Demolition notice for a historic mill in Lévis

The City of Lévis has published demolition notices for two buildings of the Gosselin mill, the last sawmill of its kind still standing on its territory. Action Patrimoine opposes this destruction by sending a letter to the registry, of which Radio-Canada has obtained a copy.

The organization had also anticipated the move in March. After observing signs of deterioration, he urged the City to act to save the mill, the oldest building of which dates from 1835.

The mill does not benefit from heritage status, but it was already part of the list of heritage buildings in Lévis, until it was removed in 2013. The mill and the house are still described as heritage buildings in the City’s public notices.

The land and buildings belong to Entreprises Lévisiennes which presented demolition requests to the City of Lévis on April 30. Demolition is requested for two buildings, the house and the mill.

In accordance with the regulations in force, people who wish to object to the issuance of demolition permits have ten days to do so by sending their arguments in writing to the registry.

In its letter, Action Patrimoine argues that Entreprises Lévisiennes had the responsibility to maintain and repair the mill, in accordance with the Regulations on the occupancy and maintenance of buildings in the City of Lévis.

The situation has been known for years and it is clear that the application of the regulations has not been carried out by the City of Lévis. It is unacceptable that a building of this value is purchased, without being properly maintained, and then subject to a request for demolition because its condition has deterioratedwrites the organization in its letter.

Contacted by email on Sunday, Entreprises Lévisiennes had not yet responded at the time of publication to provide their comments.

Historical heritage

Built in 1835, the mill borders the Beaurivage River in Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon. It was operated from 1871 by the Gosselin family until 1970 who used it to cut down trees.

Then, the painter Albert Rousseau purchased it. There he founded the Moulin des Arts which also became a place of teaching and artistic workshops. This art center closed its doors in 1997.

With information from Flavie Sauvageau