The Brome-Missisquoi RCM launches its built heritage inventory

Cowansville, May 27, 2025

The Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality (RCM) is launching its built heritage inventory. This initiative aims to identify and document buildings constructed before 1940 that may hold heritage value across the region.

In accordance with the Cultural heritage act, all RCMs in Québec must complete such an inventory by April 2026 and ensure it remains up to date. This process will contribute to a better understanding, recognition, and appreciation of the built heritage that reflects Brome-Missisquoi’s collective history.

The RCM is following the reference materials provided by the Québec ministry of culture and communications, including the Guide for the preparation, recording and dissemination of a Built heritage inventory (French only).

To carry out the project, the RCM has retained the services of Bergeron Gagnon Inc., a firm specialized in cultural heritage and museology. Known for its expertise, the firm will support the RCM throughout the project.

The inventory will unfold in two main phases:

• A preparatory phase, which includes gathering existing documentation, reviewing prior inventories conducted in the region, analyzing the territory, and identifying buildings with potential heritage value.
• An implementation phase, focused on site visits, building characterization, evaluation based on predefined criteria, enhancement of existing inventories, and the production of individual inventory records.

Between June and October 2025, professionals from Bergeron Gagnon will conduct field visits to validate preliminary observations, photograph buildings of potential heritage interest, assess their condition and long-term viability, and document them within their surrounding environment. Only the exteriors of buildings will be visited—there will be no entry into the buildings. Photos will be taken of façades and surrounding features. Public and private properties may be accessed if necessary. Owners of buildings selected for visits have received written notice from the RCM.

The inventory is intended as a knowledge-building tool to help document and promote the region’s architectural heritage. The RCM also invites residents to take part in this initiative by sharing any relevant information (year of construction, anecdotes, archival documents, etc.) about notable buildings in their community.

For more information or to contribute to the inventory, please visit the “Built heritage inventory” section on the RCM’s website (currently under construction). A “FAQ” section will also be available shortly.

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Source:
Isabelle Paquette
Communications Advisor
MRC de Brome-Missisquoi
Phone: 450-266-4900 ext. 241
Email: ipaquette@mrcbm.qc.ca