Archdiocese commits to Pointe Claire windmill restoration
By Dan Laxer
The Suburban
The Pointe Claire windmill is the oldest windmill on the island of Montreal. The more than 300-year-old structure – the symbol of the City of Pointe Claire – is in need of work. It is something the city has been talking about, along with the Pointe Claire Heritage Preservation Society and the Archdiocese of Montreal, for a few years now.
It finally looks like there is a solution.
The windmill has been in the Archdiocese’s hands since 2020. As its custodian, archdiocese Head of Real Estate Stefano Marrone told The Suburban in 2023 that the church has a responsibility to it. In a recent announcement the Archdiocese said it has signed a 50-year lease agreement with the Pointe Claire Heritage Preservation Society, “securing the long-term restoration and preservation of the historic Pointe Claire Windmill.”
The windmill itself, and the property it sits on, have both been designated heritage sites in 1983 and 2013 respectively. The Sulpician priests, at one time the Seigneurs of the Island of Montreal, built the windmill between 1709 and 1710. It became a symbol of Pointe Claire in 1911. “This new partnership,” Marrone said in the statement, “will allow the people of Pointe Claire to be at the heart of the project.”
The heritage preservation society will oversee the restoration, and transform the site into a culture and educational hub. The hope is that the windmill can be restored to working order, and continue to inspire future generations.
“We are honoured to be entrusted with this important mission,” said Andrew Swidzinski, president of the Pointe Claire Heritage Preservation Society, “and wish to acknowledge the collaboration of all those involved, including the Mayor of Pointe Claire.”
The first phase of the work is slated to begin this year, and has been made possible through private donations. The Archdiocese particularly singled out the family of Claude Lesage, a civil engineer, and a former president of Giant Inc., the family-owned water heater company. The family made a significant contribution to the project. And Lesage will also chair a committee overseeing fundraising and restoration efforts.
The Pointe Claire Heritage Preservation Society is also asking residents to play a role in the project through donations. More information is available on its website. n
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