On April 5, 2004, Francine Senécal, Executive Committee Vice-President Responsible for Culture and Heritage, received on behalf of the City of Montréal the initial Directional Statement on Heritage Policy. This important blueprint document was filed with the Executive Committee by Gretta Chambers, Chancellor Emerita of McGill University and chair of an advisory group of some 15 citizens created in the fall of 2003 to define the broad strokes of a heritage policy for the city.

“Nearly two years ago at the Montréal Summit, we made a commitment whereby Montréal would show exemplary leadership on heritage issues,” Ms. Senécal declared. “We are convinced that to do so, it is vital that we work jointly with key stakeholders in the field. The creation of an advisory group made up of citizens who truly care about their city is a perfect illustration of our willingness to do just that. Today, thanks to the remarkable work achieved by Ms. Chambers and her colleagues, Montréal is in a position to adopt a true heritage policy that will guide municipal actions in the coming years.”

Ms. Senécal added : “In taking this action, the city is also delivering on one of the commitments made by the signatory cities to the Montréal Declaration adopted at the 8th World Conference of Historical Cities last October. We will be making public the principles that will guide decisions regarding heritage conservation and presentation by adopting an official heritage policy between now and the end of 2004. Montréal will become one of the first great metropolises to adopt such an instrument. Incidentally, the city has already fulfilled the other commitment it made in signing the Declaration through its creation of the Conseil du patrimoine. The Conseil, an advisory organization made up of citizens of diverse backgrounds, is a way for civil society to get involved in the conservation and presentation of our heritage.”

The full French version of the Advisory Group’s report, as well as a summary in French and in English, are available on the Web.

French versions: www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/patrimoine/enonce.htm

Summary English version: www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/patrimoine/doc_enonce/enonce_cen.pdf

For more informations: [email protected]