The disinfection building
This huge building has already been restored and rehabilitated to look as it did in 1927, when it was last expanded. The building’s preservation and presentation plan was aimed primarily at: permanently stabilizing the structure, which had become quite unsound; upgrading it to current standards; and preserving as many of the original architectural and cultural features as possible, including two of the three disinfection chambers. The building is used mainly to house interpretive installations, which are spread out over two floors, a multi-purpose room and full washroom facilities.
In the building’s annexes, steps were taken to preserve two of the boilers once used to produce the steam required to operate the disinfection chambers, along with the associated facilities (coal bay, etc.). The dynamos used to produce electricity on the island have also been conserved.
The carpentry and plumbing workshop
The restoration/rehabilitation of this building followed the same intervention principles as were used at the disinfection building. Only the ground floor, which houses the visitor reception facilities (information counter) and souvenir shop, is accessible to visitors. The upper floor is used for administration offices.
The bakery and the kitchen
Both of these small buildings have been targeted primarily for conservation work. In addition, the bakery verandah will be reconstructed so as to reestablish the architectural integrity of the building. Both structures will be used to house special or travelling exhibits.
The first-class hotel
This building currently has a neglected look to it, particularly on account of the obvious disrepair of its walls. 33 The outer shell, inclusive of all exterior woodwork, will be completely restored. The interior, currently in very good condition, will be used in particular for hosting special groups. Upgrading work, first conducted in 1994 for the purpose of temporary use, should be revised with a view to opening the building to the public on a permanent basis. An automatic sprinkler system will also be installed.
The second-class hotel
The building’s roof and outer shell will be restored, and the interior will be upgraded to standards and partially restored to meet interpretation requirements. Only one wing of the upper (bedroom) floor will be open to the public (to be determined during preparation of the restoration concept). The entire ground floor will be used for a thematic exhibit about immigration. The upper floor will serve to present the living conditions of immigrants placed under observation quarantine subsequent to the improvements to facilities carried out by Montizambert.
33. The outer plaster finish covering walls made entirely out of concrete is in very poor condition, and the highly damaged concrete is itself vulnerable to seepage.
Preservation and presentation concept
Respecting the spirit of the place
Comprehensive and specific view of history
Grosse Île: looking to the future
Management objectives and key actions
Ensuring the commemorative integrity of the site
Commemorative plaques and monuments
Movable cultural resources
Communicating the site’s messages and heritage values
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada facilities
Preserving and presenting the natural environment
Shared management of the site