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Projects / Manoir Papineau

The Manoir Papineau National historic site in Montebello — a landmark project celebrating authenticity, research, and heritage preservation.

Client

Parks Canada

Budget

4,5 M$

Year

2017-2020

Location

Montebello

Photography

Raphaël Thibodeau

Partners

Tétra-Tech

A landmark of Quebec’s history

Located in Montebello on the banks of the Ottawa River, the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site stands as a reminder of Louis-Joseph Papineau’s legacy — seigneur, designer, and builder of the estate. The manor and its outbuildings form a unique heritage ensemble in Quebec and Canada, reflecting the culture, aesthetics, and ideals of 19th-century society.

A restoration rooted in research and authenticity

STGM was entrusted with the complete restoration of the manor and grain barn, two of the site’s most symbolic structures. The project was guided by an exemplary research-based approach, integrating historical, cultural, and material knowledge to ensure authenticity at every stage.


The team revisited earlier restoration choices to recover the true architectural identity of the site — including the recreation of a polychrome slate roof, restoration of the manor’s original colors, and reinstatement of the historic balustrade.

Attention to detail true to Papineau’s vision

Through close collaboration with Parks Canada and material culture specialists, significant historical details were rediscovered — such as the weathervane painted in the colors of the Patriotes’ flag, carefully restored to its original form. Each intervention reflects the precision and care that Papineau himself brought to his domain.

Preserving and transmitting heritage

In parallel, STGM oversaw the restoration of the grain barn, built in 1855 and decorated with frescoes by Napoléon Bourassa, Papineau’s son-in-law. The work required delicate structural stabilization to protect both the building and its painted artworks.


Completed between 2017 and 2020, this project reflects STGM’s enduring commitment to heritage preservation and the transmission of architectural memory.