar, Roger Desmarais designed a pristine white volume that integrated the cultural and administrative centers of the enterprise. This modernist building marked the beginning of the Bombardier family as a loyal client.
After the museum, they began hiring the newly formed Desmarais-Tornay architectural practice for their increasing business and real-estate needs around the metropolis.
Photo credits: Adrien Williams
