Gatineau honours Guardians of Heritage at annual reception

Tashi Farmilo

In a ceremony held at the Maison du citoyen, the City of Gatineau celebrated the contributions of its citizens to the preservation and promotion of local heritage. The annual Heritage Reception saw the presentation of honourary certificates to three individuals whose efforts have significantly enriched the city's historical legacy.

"The essence of our collective history is embodied in our heritage, a living testament to our roots and ever-evolving identity," said Isabelle N. Miron, Municipal Councillor for l’Orée-du-Parc district and President of the Commission for Arts, Culture, Letters, and Heritage. "By recognizing and celebrating those who work with passion and dedication to preserve it, we invest in maintaining a tangible link to our past while building foundations for a future rich in cultural heritage. It is in this spirit that we applaud this year's recipients, whose inspiring actions contribute to perpetuating the unique history and character of our city."

The recipients of the Heritage Valorization Certificates were Carole Barbeau, for her volunteer commitment and leadership in fostering dialogue around the historical identity of the Outaouais region, Claude Royer, for his citizen engagement in protecting Gatineau's built heritage, and Francis Rancourt-Proulx, for his volunteer work in promoting the archives of Gatineau and the Outaouais, as well as the archivist profession.

In addition, Claude Laflamme received the Certificate of Excellence in Restoration and Preservation of Built Heritage, along with a $5,000 prize, for his determination in the restoration of 62 rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and the preservation of the city's built heritage.

Gatineau has been particularly active in heritage preservation throughout 2023, with several initiatives aimed at highlighting its cultural legacy. These included celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Jean Paul Riopelle, the inauguration of the Flots artwork at R.-W.-Scullion Park, and the inventory of modern built heritage, among others. The city plans to continue its efforts in 2024 with various projects, such as commemorating the matchstick workers and inaugurating the Artères artwork by Marc-Alexandre Reinhardt.

Through these initiatives and recognitions, Gatineau reaffirms its commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Photo caption: Honouring Gatineau's Heritage Guardians: Carole Barbeau for her dedication to the Outaouais region's history, Claude Royer for protecting the city's built heritage, Francis Rancourt-Proulx for promoting local archives and the archivist profession, and Claude Laflamme, awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Restoration and Preservation of Built Heritage, for his work on 62 rue de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau