June 29, 2015 Saint-Eustache, Québec Parks Canada
The Honourable Claude Carignan, Senator and Leader of the Government in the Senate, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the designation of Saint-Eustache Church as a national historic site of Canada. With artillery scars still visible in its stonework, Quebec’s Saint-Eustache Church remains a symbol of the 1837 Lower Canada Rebellion and the history of early Canada.
Originally built between 1780 and 1783, the church played a central role in the Battle of Saint-Eustache which marked the end of the 1837 Lower Canada Rebellion. The church held out against heavy cannon attack but was partially destroyed by fire during the battle.
Saint-Eustache Church reflects the evolution of religious architecture in Quebec through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Though the building has undergone numerous alterations over the years, the Church continues to be a visual reminder of the fateful events of 1837.
As our country nears its 150th birthday in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to reflect on the people and events that have shaped Canada into the strong, proud and free country that it is today. Canada’s national historic designations enable us to experience our rich history and heritage in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.
Jonathan Lefebvre
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Parks Canada
855-862-1812
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
From left to right : Mr. Raymond Tessier, Deputy Mayor for Saint-Eustache, Mr. Daniel Beaudin, Program Manager, Parks Canada, Mrs. Nicole Carignan-Lefebvre, City Councillor, Mrs. Monique Paquette, Chair of the Fondation de sauvegarde de l’église Saint-Eustache, the Honourable Claude Carignan, Senator and Leader of the Government in the Senate, representing the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Guy Bélisle, Notary, co-founder of the Fondation de sauvegarde de l’église Saint-Eustache, Mrs. Nycole Pepper, Chair and Coordinator of the Parish Corporation, Mrs. Francine Dumoulin, Church Warden, Mrs. Vicki Onufriu, Chair of the Société d’histoire régionale de Deux-Montagnes, Mrs. Laurin Liu, Member of Parliament for Rivière des Mille-Îles, and Mrs. Marcelle Dupuis, Vice-President of the Fondation.
© Parks Canada
