A $5 million renovation for the Army reserve building on Pine Ave. has been approved, but members of Projet Montreal are saying the project doesn’t respect the structure’s heritage.
The building has been recognized as a heritage site by every level of government since 1992. During the original construction in 1910, all costs being covered through fundraising by Montrealers of the day and no federal involvement. It remains the only French reserve in Montreal.
The renovations will focus largely on the building’s roof but Projet Montreal city councilor Alex Norris said the plans violate municipal heritage site rules.
“Our team has looked at the call for tenders and the specifications are that they will replace the asphalt shingles on the roof with PVC shingles. That’s not the original material,” he said. “We’ve seen other aspects of the call for tenders that make it clear heritage rules are not being respected.”
In a statement, the Defence Ministry said they aren't required to abide by city rules, as the building belongs to the Crown and is used for a public purpose, adding that the new roof will look the same as the old one, cost less and last longer.
However, Norris said the Ministry is also violating federal law and the borough will continue to fight the renovations.
"The Canadian Army cannot go against the rules of its own country," said Norris.
Work on the project is set to begin on Aug. 23.
