“La Cité-des-Hospitalières en transition” is a transitional use project that aims to revitalize a part of the Hôtel-Dieu-de-Montréal heritage site by integrating a diversity of occupants through an eco-responsible, inclusive and participatory approach. This innovative project preserves the tangible and intangible heritage of this Montreal landmark, creating a dynamic place to serve the community and its heritage.
In 2017, the City of Montreal acquired the conventual complex of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph, a site steeped in history and emotion at the heart of Montreal’s identity. This building, imbued with our city’s founding past, has become the “Cité-des-Hospitalières en transition”, a project of incomparable value to our community.
The transitional use proposed by Entremise preserves this precious asset while meeting today’s needs. By preserving the Cité’s heritage, it fosters the emergence of a committed community that respects the essence of the space.
This ecological approach, based on the reuse of existing structures, offers affordable spaces to a diversity of occupants, from artists and craftspeople to wellness professionals. La Cité-des-Hospitalières embodies the values of reconciliation, hospitality, women’s leadership and the common good, reflecting the major transformations in Montreal society. La Cité is a living history that blends past and present, for the benefit of our community.
Built in 1861, the Cité-des-Hospitalières is a unique complex in the heart of Montreal. It is the large conventual complex of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph, adjacent to the former Hôtel-Dieu, near Montreal’s Mount Royal. The building’s wings enclose a vast walled garden, whose peaceful atmosphere contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the adjacent boulevards. The convent was a self-sufficient living environment for hundreds of Hospitaller Sisters. They even produced their own food and medicinal plants in the site’s large garden. For more than 200 years, it provided independent care to Montrealers. A purchase report from 1900 states that, apart from a few bits of string, they produced everything they needed.
The hospital now belongs to the Ministry of Health, and the convent next door was purchased by the city in 2017. Entremise was mandated to manage the transitional use of the Cité, which was occupied by artistic and community organizations. Through its symbolic character, its architecture, its history and its landscape qualities, the conventual complex bears witness to numerous heritage values. The transitional use project enables Montrealers to take ownership of this unique site, in a spirit of continuity with its history.
La Cité-des-Hospitalières en transition is much more than just a rehabilitation project. It has a profound impact on Montreal’s community. From an environmental point of view, the rehabilitation of the existing building site significantly reduces its carbon footprint, thanks to an approach based on the reuse and sharing of resources. It contributes to the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of waste, offering a concrete example of ecological transition.
On a social front, the solidarity pricing and diversity of occupants reflect our commitment to inclusion and equity. By offering affordable space to a variety of organisms, from the arts to wellness professionals, the project fosters the creation of a dynamic and diverse community.
In addition, the programming of events open to the public enriches Montreal’s cultural life and encourages inter-community dialogue. These activities, organized by the occupants, provide opportunities for learning, exchange and inspiration for residents from all horizons.
La Cité represents a model of heritage rehabilitation integrating environmental, social and cultural dimensions. Its positive impact is felt throughout the city, providing a vibrant and inclusive community space for all.
