Its role is threefold: political watchdog on major development projects (Mount Royal, Royal Victoria, REM de l'Est), public education (Archibus, Diversity Neighborhoods), and proposal of concrete solutions for the financing, taxation, and maintenance of built heritage, thus underscoring its positive economic and environmental impact.

I. The Foundation and an Unwavering Mission

 Heritage Montreal was created in response to the threats of demolition and reckless development looming over entire sections of the city's built and natural history.

For half a century, the organization has worked to "Promote and encourage the protection of the historical, architectural, natural, and cultural heritage" of Montreal and Quebec.

This unwavering citizen commitment is recognized as a vital factor in preserving the metropolis's identity and quality of life.

II. Major Achievements and the Watchdog Role

Heritage Montreal does not limit itself to denunciation; it acts actively through concrete proposals and strategic interventions, influencing public policies and land-use planning.

Major Actions and Advocacy:

• Mount Royal Protection: The organization played a decisive role in the request to designate Mount Royal (1986) and actively participated in the creation and monitoring of the Mount Royal Declared Heritage Site.

• Royal Victoria Requalification: Heritage Montreal is a key player in the redevelopment file of the former Royal Victoria Hospital, advocating for an exemplary requalification that respects the heritage and values of the site.

• Urban Planning: The organization regularly intervenes with the Office de consultation publique de Montréal (OCPM) and government bodies, notably by arguing for an Urban Plan that integrates built, landscape, and natural heritage as a fundamental element of Montreal's resilience and authenticity (2022).

• Contemporary Issues: It has raised major concerns regarding the potential impact of the REM de l'Est on the city's skyline and urban fragmentation, as well as the impact of large-scale projects like Royalmount.

• Legislation: The organization drafts crucial briefs on bills affecting real estate heritage and culture in Quebec (e.g., Bill 69 and 66).

• Resolution on Maintenance: Recently, the organization published a major resolution highlighting the urgent need to counter the lack of maintenance of real estate heritage as the primary threat to its longevity (2024).

Educational and Awareness Programs:

In addition to its political action, Heritage Montreal engages with the public:

• Archibus and Diversity Neighborhoods (Quartiers de la diversité): Flagship programs aimed at discovering and promoting Montreal's heritage among various communities.

• Educational Activities: Organizing workshops for young people (elementary school students) to foster their interest in local architectural heritage.

• ECHiPa Project: Involvement in documenting citizen engagement in history and heritage.

III. Economic Impact and Budgetary Issues

Although Heritage Montreal's annual operating budgets depend on grants (City of Montreal, partners) and its members, its main economic impact lies in its advocacy for better heritage management as a financial and environmental lever for the metropolis.

• Economic Benefits of Heritage: Heritage Montreal emphasizes the need to quantify and integrate the economic spin-offs of heritage and its enhancement into urban planning.

• Financing and Taxation: The organization has developed concrete proposals focused on financing and taxation to encourage the maintenance and reuse of historic buildings, drawing inspiration from existing land mechanisms or international models.

• Carbon Footprint: A key argument of the organization is that the reuse and maintenance of historic buildings constitute a major contribution to Montreal's carbon footprint, as they limit demolition and the need for new construction (a significant indirect saving for the community).

The legacy of Phyllis Lambert and the continued action of Heritage Montreal ensure that heritage, far from being an obstacle to development, is a pillar of Montreal's resilience and sustainable prosperity.