Montreal, September 8, 2021 – Heritage Montreal and Les amis de la montagne have joined forces to produce a video urging the Government of Québec, the City of Montréal and citizens to work together to ensure a viable future for the site of the former Royal Victoria Hospital.
Repurposing the former hospital, a heritage site that has stood vacant since 2015, is a major opportunity to enhance development and innovation in Québec and its largest city, as well as boost their visibility and influence. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to open up and highlight a remarkable interface between Mount Royal and the downtown core, while contributing to Montrealers’ well-being.
With the master plan put forward by the Société québécoise des infrastructures currently the subject of public consultations led by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM), and with municipal elections on the horizon, it is time for policymakers to show vision, courage and audacity. Fundamental questions relating to the execution of the restoration work and to preservation of this site’s natural and heritage integrity must be asked and debated. Extending Mount Royal Park toward the city, maintaining public ownership of the land of the entire property, and the long-term governance of the site are crucial issues that remain unanswered.
There is an urgent need to address these issues, given the risks of fragmentation and inconsistency that could result in privatization, multiplication of occupants, and piecemeal amendments to the regulatory framework.
The “Royal Vic” is a heritage site of major importance, a public asset and a focal point of national pride, which must be treated as a priority issue both provincially and municipally. Public policymakers must demand an exemplary project, collaborate on the definition of a clear and innovative vision, and award the funding necessary for repurposing of the entire site, to address the needs and aspirations of the community.
With that in mind, Les amis de la montagne and Heritage Montreal encourage Montrealers to take part in large numbers in the OCPM consultation that will decide the future of this invaluable collective asset.View the video.
