Pointe-Claire’s historic windmill to be restored under new agreement

A local heritage group has secured a lease to restore Montreal’s oldest windmill and transform it into a cultural hub.

After years of neglect, Pointe-Claire’s centuries-old windmill is set to be restored, thanks to a new agreement that will see a local heritage group take charge of its repairs and future preservation.

“We’re delighted we have the lease and that we can start working in partnership with anyone who wants to work with us,” said Linda De Witt with the Pointe-Claire Heritage Preservation Society.

The windmill was built in the early 1700s and has needed major repairs for years.

Normand Lapointe, the vice-president of the heritage group said that the Archdiocese of Montreal, which owned the land and the structure, couldn’t afford to pay for the restoration.

However, the archdiocese has now signed a 50-year lease with the Pointe-Claire Heritage Preservation Society that will oversee the restoration project and will transform the windmill into an educational cultural hub.

The windmill is classified as historic by the Quebec government, and it is the oldest on the island of Montreal.

The group is planning to start working on the exterior repairs this year, but Lapointe said an archaeological survey must be completed first.

They’ve already raised $350,000 with the help of private donations but it’s not enough.

“To do the interior as well. We’re looking at $2 million and above,” De Witt said, adding that they hope the community will also help out.