As part of the 25th anniversary of the Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign, Ms Manon Gauthier, member of the Montréal Executive Committee responsible for culture, heritage, design, Space for Life and the status of women, paid tribute to the many property owners, artisans, professionals and partners who have helped to preserve the city’s architectural heritage for all those years. This tribute ceremony aimed to highlight the years of passion and effort that made the Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign a success.

“Asserting a community’s cultural identity is all about quality living spaces and architecture. The care given to monumental or modest urban shapes, the built heritage and landscape, involves strategic development challenges for cities like Montréal. Converting heritage buildings generates environmental, social and economic benefits. The Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign celebrates its 25th anniversary as well as an impressive list of achievements. When I look back at this successful and dynamic campaign, I can only say that we will be celebrating the Montréal heritage for at least another 25 years,” said Manon Gauthier.

Impressive record

Introduced in 1991 by Montréal, in association with the Héritage Montréal Foundation, the Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign’s mission was to increase awareness among Montrealers of the importance of preserving heritage and recognizing efforts made by owners to maintain their properties. Since 1991, Montréal has awarded Heritage Emeritus Awards to 789 conscientious owners who have enriched the living space of Montrealers. The Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign has also given out 23 Awards of Excellence, 21 Artisan Awards, 15 Heritage Enhancement Awards, 12 Awards for Architectural Integration and 14 Commercial Heritage Awards. In all, approximately 900 heritage enhancement actions have been initiated within Montréal city limits.

“In addition to the many owners who help preserve the Montréal heritage, I would like to emphasize the contribution of artisans, entrepreneurs, architects and engineers who are involved in heritage projects and turn ideas into reality. They are the keepers of our collective legacy. I thank the Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign for rewarding these individuals for their efforts and for being instrumental in preserving our heritage legacy. Montréal’s 375th anniversary is fast approaching and this will give us an opportunity to re-examine the Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign,” added Manon Gauthier.

The Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign video capsules can be viewed by clicking here.

Towards a renewed experience

The Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign has an excellent track record, but an updated version will return in the spring of 2017. The new version will be in line with current heritage conservation trends, which are supported by international organizations, and are already included in the city’s Heritage Policy as well as in the government of Québec’s new Cultural Heritage Act. The updated version of the campaign will align more closely with new city practices. The first edition of this renewed experience will be introduced in 2017 and coincide with the ICOMOS International Day for Monuments and Sites, on April 18 of each year.