Recipients and winning projects

Taking care 

This category rewards property owners who are particularly intent on preserving the heritage elements of their residence. 

1810, Rue Dézéry 
A vast restoration project undertaken to rescue this Victorian building erected in 1894. Numerous types of restoration work were carried out, namely on the ornamented coping of the façade, balconies, brick and on the windows as well. The owners also restored the historic outbuildings that include the former stables and butcher shop, which they converted into a welcoming space. In keeping with recommendations from a heritage restoration guide, the owners completed most of the work by themselves, with great passion and commitment. They only enlisted the help of experts for very particular aspects.

Regiving purpose

This category is intended for commercial building owners and for designers who work on upgrading heritage sites. 

Tour de Lévis, 221 chemin du Tour-de-l’Isle, Île Sainte-Hélène 

This project aims to develop the area around the Tour de Lévis, at the summit of Mont Boullé, on Île Sainte‑Hélène, while preserving the natural character of the site, while also improving the immersive experience, accessibility and functional aspects of the site. In keeping with existing materials and shapes, the team restored the stones of the front square, added bleachers and a silica stairway, and rehabilitated local vegetation. The project stands out through its sensibility, its spotless presentation and its mindful approach to the preservation of both build and natural heritage.

Mention: 

École Sophie-Barat, 1239, Boulevard Gouin Est 

The project pertains to the restoration of the façades of block A of Sophie‑Barat high school, a heritage building located in the Sault‑au‑Récollet district. Carried out by the CSSDM, in collaboration with the SQI, the work aims to improve the building’s safety, while also renovating and preserving the façades of the building in keeping with its original architecture. Stones were reused and doors and windows were either restored or harmonized. This project emphasizes the importance of recognizing schools as community heritage buildings to be preserved and highlighted.

Providing expertise

This award recognizes the mastery and sharing of a traditional practice that contributes to the preservation of Montréal’s heritage. 

Pascal Grenier, tinsmith craftsman and founder of Atelier de ferblanterie MBR 

Pascal Grenie has been a tinsmith for over 38 years. He is a recognized expert in the restoration of heritage metal elements. His work namely focuses on the manufacturing and restoration of architectural components. He is frequently solicited to share his expertise with architects, professionals from the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, and to give various training sessions. Pascal also works to protect this rare craft, to share his knowledge and expertise, and to train the next generation of tinsmiths. He is one of the co-creators of an artisanal tinsmith course at the Cégep du Vieux Montréal.

Building awareness 

This category acknowledges the enhancement of our heritage through awareness or broadcasting projects. 

Histoires NDG - PAAL Partageons le monde 

Histoires NDG is a living heritage interpretation project in Notre‑Dame‑de‑Grâce, showcased digitally and outdoors. It highlights significant landmarks of the neighbourhood’s daily activities, such as schools, parks and churches, through illustrated maps, history clips, photographs and testimonies from residents who chose the area to build their lives. The project aims to strengthen residents’ sense of belonging and the collective recognition of these landmarks that are marked by such a rich social and historical past. Presented during neighborhood celebrations in schools, it reached out to a diverse audience and fostered dialogue between community organizations and historians. In addition to the sense of pride and community recognition it yielded, this initiative was characterized by its participatory nature, its territorial roots and its multidisciplinary approach.

Mention :

La ville nous parle, by Marie-Dina Salvione 

“La ville nous parle” is a heritage awareness project for children ages 6 to 11, presented in the form of an illustrated book. Thanks to concrete examples and an adapted vocabulary, it initiates a young audience to our vast heritage. Its fun, poetic and educational approach promotes intergenerational exchange and makes heritage more accessible to the public.

Acting together 

This award highlights actions or projects led by citizen groups or non-profit organizations aiming to preserve significant heritage elements in a given location or on public property. 

Allions-nous 

Launched in 2024 by the organization Allions‑Nous, the project “Allions‑nous dans la cour!” aims to collectively reclaim the former Allion school, abandoned since 2007, that is located in the center of the Village des Rapides, also known as the “Bronx”, of LaSalle borough. Through the temporary occupancy of its yard, the site comes to life with a variety of community activities, such as a community garden, a farmer’s market, an outdoor movie theatre, and a citizens’ Agora. The project also included a variety of awareness activities pertaining to the history of both the building and surrounding neighbourhood. The project imparts to residents the importance of preserving their local heritage, highlighting the value of seemingly ordinary places and strengthening their sense of belonging.