On October 15, 2020, the President of the Foundation, Carole Deniger, and the Director of Policy, Dinu Bumbaru, share their thoughts on this founding date and the years to come.
A foundation at the service of citizens
On October 15, 1975, the gouvernement du Québec letters patent to Héritage Montréal. A few days later, under the founding presidency of Phyllis Lambert, the first meeting of the board of directors was held.
In Europe, the year 1975 was devoted to architectural heritage. Here, closely following the creation of Sauvons Montréal in the wake of the demolition of the Van Horne Mansion in 1973, Héritage Montréal was born, an organization that continues to act independently and non-partisan, in the service of heritage and urban development of collective interest.
Among the articles of these letters patent is the organization's objective to "encourage and promote the protection of the historical, architectural, natural and cultural heritage of the communities of the province of Quebec".
This reminds us that while Héritage Montréal a defender of heritage, it does so in the service of the community and citizens, in Montreal and elsewhere. Protecting heritage is everyone's business, but first and foremost it is the responsibility of property owners and public authorities. Our role has therefore been to inform, educate, and help develop tools to safeguard, enhance, and enrich our heritage. Finally, our letters patent embody the foundations of a forward-thinking vision of heritage that brings together nature, culture, and architecture.
In short, 45 years later, we must thank the founders who had the vision to give us a mission that is still as relevant in 2020. While the massive demolitions of the 1960s and 1970s led to the erection of regulatory defences, today's challenges are more concerned with giving heritage a new function in community life, both in the downtown core and in neighbourhoods whose authenticity must also be ensured. In short, there will be no shortage of work to accomplish this mission over the coming decades.
Long live Heritage Montreal!
Dinu Bumbaru, Director of Policy,Héritage Montréal
45 years old, the age of maturity and experience!
For 45 years, Héritage Montréal and promoting the built and landscape heritage of the Greater Montreal area. Built on a foundation of citizen engagement, education and awareness, influence and representation with leaders in our city, province and country,Héritage Montréal storyHéritage Montréal to be written today.
As we were to celebrate this anniversary with our friends, partners and donors this October, the pandemic forced us to revisit this and other projects. But we wanted to mark this commemorative date, October 15.
Over the next five years, Héritage Montréal rely even more on its network of partners and continue to develop the city by promoting its architectural and heritage identity, both in the downtown core and in the neighborhoods and towns of the metropolitan area. We want to strengthen our team, raise awareness among citizens, and actively participate in the redevelopment of buildings in Greater Montreal and beyond by developing innovative approaches and tools and highlighting inspiring experiences.
Our fight for heritage is not over, and we are counting on you to accompany us throughout this journey.
Carole Deniger, Chair of the Board ofHéritage Montréal
The Pint of Milk, PHOTO: FOREST CORNER 
Milton Park, PHOTO: HÉRITAGE MONTRÉAL
Would you like to support our mission? Our 2020 fundraising campaign is currently underway. Click here to make a donation.
