Martin C. Barry
In an effort to protect and enhance the heritage architecture on its territory, the City of Laval, in keeping with a trend in other cities in Quebec, has served noticed that it is drafting a new by-law dealing with the demolition of buildings and other structures considered architecturally significant because of their heritage value.
More than 1,400 buildings and structures are targeted by the by-law. Almost all of them are part of pre-inventory of the City of Laval’s heritage architecture that was conducted in 2015 by the firm Patri-Arch. The list includes primary and secondary buildings, roadside crosses, shrines, tombs and a vault.
Heritage protection
The city’s by-law was developed in keeping with elements contained in a provincial law on urban planning, which allows municipalities to have regulations to control the demolition of buildings considered noteworthy – with special emphasis on their heritage value.
“We are very happy that this project is coming together which will certainly help to avoid regrettable demolitions, attesting to our willingness to guarantee the continuation of this collective wealth which is architectural heritage,” said Laval councillor for Sainte-Rose Virginie Dufour, an executive-committee member.
Demolitions suspended
Since the new by-law came into effect on Jan. 31, the issuing of demolition permits has been suspended for buildings eyed by the city for possible preservation based on their heritage value. This suspension will cease to be valid under the following conditions:
If the demolition by-law is not adopted within the two months following the passing of the resolution; If the demolition by-law has not come into effect within the four months following its adoption; When the demolition by-law comes into effect.
Over the past year, a groundbreaking public consultation was conducted by the city among property owners potentially affected. Around 100 heritage buildings were identified. During the consultations, around 30 people took part in four working sessions between April and May 2018.
45 recommendations
The participants came up with around 45 recommendations, which were presented to members of the executive-committee. Some of the recommendations were taken up by the executive-committee, including one that called for additional support for a program to revitalize heritage buildings.
Among the tasks that have already been accomplished: The creation of an inventory of roadside crosses and shrines all over Laval’s territory; The creation of a study on the history and heritage of the Saint-François de Sales sector; The realization of a series of videos on Laval’s heritage and history; The restoration of roadside crosses and shrines in Laval’s public areas.
