Dorval, QC – Tensions are running high in Dorval as the city moves forward with plans to demolish a historic convent annex on the shores of Lac St. Louis. The convent, located at 12 Dahlia Avenue, comprises three buildings: a mansion built by Dorval’s first mayor, Desire Girouard, a cement block chapel repurposed as City Council Chambers, and a four-story residence known as the Annexe, built in 1965 by the Congregation de Notre Dame.
In April, the City Council voted to demolish the 4 story, 40,250 square foot annex, citing an architectural audit indicating significant compliance issues with the Quebec Construction Code, including wind bracing, fire protection, insulation, and personal safety. The city maintains that the cost of bringing the building up to code and maintaining it is prohibitive. The city Communications officer, Sébastien Gauthier, was not permitted to speak on this topic in the absence of the Mayor who was on vacation, but did refer WIT to a document posted on the city website. In said document after the April 2024 council meeting, it was stated that "necessary steps will be planned to ensure the safe demolition of the annex and the eventual greening of the site. The architectural features of the mansion and chapel, key historical elements, will be preserved and improved to meet current regulations.” Dorval Mayor stated in the June 17 Council meeting that the city intends to demolish only the annex and has issued a study to confirm the lack of historical value of the structure.
However, some citizens of Dorval are up in arms over the decision, accusing the city of bypassing proper procedures and ignoring the building's heritage value. Criticism has mounted since the release of the architectural audit, which some argue does not substantiate the need for demolition. The audit, based on visual inspection and documentation study, highlighted minor repairs, potential for increased energy efficiency, and necessary updates for fire safety but did not recommend demolition. Critics claim the city has not provided cost estimates for repairs or explored alternative uses for the Annexe.
Councilor Pascal Brault, an independent member representing the district where the convent is located, has been a vocal opponent of the demolition. He highlighted the city’s bylaw requiring a full heritage assessment and exploration of all potential uses before demolition. Despite his motions to delay the demolition decision until a thorough assessment could be conducted, the council's vote was vetoed by Mayor Doret. At the June 17 meeting Councillor Brault indicated a lack of access to documentation. He had received documents just prior to the meeting and needed more time to go over the documents.
Further complicating matters, Dorval amended two bylaws over the past two years to facilitate the demolition without public consultations. These amendments, aimed at removing unspecified “irritants,” have sparked outrage among residents who feel excluded from the decision-making process.
“The city's urban plan passed in 2015 indicates that 12 Dahlia is a site worth preserving. But the building came up for sale during Doret's term," said Dorval resident Rachelle Cournoyer. “The city has obligations under its own law, and under that of the Agglomeration of Montreal, to undertake a serious study of alternative uses. Right now, they are wanting to use the provincial law to protect sites built before 1940 as a license to demolish anything afterward as having no historical value. However, heritage includes the notion of legacy, especially the legacy of a congregation of women.”
The convent is identified as a protected historical property under the Schéma d’aménagement et de développement de l’agglomération de Montréal, which requires municipalities to protect such properties and explore all potential uses before demolition. Critics point to successful repurposing projects like the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Ste Anne in Lachine as evidence that alternatives exist.
The city’s decision to award a sole-sourced contract to a company tasked with proving the Annexe has no heritage value has further fueled suspicions. The company has 45 days to complete its evaluation, and the next City Council meeting on Monday is expected to be contentious.
As the clock ticks, Dorval residents are rallying to save the Annexe, advocating for a transparent and inclusive process that respects the city’s heritage and community values. The outcome of this battle will likely have lasting implications for the preservation of historical sites in Dorval and beyond.
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