/R E P E A T -- 23rd Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign- Montréal rewards 22 owners for preserving and enhancing their property's architectural and heritage value/

MONTREAL, Sept. 20, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Mayor of Montréal, Laurent Blanchard, today presented the Heritage Emeritus Awards to 22 Montréal property owners who have maintained their properties with great care. This presentation was part of the official launching of the 23rd Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign activities, to be held until October 6, 2013. Among these 22 outstanding properties, five were chosen by the Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign jury as finalists in the Maison coup de coeur contest. The Mayor also rewarded businesses and institutions with four special awards, including the Ivanhoé Cambridge Award of Excellence, which highlights exceptional contribution to the Montréal heritage.

"Montrealers are proud of their city and enjoy living in an attractive environment. An increasing number of Montrealers feel attached to the built heritage and to the city's uniqueness and distinct character. I would like to congratulate the owners who have helped to preserve and enhance their properties and buildings to reflect our city's history. I invite Montrealers to take part in the activities scheduled as part of the Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign and experience the treasures and unique character of our city neighbourhoods," said Laurent Blanchard.

Winners of the special awards:

• The Ivanhoé Cambridge Award of Excellence, which is presented to a person or group in recognition of efforts to preserve or enhance the city's heritage, was given to Cité Historia for promoting the history and heritage of the Sault-au-Récollet, in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.
  
  
• The Artisan Award, which is presented to a person or business for remarkable work in restoring architectural and ornamental heritage, was given to Atelier André Francoeur, for the remarkable quality of its work.
  
  
• The Heritage Enhancement Award, which rewards a business for the outstanding rehabilitation of a historic building, was presented to the Commission scolaire de Montréal and the firms Vincent Leclerc + Associés Architectes and Affleck de la Riva Architects, for rehabilitating and recycling the buildings of the former Victoria School, 1822, boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest, to accommodate the École des métiers de la restauration et du tourisme de Montréal, Victoria is one of the rare surviving 19th-century school buildings.
  
  
• The Commercial Heritage Award, which rewards a business for preserving commercial architectural heritage, was given to Sun Life Financial and Ivanhoé Cambridge, as co-owners, and to Bentall Kennedy, as the manager, for preserving and enhancing the Sun Life Building at 1155, rue Metcalfe.

The Montréal Architectural Heritage Campaign, program of activities and Maison coup de coeur
Introduced in 1991 by the Ville de Montréal, in association with the Fondation Héritage Montréal, the Montréal Architectural Heritage Award Campaign wishes to raise awareness among Montrealers of the importance of safeguarding heritage and recognizing owners and their efforts to maintain their architectural gems.

Montrealers are invited to vote for the Maison coup de coeur and discover more than 30 free activities held as part of the 23rd edition of the campaign, by visiting operationpatrimoine.com. The house that has won the hearts of Montrealers will be announced on November 21, 2013.

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

Source:
Jonathan Abecassis, Press Officer
Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee
514 872-9998

Information:
Isabelle Poulin, Communications Officer
Division des affaires publiques
514 868-3888