Quebec announces $15 Million for the conservation of religious heritage assets

The Québec government will invest $15 million this year and next to ensure the preservation and enhancement of religious heritage in the province and intends to increase the budget for the restoration of religious places of worship and works of art by 25 per cent compared to 2017-2018 in its next budget, if elected, according to an announcement on Sunday by Marie Montpetit, Minister of Culture and Communications and Minister Responsible for the Protection and Promotion of the French Language.

"Religious heritage assets are witnesses to a large part of our collective history,” Montpetit said.. “They are a source of pride and an element of cultural community dynamism everywhere in Quebec. The investment announced today is a confirmation of the value we place on them and the interest we have in preserving them. I also want to emphasize the mobilization of local stakeholders who, through their motivation and creativity, play a major role in safeguarding these jewels of our heritage."

The $15 million in this year will be used to restore 75 buildings, 4 organs and 7 works of art. A grant of $542,368 has been granted to Saint-jean-baptiste Church to repair the parvis (entrance) and the bell-towers.

The minister made the announcement Sunday at the Saint-jean-baptiste Church in Sherbrooke, accompanied by Saint-françois, MNA. Guy Hardy.

The Québec government has invested more than $337 million since 1996 in more than 2,900 restoration projects, through the Religious Heritage Restoration Assistance Fund, which finances up to 80 per cent of project costs.