#CanadaPeachy #CatholicPeachy @MCCQuebec The Notre-Dame-des-Champs church will be restored and protected
The Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, Mr. Mathieu Lacombe, has signed a notice of intent to classify the Notre-Dame-des-Champs parish complex, located in Repentigny, under the Cultural Heritage Act . He also announced government financial assistance of over $1.1 million to the Notre-Dame-des-Champs parish corporation to carry out urgent repairs to the church's cedar shingle cladding, a component that contributes to making this building one of the most innovative works of modern Quebec architecture.
Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, Mr. Mathieu Lacombe, and Minister of Employment, Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region and Member of the National Assembly for Repentigny, Ms. Pascale Déry, in front of Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church in Repentigny. (CNW Group/Office of the Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region)
The Notre-Dame-des-Champs parish complex comprises a church, a rectory, and a sacristy in a bold architectural composition. Built in 1962 and 1963 according to the plans of architects Roger D'Astous and Jean-Paul Pothier, the complex is particularly distinguished by the curved lines of its buildings, which create a unique silhouette, instantly recognizable in the Quebec landscape. A powerful testament to the built and liturgical renewal of the 1950s and 1960s, the complex reflects the spirit of innovation and creative energy of this period, a clear break from traditional religious architecture. It also embodies the rapid transformation of Quebec after the Second World War, a time of significant population growth. Erected in the heart of a rapidly expanding residential neighbourhood, the complex bears witness to the urbanization that redefined Repentigny and other neighbourhoods on the outskirts of major urban centres of the era.
“I am pleased to have taken the necessary steps to ensure the preservation of the Notre-Dame-des-Champs parish complex. Its church is a unique witness to the Quiet Revolution and a masterpiece of modern Quebec heritage. It is in this spirit that our government is contributing to the essential and urgent restoration work on its iconic wooden shingle roof. By pursuing our mission to protect built heritage for the benefit of future generations, we are ensuring that the history of our communities can continue to be read, openly and for a long time to come, in our urban landscapes.”
Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region
“Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church, commonly known as ‘ the satchel ,’ is a source of pride for the community and an integral part of our heritage. It is no coincidence that it appears on the City of Repentigny’s coat of arms. I am delighted that this important witness to our history, now protected by our government, can regain its former glory!”
Pascale Déry, Minister of Employment, Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region and Member of the National Assembly for Repentigny
Highlights
The classification of a heritage asset involves several steps, including the following.The Minister signs a notice of intent to classify a property under the Cultural Heritage Act and sends it to the relevant stakeholders. From that moment, the property must be treated as if it were already classified. The Minister of Culture and Communications signed a notice of intent to classify the Notre-Dame-des-Champs parish complex on February 26, 2026.
Any interested person has 60 days after the notice of intent is sent to the owner to make representations to the Quebec Cultural Heritage Council.
The Quebec Cultural Heritage Council provides an opinion to the Minister on the classification of the property.
If the minister decides to proceed with the classification, he signs a classification notice. This notice may be signed between 90 days and 1 year after the notification of intent has been sent.
The listed heritage property is registered in the Register of Cultural Heritage.
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