Sign for the forge
THANK YOU ALL!
We won the fight thanks to you!The City of Montreal has become the owner of the Riverside Station land and we are now in the process of signing the long-term leaseto continue to occupy our premises. Thanks to your unwavering support, we can now count on the City to continue our mission. We will be able to continue to offer activities that transmit the knowledge of traditional blacksmithing, while maintaining a place that will benefit the community for generations to come.
http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/
On behalf of the entire Forges de Montréal team,
THANK YOU!
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LET US MAINTAIN LES FORGES DE MONTRÉAL IN THEIR FOUNDING PLACE
The Riverside pumping station is of inestimable heritage value, as is the mission of Les Forges de Montréal. These two jewels have been sharing their history for almost 20 years. Their future depends on your involvement. Your signature is a vote. Sign and support the NPO Les Forges de Montréal now!
The Riverside Pumping Station, an architectural jewel located between the Old Port and the Lachine Canal, was built in 1887 based on drawings by Maurice Perreault (1857-1909) and Albert Mesnard (1847-1909), two notable architects in the history of Montreal.
The authenticity of the Riverside Pumping Station appears to be very high. It is in an exemplary state of preservation, supported by the presence of the Forges de Montréal, and there are noworkshop significant trans marks. With its fascinating underground infrastructure, it is an indisputable witness to the history of the City of Montreal's water and sewer system, one of the oldest in North America. Since 2000, the organization has been ensuring the preservation of this magnificent Montreal grey stone structure.
Les Forges de Montréal have as their mission the preservation, dissemination and transmission of the know-how of the traditional blacksmithing. In the second half of the 20th century, blacksmiths gradually abandoned their practice, causing this craft heritage to disappear in Quebec. Thanks to Mathieu Collette, a blacksmith who founded the organisation and was trained in France, this ancestral knowledge is being revived here today. It is the only place in Canada where the know-how of traditional blacksmithing is transmitted and shared throughout the year at different levels.
The Forges de Montréal's mission is in keeping with the principles of sustainable development by teaching techniques and manufacturing tools that are essential to preserving our built environment. Those trained in the forging trades then have the skills to create and restore the typical elements of heritage buildings. Knowing how to work with wrought iron is therefore precious and essential for the restoration of the built heritage in accordance with the rules of the trade. These transmission activities are also recognized by many players in architecture, culture and heritage, including the Conseil des Métiers d'Arts du Québec.
It is vital for the organization to continue its mission at its founding site, the Riverside Pumping Station, beyond the end of its lease, which expires in February 2021. At the end of this lease, the Riverside Pumping Station will fall under the authority of the Canada Lands Company (CLC), whose mandate is to administer buildings no longer required by the federal government and to generate profits.
A new lease for the Riverside Pumping Station is essential for the organization to continue and expand its operations. Les Forges de Montréal and the Riverside Pumping Station must continue their happy alliance!
Sign for a commitment from the responsible authorities to support Les Forges de Montréal in their project for an interpretation centre and traditional blacksmithing workshops at the Riverside Pumping Station.