Government of Canada recognizes national historic significance of the Trois-Rivières Historical Complex

November 2, 2018                   Trois-Rivières, Quebec                              Parks Canada Agency

Trois-Rivières Historical Complex, located on Rue Des Ursulines, is a remarkable example of the French Canadian urban landscape of the 18th century. The complex encompasses five institutional and residential buildings: Récollets Convent and Church (today the Anglican Saint James Church), Ursuline Monastery, and Georges-De Gannes and Hertel-De la Fresnière houses.

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice—Champlain, today underlined the national historic significance of the Trois-Rivières Historical Complex. A special plaque was unveiled during a ceremony at Ursulines Museum. The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.

Strategically located at the junction of Saint-Maurice and St. Lawrence rivers, city of Trois-Rivières was developed under the French Regime as a transport hub, initially for the fur trade in 17th century, and later for the settlement’s steel mills. During this period of growth, a number of residences and religious institutions were built along Rue Notre-Dame, now called Rue Des Ursulines. Buildings associated with this site were all constructed between 1700 and 1829, in the French Regime style of the era. Having survived a devastating fire that destroyed much of Trois-Rivières’ old town in 1908, these five structures are reminiscent of French Canadian urban landscapes of the 18th century.

Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant persons, places, and events that have shaped our country as a way to help Canadians and youth to connect with their past. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2000 designations have been made.

Government of Canada celebrates families with free admission for youth 17 and under, and free admission for one year for new Canadian citizens, as of 2018. We invite Canadians to learn more about our history – from lighthouses to battlefields, historic neighbourhoods to Indigenous contributions to Canada, there is an amazing array of places and stories to discover.