Reflections on the future of the Verdun Natatorium

Header photo: Denis Tremblay, Wikimedia Commons

The public information meeting on April 30 about the future of the Verdun Natatorium, which Héritage Montréal , revealed the undeniable affection of the public, particularly Verdun residents, for this heritage municipal building with its Art Deco architecture and its place in community life and in the riverside landscape of LaSalle Boulevard. Many attendees recalled personal memories and the importance of this facility, as well as the vision demonstrated by the City of Verdun, which built and inaugurated it in 1940, creating the first outdoor swimming pool in Quebec and the largest in Canada.

The presentations, audience contributions and ensuing discussions also provided an opportunity to learn more about current issues and the work carried out since the building was closed to the public in 2017, following the discovery of structural problems and accelerated degradation of the reinforced concrete from which the Natatorium is built. In particular, we learned, unfortunately somewhat belatedly, that Ville de Montréal has brought together external heritage specialists familiar with the problems of heritage concrete. This issue cannot be downplayed, as it seems to be forcing the discussion towards what many fear will be a total demolition to make way for a new, up-to-the-minute building, when reconstruction strategies could apply.

Verdun Natatorium: citizens rally to save a rare jewel of art deco architecture ravaged by age

Age has ravaged the building's concrete structure, to the point where Ville de Montréal is now considering demolishing this art deco gem.

Both the voice of the community regarding the places they cherish and the input of outside experts are needed to choose a path forward that does justice to the architectural, historical, and social heritage value of the Natatorium. The advanced deterioration of the concrete poses a complex dilemma for both the authorities and the community. Although yesterday's meeting would have benefited from being held earlier in the process, the commitment of Verdun Mayor Marie-Andrée Mauger to proceed with transparency and respond to the wishes of the public, particularly in terms of service and heritage, bodes well. Héritage Montréal available to collaborate in this regard.    

Verdun Natatorium to be demolished

Montreal officially recommends demolition of the Verdun Natatorium pavilion. The heritage building suffers from critical structural problems.

Montreal presents plan to demolish and rebuild Verdun Natatorium pavilion

"You have an unfortunate tendency of demolishing," a Verdun citizen said during question period.