Mountain View Church

Hope for famous chapel with Gatineau’s heritage-building fund

 

Laurent Robillard-Cardinal

A pleased Anton Heacock received notification in late December that Gatineau has set up a financial program to assist heritage building owners. “I received a letter from the city indicating that a bylaw has been passed making funds available for heritage renovations. I’m so happy, after struggling for four years here,” said Mr Heacock, who owns Mountain View Chapel on Vanier Road. Built in 1898, Mountain View chapel served Aylmer’s rural Methodist community until the late 1970s when it was desacralized. Following the closure of this small neo Gothic-inspired church, visionaries transformed it into an art studio and a yoga centre, but their plans ultimately faltered.

Mr Heacock purchased the red brick chapel with dreams of restoring it to its former luster. “I want this church to become part of the community again. It’s an historical gem worth restoring,” said the British expatriate. “A quaint building on a good-sized plot in such a beautiful setting is wasted, if not used to its potential.”

“I have many ideas once the exterior renovations and landscaping are complete. In addition to events like galas for local groups and charities, camping facilities for community groups, and providing a refreshment stop for the many cyclists here, I’d be excited to offer outdoor wedding settings and reception parties,” said Heacock.

Gatineau’s program is designed to enhance buildings’ heritage character by helping finance renovation work, such as window and door replacements or siding restoration.  “Before I moved here in December, 2010, the building had attracted the attention of police as it was used as an illegal parking lot for people swimming at the quarry across the road,” Mr Heacock added. “The church had been vandalized by people using the it as a drinking spot.” 

When Mr Heacock moved in, graffiti marred the heritage walls and a makeshift skateboard ramp had been put together in the back yard. It took Mr Heacock about six months to clean up the garbage in the yard. Today, with renovations continuing, the church, originally designed by celebrated architect Moses Edey, has the basic amenities of most modern homes.