Maison Robillard restoration in Ste. Anne’s to be completed by early fall John Jantak
ior was two storeys. The new one will be just one storey. This is one way where we tried to cut costs. There’s a possibility of putting in a second storey add-on later. That’s the plan for now.” Historic heritage site The Maison Robillard, also formerly known as the Braerob Farmhouse, is a historic heritage site located on Chemin Sainte-Marie. The interior structure and roof were destroyed by a fire in 2012. The building has sat abandoned since then until the city recently decided to restore and preserve the remaining structure. “It was open to the rain and snow and it deteriorated to the point where it couldn’t be salvaged,” said Hawa. “It’s a real shame because if we had access four years ago we could have preserved most of it. I’m happy we’re following through on this plan to restore it and so are the residents.” Nature reserve entrance point Once the restoration work is completed, the Maison Robillard will be the new official entrance point and welcoming centre for visitors to the L’Anse a l’Orme nature reserve. With its location close to the new REM terminus in Sainte-Annede-Bellevue-North, the restored farmhouse is expected to draw visitors from across the Island of Montreal and other outlying areas. “People will be able to get information and maps about the woodlands and learn about the animals that live there and cyclists will be able to ride their bikes on the various trails,” said Hawa.
The Journal
The end of summer or beginning of autumn is the tentative time frame being set for the opening of the restored Maison Robillard historic building which will serve as a chalet to welcome visitors to the L’Anse-à-l’Orme nature reserve in the north sector of Sainte-Anne-deBellevue. Mayor Paola Hawa made the announcement during the Monday evening council meeting March 15 in response to a question that was submitted by a resident before the start of the session asking how long it will take to have a new roof built and restore the exterior masonry work to what’s left of the remaining exterior structure. Plans and specifications A more precise time frame for when the project will be completed will be determined when the city receives the final plans and specifications for the restoration project which will include planning for the project, design, evaluating the cost and determining what can and can’t be done, said Hawa. “This is what we have to do when we go to tender before the actual work is done,” Hawa told The Journal. “It’s a phase we do for almost every type of engineering contract and this is where we are with the Maison Robillard.” While the exterior masonry work will be salvaged and restored, the inside will be completely revamped. “The interior is not going to be the way it was,” said Hawa. “The old inter-
Île-Perrot
recting Manager of the Île-Perrot Caisse Populaire for 27 years. When I retired, I told my wife we would settle down. We elected to come live in ‘Les Jardins de l’anse,’ a nice quiet area where we can see the sun rise in the morning while having breakfast. If that is not enough (of an answer), I’m sorry – you don’t live on Île-Perrot.” Saey added it was not only a question of the view, as Tadros suggested in response to Saey’s comment. “Les Jardins de l’anse” is a haven of peace and tranquility with a beautiful environment, nice neighbours.” Other
Continued from page 3 “But the residents, we don’t want this project – is that clear enough? We sent a petition to the mayor and councillors, and we don’t want it. At this hour, close this meeting, and understand that we do not want it. Period.” When invited to explain why he was opposed to the project, Seay went on, “I have been living in Île-Perrot for 50 years. I was the Di-
THE JOURNAL FILE PHOTO/JOHN JANTAK
Following a fire in 2012, the historic Maison Robillard in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue fell into a state of disrepair after sitting abandoned.
THE JOURNAL FILE PHOTO/JOHN JANTAK
Pictured here in its heyday, the Maison Robillard – also known as the Braerob Farmhouse – will be restored as the welcoming point and official entrance for the planned L’Anse a l’Orme nature reserve.
residents chimed in in support of Saey’s statement. Abrupt ending The meeting ended following a short pause. Tadros came back to announce that the workshops would be rescheduled. One resident expressed reservations about the workshop format, stating he did not want to take part in a focus group. Tadros said he was open to incorporate modifications into the process. The date of April 12 was suggested, but will have to be confirmed. “Can the mayor be present at the
next meeting so we can ask him questions?” a resident asked. “It is inconceivable that the mayor is not there,” another resident said. Séguin was on camera during the meeting but did not speak. Tadros once again stated this was not a political or partisan process. The discussions then came to an abrupt close. “Mr. Tadros just flushed everybody,” one resident said, which served as concluding remark for the meeting.
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