The interpretation centre at the Battle of the Chateauguay National Historic Site in Très-Saint-Sacrément has sat unused since it was emptied and permanently closed by the federal government in the spring of 2024.
The site, which is managed by Parcs Canada, commemorates the important role of the Lower Canadian militia in the victory of Canadian troops over the invading American army on October 26, 1813
Despite the closure of the interpretation centre, the vast property, which includes a picnic area along the Chateauguay River, an informative plaque at the entrance to the centre, a commemorative obelisk monument raised in 1895 by the Canadian parliament, and the groomed trail of the battlefield, remains accessible.
Since the site was first closed, the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent and concerned municipalities have met with representatives from Parks Canada regarding the management plan for the site and the government department’s new orientation for the site’s future.
Following this meeting, the MRC issued a call for tenders for a feasibility study on the future use of the building, which remains the property of the federal government. The contract was awarded in September of last year to Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, a professional services firm specializing in assurance, taxation, consulting, and business recovery and insolvency.
The MRC confirms the work to complete the feasibility study is ongoing. This will include an assessment of the building’s present condition and any work required to maintain or repair the centre. Once this report has been submitted, the MRC will continue to work with the government, municipalities, and other interested groups to explore potential uses for the building.
The MRC’s director general, Pierre Caza, explained that the regional government “wishes to compile all the necessary information to enable the council to make an informed decision regarding the future of this significant heritage site in the best interest of the region and its citizens.”
From this perspective, the MRC has partnered with a group of undergraduate students from the urban planning department at the Université de Montréal who are working on a hypothetical project involving the redevelopment of the Battle of the Chateauguay site.
“Although the MRC did not initiate the project and its support is limited to promoting the questionnaire created by the students, it will review the results,” said Caza.
The students are asking locals to answer a brief series of questions related to the site, their relationship with the region, and their usage of regional parks, natural areas, and waterways.
A link to the questionnaire is available online at mrchsl.com/nouvelle/questionnaire-lhnbc.