Sophie Demers

LJI Reporter

A round of applause could be heard during the February 18 city council meeting when the city clerk announced the results of the vote to overturn the decision to demolish the Manoir Quesnel. The Association des résidents du Parc Champlain et des environs and other local advocates have spent the last weeks fighting to save the home at 1175 chemin Aylmer, built in 1952.

The final vote came to 13 in favour of saving the Manoir and six in favour of going forward with the demolition. Councillors Jocelyn Blondin, Marc Bureau, Mike Duggan, Denis Girouard, Jean Lessard, and Mario Aubé voted in favor of moving forward with the demolition. The demolition was proposed to clear the way for a 10-storey apartment complex by developers EMD-Batimo.

The association and local advocates raised concerns about the project, arguing that it threatens a piece of local history and negatively impacts the Champlain Ecological Corridor, a designated conservation area where the home is located.

Those fighting against the demolition had met with city council on February 11 to discuss their concerns and amassed over 900 signatures in a petition to save the building.

Although this is a great victory for the neighbourhood, Aylmer Heritage Association addressed their ongoing concerns for the management of heritage homes and increased development along the Champlain Ecological Corridor earlier in the evening. Stating that many of the older homes are being bought and left to deteriorate to eventually propose their demolition for a new development. The association urged the council to work to protect this ecologically and historically rich corridor in the future.

Photo: Manoir Quesnel, February 21, 2025 Photo: Sophie Demers