The City of Montréal is currently coordinating a large-scale inventory of more than 100,000 historical buildings constructed before 1940. This initiative is part of the Government of Québec’s decision to develop a protection tool aimed at better documenting, protecting and showcasing built heritage (section 120 of the Québec Cultural Heritage Act). Since 2023, the inventory has been rolled out across all boroughs and reconstituted municipalities of the urban agglomeration, and will continue until April 2026.
From April 11 to April 25, a heritage consulting team, composed of the firms Luce Lafontaine Architecte and Heredes, will be canvassing streets throughout the City to record and photograph buildings selected for the inventory, as well as those requiring on-site verification.
This three-person team has been commissioned by the City of Montréal’s Heritage Division, which oversees the inventories across the Montréal agglomeration. They will be identifiable by their orange vests bearing the name “Ville de Montréal.”
Most photos will be taken from public spaces (e.g., streets, sidewalks, alleys). However, team members may need to access private property or backyards to get a clear view of the feature to be photographed (e.g., a main or secondary building hidden by a hedge or located at the back of the lot). Please note that this inventory does not involve entering any buildings.
If owners or occupants are present at the time of the visit, they are encouraged to allow the designated individuals to move freely around the property so they can carry out their work. As a courtesy, it is recommended to keep dogs on a leash.
If you have any questions or would like to be notified of the day your building will be photographed, please contact Ms. Mireille Gascon, Division Head of the Urban Planning Department, by email at mireille.gascon@beaconsfield.ca or by phone at 514-428-4400, extension 4432. All requests will be forwarded to the consulting team, who will follow up as needed.
To learn more: Inventory of historical buildings