Heritage conservationists worry that “the last building from Expo 67 is still in good condition” that Lotto-Quebec wants to remove.
The former Universal Exhibition Art Museum, located not far from Habitat 67 on Avenue Pierre-Dupuy, was released on the site by real estate broker CBRE. The paper mentioned the potential subdivision of the land, without mentioning the building.
However, it has a rich history: it housed the works of the big names of the artistic avant-garde in 1967, before housing the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art for nearly 25 years.
The real estate listing was finally withdrawn in mid-September “at the seller’s request and for reasons beyond our control,” CBRE pointed out. “The sale process for 2190 Avenue Pierre-Dupuy is temporarily suspended until November 30, 2023.”
Loto-Québec has decided to put its building on Avenue Pierre-Dupuy up for sale because it no longer meets its needs and generates high maintenance costs.
Renaud Dugas, spokesman for Loto-Québec
“For over a year, we have been in touch with various government agencies and stakeholders to gauge their interest in this building,” he continued. A partner recently offered, so we put the sale on hold while we continue discussions. » To reveal the identity of the partner in question Mr. Dugas didn’t want to.
Integrated into Jean-Drapeau Park?
In an interview with Radio-Canada, Société du Parc director general Jean-Drebeau confirmed the sale was halted at his request. He is considering the possibility of converting the building into a reception hall for a nearby park.
“We’re looking at it [faisant] The integral part of the park considers that it is part of the space occupied by Expo 67,” said Véronique Doucet. “We can think of all kinds of things like an autonomous shuttle, a small electric bus or micromobility, which will allow people to enter the park with an experience. »
Photo by Martin Tremblay, The Press
The Jean-Trebeau Park Society may convert the former Universal Exhibition Art Museum into a reception hall for the park.
Lucette Lupien, a Habitat 67 resident who sometimes represents residents of her building at public hearings, fears that if the former Expo 67 art museum is sold to a private developer, it could make way for high-rise condos. Construction.
The building was designed by Quebec architects. […]. Architecturally and spatially, it was highly innovative.
Lucette Lupien, a resident of Habitat 67
“If we don’t preserve it, your grandchildren won’t have any of the heritage from the 1950s to the 1970s. Here, at Expo 67, we’re lucky to have the event that brought us to modernity in Quebec. »
“a big problem”
Other heritage preservationists are also worried about the future of the former Expo 67 art museum.
Roger La Roche, an expert on the memory of Expo 67, said the sale of the building to private interests was “very bad news”, the judges said.
“The building is empty. There are pyrite problems in the building. If the building is to be preserved, it deserves a significant investment,” he said in a telephone interview. “I can understand Lotto-Quebec’s desire to get rid of it, but it’s really a big problem. » The land is zoned residential with significant permitted heights that could attract real estate developers.
Tinu Bambaru of Heritage Montreal is also worried.
“On the one hand, there is the building’s interest as a former Expo 67 art museum (a request for classification was sent to the Minister of Culture in 2019),” he underlined. “On the other hand, there is the risk of Griffintownization with the permitted 20 storeys. Some citizens questioned us in this regard. »
He said the withdrawal of the real estate file was “good news”.
Another legacy of Expo 67 on the back burner
The art museum isn’t the only legacy of Expo 67 whose future is causing concern these days. After Pitoune, Minirail and Galopant, the fourth ride of this period was rejected by La Ronde.
La Spiraille, a 73-meter observation tower in a circular shape, has not reopened since the pandemic. It is no longer on the official list of amusement park rides.
Photo by Dominique Gravel, La Presse Archives
La Spiral (center) has not reopened since the pandemic.
“As for its future, no decision has been made,” said Marie-Pierre Haino, the amusement park’s communications manager. “No decision will be made before the end of the season. » According to Mme Hainault said “all possibilities are being explored” other than the ride being scrapped.
“It’s the last of La Ronde’s iconic rides,” lamented Expo 67 expert Roger La Roche.
“Again, it’s a ride that hasn’t been maintained for years. Obviously, when we don’t maintain properties, they deteriorate. We’re always afraid of the unsurprising situation: They’re no longer functional,” criticized Julie Belanger, head of a committee dedicated to Universal Fair’s memory. “It’s regrettable because it’s a predictable situation. It’s always the same scene over and over again. »
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