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Because History repeats itself...
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Because History repeats itself, Montréal’s heritage needs you!
For immediate release
April 26, 2005 - For the last thirty years, Montréal has been steadily losing parts of its identity and its diversity as a result of badly-advised demolition or conversion. Since history tends to repeat itself, Héritage Montréal has today released a list of ten significant sites that are threatened. The organisation calls on citizens to join it in protecting and preserving the unique character of our great metropolis.
The ten sites under threat, each recognized as a symbol of Greater Montreal, are:
Eaton’s 9th floor
The CN shops in Point St. Charles
The St. Sulpice and Montreal libraries
Montreal’s steeples
The Carmelites’ convent
Stairs, balconies and cornices
Maison Redpath
The Guaranteed Pure Milk bottle
Silo Number 5
Pointe Claire Village
Heritage is the bearer of the values of identity and symbolism; it bears witness to the traditions of Greater Montreal and forges its future. The protection of the metropolis is a collective responsibility which calls for collective mobilisation. According to Dinu Bumbaru, Policy Director at Héritage Montréal, “Supporting Héritage Montréal ensures quality of life for us now and the possibility of leaving that same quality of life as a bequest to future generations.”
If the protection of our heritage allows history to be transmitted, ignorance and indifference have often committed irremediable errors that have meant the loss or transformation of many buildings, sites or landscapes that were a significant part of Montreal. Dinu Bumbaru adds: “Let’s not forget sites such as the YMCA, the St. Isidore Convent or the Montreal Hunt Club, whose loss is incalculable”. Recent changes in the urban environment, such as municipal restructuring, increased pressure on built heritage and the uncertain future of places of worship exacerbate what is already a precarious situation for built heritage, requiring that citizens become even more active.
The appeal launched today by Héritage Montréal complements a membership drive inaugurated earlier this year under the theme of “Lost”. The campaign was carried out in collaboration with Cossette Communication, and with the support of La Presse, The Gazette, Zoom Média and Astral Affichage, key partners who, through this committed approach, support the protection of our heritage.
Since 1975, Héritage Montréal has been working to defend and to highlight the heritage of our metropolis, of its neighbourhoods and of its communities, by encouraging the active participation of its citizens in debates and in tackling issues concerning the protection of our heritage. Through its independent, informed, and committed actions, the organisation contributes to sustainable urban planning.
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To become a member: (514) 286-2662
Media information and organisation of interviews: Benjamin Maréchal (514) 286-2662, extension 21
Internet Site: www.heritagemontreal.qc.ca
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