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Photo : © Chloé Lecavalier

Father Claude Grou Awarded the 2022 Prix du Mont-Royal

As Rector of Saint-Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal from 2005 to 2020, Father Claude Grou stood out by his remarkable contribution to the protection and improvement of Mount Royal’s Westmount summit, in particular through the creation in 2014 of the Père-Louis-Trempe Nature Reserve. He also guided the planning and implementation of the Oratory’s Major Development Project, an ambitious and visionary project that involves restoring and enhancing the site’s built, cultural, historical, religious and natural heritage, as well as providing improved access and creating green spaces.

Father Grou and his team were mandated to conduct a full renovation of the Oratory Museum, as well as build the future observatory at the top of the dome of the basilica, 243 metres above river level. Once completed, the observatory will provide visitors to the sanctuary with an incomparable, panoramic view of Montreal and beyond. Father Grou is also a founding member of the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal. Through cooperation and by attracting the best talent, including via multidisciplinary competitions to recruit architects for his museum renovation and the restoration of the basilica’s dome, he demonstrated his concern for excellence and his ability to rally a proud community around one of the city’s most iconic sites.

“As Rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, Father Claude Grou made a significant and ongoing contribution to the protection and improvement of the mountain’s Westmount summit. Thanks to his actions, the public will now be able to enjoy a greener, safer, more accessible space and an incomparable panoramic view of the city from the highest window in Montreal. His legacy drives our will to preserve the Mount Royal Heritage Site. His exemplary leadership will continue to inspire us in our ongoing efforts to improve the mountain, better protect it and fight to preserve its precious biodiversity,” stated Ms. Bourgeois. 

Representing the TD Bank Group which, as lead sponsor, supports Les Amis de la montagne’s mobilization and environmental stewardship programs and the acknowledgment of its collective commitment, M. Alain Lavoie, Region Head, Quebec and Atlantic, emphasized the importance of getting involved in the protection and improvement of Mount Royal. According to M. Lavoie, “We are a proud supporter of the Prix du Mont-Royal. At TD, we believe that emblematic public spaces like those on Mount Royal are essential in developing strong communities, and that any outstanding actions taken on their behalf should be recognized.”

“Father Grou played a leadership role in the protection of the mountain for more than 15 years. His vision, which was apparent in so many of the significant actions he undertook on behalf of Mount Royal, is a source of inspiration not only for the community, but also for those in charge of our city’s organizations and institutions, all of which play a key role in preserving and improving Mount Royal,” said Peter Howlett, President of Les Amis de la montagne.

Honourable mentions to two great friends of Mount Royal

The ceremony also provided the opportunity to award honourable mentions in memory of two individuals who significantly contributed to protecting the mountain’s heritage.

The first was awarded to Coralie Deny, Executive Director of the Conseil régional de l’environnement de Montréal from 2010 to 2020 and active member of the Table de concertation du Mont-Royal. Ms. Deny was among those who made a considerable contribution to the issue table’s work through her deep attachment to the mountain, her considerable knowledge of the various challenges involved and her uniting vision. 

The second honourable mention was awarded to architect Jean-François Hallé, who dedicated much of his career to promoting the interests of Mount Royal as a staff member of Les Amis de la montagne from 2005 to 2008, and the City of Montreal from 2010 to 2021. He distinguished himself through his capacity to showcase the mountain’s natural and cultural heritage from the standpoint of how the mountain is used, both now and in the future.

About Prix du Mont-Royal

Awarded annually since 2005, the Prix du Mont-Royal is an opportunity for Les Amis de la montagne and the City of Montreal to pay tribute to the individuals and institutions whose commitment and actions have significantly contributed to protecting and improving Mount Royal.

Les Amis de la montagne would like to acknowledge the support of TD Bank Group, through its TD Ready Commitment program, in awarding the Prix du Mont-Royal 

Les Amis de la montagne is a non-profit organization that protects, improves and promotes Mount Royal through community involvement and environmental education.

 

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Information :
Marie-Claude Cabana, directrice des communications p.i.
514 843-8240, poste 239
mccabana@lemontroyal.qc.ca
Les Amis de la montagne

 

 

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