Maison Saint-Dizier

At a special Borough Council meeting held on Wednesday, April 30, Borough Mayor Claude Trudel and the Council members authorized the funds needed to carry out preservation and restoration work on Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier.

The contract, amounting to $1,001,751.45 (tax included), was granted to the firm Construction et rénovation Gilbert Dumas inc., following the regulatory call for tenders process. Financing will be shared between the Verdun Borough and the Agglomération de Montréal. The Borough's part—$278,491.68—will come from the accumulated, unappropriated budget surplus, while the Agglomération will pay the balance.

Built in 1710, Maison Nivard-De Saint-Dizier, located at 7244, boulevard LaSalle, is one of the oldest homes on the island of Montréal. In 1976, the Québec government's Ministère des Affaires culturelles recognized it as a cultural property, within the "historical monument" category.

Mayor Claude Trudel emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of this building. "We must invest all necessary efforts to restore Maison Saint-Dizier's original character and distinction." The Mayor added that in doing so, he wanted to "give Verdunites a cultural destination of great heritage value, a prestigious address dedicated to native Indian origins."

The work required to enhance the value of this building will be carried out in two phases: The first phase—which is covered under the present contract—is designed to restore the structure and exterior covering of the house, while the second phase will involve finishing work and interior architecture. Upon completion of the first phase, the original exterior appearance of this historical house will be restored, as it looked in the middle of the 18th century. The work is scheduled to begin this month and end in late October 2008.