The Ordre des architectes du Québec has announced the 17 finalists in the running for the People's Choice Award at the Prix d'excellence en architecture. Among them is the emblematic mill in the Parc historique de la Pointe-du-Moulin.

Built in 1707 by carpenter Léonard Paillé, known as Paillard, and master mason Jean Marset, following a commission from Joseph Trottier Desruisseaux, then seigneur of the island, the windmill is one of the few still in operation in Quebec.  

In June 2016, the windmill's wings were torn off during a storm. SODEC's intervention at the time involved masonry work, rebuilding the roof dormers, replacing damaged structural parts, restoring all external mechanism components (brake, tail, shaft and wings), as well as improving the drainage and lighting systems, and finally, bringing the building up to electrical standards, as well as restoring the doors, windows and interior finishes. SODEC invested $644,000 in this project.

Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes, was commissioned by SODEC to undertake the refurbishment and restoration work. 

Masonry and excavation work took place from 2018 to 2019, followed by restoration of the mill's components between 2020 and 2021.However, high water levels, the pandemic and the scarcity of imposing non-standard timber parts for the frame and mechanism will have slowed down the completion of this project.

The meticulous reconstruction work carried out by the architects has enabled us to revisit the skills and know-how of the past. The expert restoration of exceptional heritage architecture not only helps to protect its authenticity, it also helps to preserve its memory.

Voting period

The public can now discover the architectural projects that caught the jury's attention and vote for their favorite: www.oaq.com/ordre/prix/prix-dexcellence-en-architecture/prix/.

The winning project will be unveiled on April 19 at a gala event at Espace Saint-Denis in Montreal. This annual event rewards exemplary projects and highlights the remarkable contribution made by architects and their clients to the quality of the built environment.

Four individuals or organizations will be honored for their outstanding contribution to distinctive, quality architecture.

The voting period runs until March 25, 2024 inclusive.