Shoeboxes are now a protected species in Rosemont!
28 Mar 2019
Shoebox homes are safe in Rosemont–La-Petite-Patrie.
The borough has enacted a bylaw to protect its 561 single-storey houses.
“From now on, all shoebox houses are protected against real estate prospecting, alteration and their disappearance,” said borough mayor François Croteau.
“By establishing a clear and practical framework for intervention, we have allowed landlords and professionals to understand the expectations of the borough towards their project.
“I’m happy that Rosemont–La-Petite-Patrie has acted to ensure the ongoing presence of shoebox homes on its landscape.”
After decades of existing in a regulatory grey zone, Rosemont–La-Petite-Patrie’s shoebox homes were categorized and assessed by the borough, which then consulted the Conseil du patrimoine and spoke with dozens of landlords during public assemblies, as well as architects and heritage experts.
“Despite their not being as impressive as the heritage status attributed to monuments and artefacts, Rosemont–La-Petite-Patrie managed to find a path toward an increased protection of its modest heritage buildings,” said Christine Gosselin, Projet Montreal executive committee member and city councillor for Rosemont–La-Petite-Patrie responsible for culture, heritage and design. “Our example is already inspiring other boroughs.
“I salute the work of our professionals in the borough, who recognize that the heritage value of Montreal residences is located in its streets, where we live.”
For more information on Rosemont–La-Petite-Patrie’s shoebox home protection bylaw, visit ville.montreal.qc.ca/rpp/permis/shoebox
