Media

Town acquires Sacré-Cœur-de-Jésus church

After years of discussion, debate, studies and pressure from citizens of the Old Village district, Mont-Tremblant’s town council has decided to purchase Sacré-Cœur-de-Jésus church, the jewel of the Old Village. Negotiations between town council and the parish board of governors (Fabrique) have concluded with an agreement on the purchase for $100,000. The announcement was made at a special public session of the town council last August 25. There are conditions, namely, that the Town cannot sell or cede the property to private interests and must preserve the building’s public vocation for the benefit of the community. Ownership of religious objects and furniture remains with the Fabrique. The church will continue to be used to celebrate religious services until the interior is modified for its new vocation. Mayor Pilon says that won’t happen before next spring and the changes will be modest so as to keep costs down. The church, he added, has a wonderful historical value that the Town intends to preserve. Town council together with the people of the Village district would carry on their reflections on a definitive vocation for the building. Meanwhile, the church will continue to be used for cultural events such as concerts and, eventually, plays, as well as tourism and some community and recreational activities. A member of the Old Village district citizens’ committee, Camil Rochefort, expressed his pleasure over the Town’s decision, one that the committee had long been waiting for as it continues efforts to rejuvenate the district. The church is considered a prime asset for the present and future of the Old Village.

The mayor also announced that Mont-Tremblant and La Conception had jointly purchased the buildings and installations on the shores of Lac Boisseau in La Conception belonging to the Club Richelieu de Mont-Tremblant. The two municipalities are putting up $25,000 each for the facilities, and the Club Richelieu will assign the lease for the eight-acre property in a five square kilometre area of state-owned land known for its singular unspoiled beauty. The Club Richelieu, long engaged in community work, has used the property as a summer camp for children. Both towns jointly will continue to use it as such and as an outdoors centre for recreational and educational ends including environmental appreciation among youth and adults.


Source :  Tremblant Express - André Courey, journalist