Press release
2005-09-22
Work of art unveiled in public Square named after Monsignor Joseph Charbonneau in presence of cleric's descendants
A work of art was unveiled today in honour of Monsignor Joseph Charbonneau. The event was held in the public square named after the former Montreal bishop and archbishop, just opposite 1 Place Ville Marie.
After thoroughly revamping the city square in 2004, SITQ decided to go one step further and erect an art monument as a tribute to the Monsignor. According to Carole Arbour, Place Ville Marie Building Manager, this is Place Ville Marie’s way of “paying homage to those who have had a significant impact on the city’s history.”
Members of the association of Charbonneaus of America traveled to Montreal to witness the work of art. They included descendants from Lefaivre, Ontario, Monsignor Charbonneau’s birthplace. The sculpture, by Patrick Coutu, captures various aspects of the beloved cleric’s life.
About Monsignor Joseph Charbonneau
A Montreal priest and archbishop, Mgr Joseph Charbonneau (1892-1959) is remembered for the deep commitment that marked his episcopal tenure. He was instrumental in creating 25 parishes, opening a high-school teacher’s training college (1941) and establishing the uvre des vocations sacerdotales (1943). Also well-known for his involvement during the 1949 asbestos strike, the Monsignor resigned in 1950 before leaving Montreal for Victoria, British Columbia, where he died at the age of 67.
About Patrick Coutu and his work
Sculptor, drawer and photographer Patrick Coutu is drawn to archetypal city life and modern architecture. Fresh out of Concordia University, he exhibited at Galerie René Blouin, one of Quebec and Canada’s leading art galleries.
With this sculpture, Patrick wanted to capture Monsignor Charbonneau by providing passers-by with clues about his life. He also wished to give the city a contemporary work of public art.
About SITQ, co-proprietor and manager of Place Ville Marie
Founded in 1984, SITQ is a real estate investment, management and development firm comprising six financial institutions and pension funds. Its principal shareholder, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, is Canada’s leading fund manager, with net assets of CA $102.4 billion.
A leader in the Canadian real estate industry, SITQ owns assets of CA $6.4 billion, consisting of 116 properties (28 million square feet) mainly located in Canada, the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
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After thoroughly revamping the city square in 2004, SITQ decided to go one step further and erect an art monument as a tribute to the Monsignor. According to Carole Arbour, Place Ville Marie Building Manager, this is Place Ville Marie’s way of “paying homage to those who have had a significant impact on the city’s history.”
Members of the association of Charbonneaus of America traveled to Montreal to witness the work of art. They included descendants from Lefaivre, Ontario, Monsignor Charbonneau’s birthplace. The sculpture, by Patrick Coutu, captures various aspects of the beloved cleric’s life.
About Monsignor Joseph Charbonneau
A Montreal priest and archbishop, Mgr Joseph Charbonneau (1892-1959) is remembered for the deep commitment that marked his episcopal tenure. He was instrumental in creating 25 parishes, opening a high-school teacher’s training college (1941) and establishing the uvre des vocations sacerdotales (1943). Also well-known for his involvement during the 1949 asbestos strike, the Monsignor resigned in 1950 before leaving Montreal for Victoria, British Columbia, where he died at the age of 67.
About Patrick Coutu and his work
Sculptor, drawer and photographer Patrick Coutu is drawn to archetypal city life and modern architecture. Fresh out of Concordia University, he exhibited at Galerie René Blouin, one of Quebec and Canada’s leading art galleries.
With this sculpture, Patrick wanted to capture Monsignor Charbonneau by providing passers-by with clues about his life. He also wished to give the city a contemporary work of public art.
About SITQ, co-proprietor and manager of Place Ville Marie
Founded in 1984, SITQ is a real estate investment, management and development firm comprising six financial institutions and pension funds. Its principal shareholder, the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, is Canada’s leading fund manager, with net assets of CA $102.4 billion.
A leader in the Canadian real estate industry, SITQ owns assets of CA $6.4 billion, consisting of 116 properties (28 million square feet) mainly located in Canada, the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
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