Demolition of historical building casts doubt on city's commitment to preservation

A former immigration building rich with wartime history is being demolished to make way for a new condo tower, and heritage activists are questioning the city's commitment to conservation.

The building at 1162 St-Antoine Street West was built in 1914 and used, among other things, to intern Ukrainians who were considered "enemy aliens" during the First World War.

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Montreal's public consultation bureau and the Montreal Heritage Council both opposed its demolition. Real-estate developer Cadillac-Fairview requested permission to raze it to build a 37-storey tower with the Montreal Canadiens brand.

For Dinu Bumbaru, policy director at Heritage Montreal, this is just one example among others. He lists it among the Redpath Mansion, the remains of the Village des Tanneries, and the agora at Viger Square.

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"It's not very clear at what is meant by conservation these days," Bumbaru said. "It may well be that regulations call for preservation, but this involves the demolition. It is not clear."

Bumbaru argues that heritage protection should be part of the negotiations between the Quebec government and the City of Montreal, which is seeking special metropolitan status from the province.

Such a charter could be one legacy of the 375th anniversary celebrations of the city, he added.