As the opposition turns to the Minister of Public Safety and demands an investigation into the emergency demolition of a listed home in Old Quebec, the mayor pledges to provide full information on the incident when he returns from vacation.
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Opposition leader Claude Villeneuve wrote to Public Security Minister Francois Bonnardel on Wednesday. He asks him to “carry out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition of 45 Avenue Sainte-Geneviève”. He points out that the idea came to him from Councilor Mélissa Coulombe-Leduc, who is in charge of cultural heritage.
Not the VG
The day before, the elected official had explained the Marchand government’s refusal to accept a proposal notice for the second opposition. It was suggested that the City’s Comptroller review the demolition. Ms Coulombe-Leduc had objected that the VG had no power to do so and that the investigative powers were in the hands of the Minister.
“There have been and remain many questions about the decision-making process that led to this demolition. I believe that an in-depth investigation is needed to shed light on what led to the destruction of this witness to our history,” Mr. Villeneuve wrote to the Minister.
involvement of the mayor
For Mayor Bruno Marchand there is “no need for an investigation,” according to the discussions that the city has been conducting for several weeks. However, he undertakes to provide all the facts on the matter as soon as they are available upon his return from holiday. Because it’s about legal considerations, because the case could end up in court, he said.
“We will collect the information. There’s nothing to hide and we don’t need an independent investigation. I undertake when I return from vacation to present what has been done and why it has been done.
The City of Quebec last week granted demolition permits to clear debris at the site. Works that haven’t started yet.