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Because History repeats itself...
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Sites emblématiques menacés - 2006
Institutional properties on the southern slope of Mount Royal
Mount Royal
Architectural and Landscape Value
As shown by numerous old and recent images, the southern slope of the Mountain is a major part of Montreal’s distinctive personality and provides the landscape identity to downtown. Moreover, the institutional properties on the slopes of Mount Royal comprise exceptional architectural and landscape entities. These include the Grand Séminaire and the other properties associated with the Sulpicians, the McGill University campus, as well as the Hôtel-Dieu, Montreal General , Royal Victoria and Shriner’s hospitals.
Historic Value
The institutions on the south side of Mount Royal are linked with innumerable events and people marking local, national and even international history, in the fields of exploration, business, religion, medicine and science. The numerous commemorative monuments, plaques and markers found in the area bear witness to this.
The Threat
Several different public and private development projects threaten the heritage and landscape integrity of these properties, affecting the integrity and the value of Mount Royal as a vital part of Montreal’s visual identity. Most of these projects are related to the expansion of university and medical facilities, for example proposals for extensions to the Montreal General Hospital and McGill’s Percival Molson Stadium. In addition, the future of several religious holdings, including Marianopolis College (formerly the Séminaire de Philosphie) and the Couvent des Hospitalières de Saint-Joseph (the convent at Hôtel-Dieu) is very worrying, especially because of the historical value of the properties, as well as the intrinsic value of their gardens and woods.
Initiatives of Héritage Montréal
Héritage Montréal sought classification of Mount Royal under the Quebec Cultural Property Act in 1986. In 2005, the Québec government agreed. We are active participants at the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal established by the City to bring together major municipal, institutional and community stakeholders. We are working to establish protective measures that recognize all the different heritage aspects of the site, including its landscape. Héritage Montréal works closely with Les Amis de la Montagne. We have corresponded frequently with Philippe Couillard and Line Beauchamp, respectively Ministers of Health and Culture and Communications, with regard to the plans to expand the Montreal General Hospital, a project that has been determined.
To help safeguard this site, write to us.
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