Westmount: A leader in heritage conservation

14 November 2024

The National Trust for Canada is hosting its annual event, organized since 1947 and in collaboration with the International Association for Preservation and Technology (APT) and the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals, in Montreal, from November 12 to 16, 2024. This conference brings together professionals, activists, elected officials and others from North America and abroad to discuss ongoing challenges in historic preservation, climate resiliency, and social equity.

A guided tour of Westmount that highlights the City’s exemplary nature in terms of heritage conservation is planned as part of this event.

The walking tour of Westmount includes stops at the sites of recent restoration projects, including City Hall, the Public Library, the Conservatory and Victoria Hall. NBL Architectes planned this activity around these projects in which they participated, and serve as guides with the participation of Affleck & De La Riva Architectes who delivered the Conservatory restauration. Nathalie Jodoin, Assistant Director of the City’s Urban Planning Department, also adds her expertise in heritage conservation in municipal policy.

The City of Westmount has a long history of leadership in heritage conservation:

In 2018, the Prince of Wales Award recognized the City of Westmount for sustained commitment to heritage conservation over time, as demonstrated in the quality of the environment, the determination of municipal leadership, and the strong engagement of residents.
In 2016, the City established a Local Heritage Council with a mandate to provide recommendations to City Council on any matters relating to identifying and protecting Westmount’s heritage. This Council has launched several forward-looking projects, such as the designation of the Glen Viaduct as a Heritage Immovable.
In 2011, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized Westmount as a National Historic Site, citing the wealth of architectural styles and landscaping trends characteristic of the period from 1890 to 1930, as well as the efforts of local citizens who, beginning in the early 20th century, sought to protect the diversity and historic integrity of the built environment.
In 1916, the founding of the Architectural Commission in Westmount, the precursor to the Planning Advisory Committee, was a first for a Canadian city.