William Crooks
Federal and local officials join Sherbrooke reservists to announce the next phase of the armoury restoration project. The event highlighted the commitment to preserving military heritage while modernizing infrastructure for future generations.
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The long-awaited restoration of Sherbrooke’s historic armouries is moving ahead, with government officials announcing the launch of the design phase. The project, which has been in the works for nearly a decade, will see the Belvédère Street and William Street Armouries preserved and modernized, while plans for a third facility are also in the works.
The announcement was made by Élisabeth Brière, Minister of Veterans Affairs and MP for Sherbrooke, alongside Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead, and Honorary Colonel Wilfrid Morin. The event, held in Sherbrooke on March. 19, confirmed that the federal government has signed an agreement to move the project forward.
“Today marks an important milestone in the preservation of our armouries in Sherbrooke,” said Brière. “After four years of hard work alongside reservists, veterans, the city and the Sherbrooke community, I am very proud to have obtained the signature of phase 2 of the project.”
The restoration efforts are part of Canada’s broader defence strategy, aiming to provide reservists with modern, well-equipped infrastructure while maintaining the historical significance of these buildings.
A decade-long battle
The fight to preserve the two historic armouries dates back to 2015, when the possibility of replacing them with a new facility was first discussed. At the time, there was opposition from certain branches of the Department of National Defence (DND), which had proposed a completely new building rather than investing in restoration.
“They would have preferred something new, something functional near the highway, like a Costco,” Bibeau said in an interview after the announcement. “But Sherbrooke has such a rich military history, and these two armouries are an important part of our heritage.”
Bibeau and Brière worked closely with Morin and the “Sauvons les manèges” group to push for the preservation of the existing buildings. The efforts were supported by strong recruitment numbers from Sherbrooke’s reserve units, which are among the most active in Canada.
“Sherbrooke is recognized for being one of the best in Canada in terms of recruitment and responding to calls for action,” Bibeau noted. “When National Defence calls Sherbrooke, we go.”
What comes next
With the agreement now signed, Pomerleau has been contracted to finalize designs and begin early construction work, which includes decontamination, demolition, and structural reinforcement. This phase is expected to take two years, with construction of the restored armouries slated to begin in 2027.
In addition to restoring the two existing sites, the project includes the design of a third facility to better meet the needs of Sherbrooke’s growing reserve forces. “We need a third one somewhere that is close enough to the first two, maybe within six or seven kilometres,” Bibeau explained. The location has not yet been determined, and a call for proposals will be issued.
A symbol for the community
The Belvédère Street Armoury, home to Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke and the 35e Régiment des transmissions, was built in 1909 and designated a Recognized Federal Heritage Building in 1991, according to a related press release. It also houses a regimental museum and cadet programs. The William Street Armoury, originally constructed in 1841 as a courthouse, is home to the Sherbrooke Hussars and the 52e Ambulance de campagne.
“These buildings are not just training facilities; they represent Sherbrooke’s deep-rooted military tradition,” said Brière. “They are a place where young people learn discipline and leadership. They are part of who we are.”
Morin, who has been involved in the preservation efforts for over a decade, acknowledged the resilience required to push the project forward. “It was a battle,” he said. “But in the end, it was the dedication of our reservists and the strong history of these units that made the difference.”
Brière, who has been involved in the file since 2019, promised to see the project through to completion. “It took too much time,” she admitted. “And it will still take a long time to see it finished, but I will be there. I want to be there when we cut the ribbon in 2031 or 2032.”
The restoration of the Sherbrooke armouries is part of a broader federal investment of $10.2 billion in military infrastructure over the next 20 years, ensuring that Canada’s armed forces have the facilities needed to train and serve effectively. For Sherbrooke, it means preserving a vital piece of history while ensuring a strong future for its reservists.