Priority site
Views on this page
The Institute of the Misericordia Sisters is a reminder of the important presence of religious communities in 19th-century Montreal life. The Sisters of the Misericordia established themselves at the intersection of the East End’s working-class neighbourhoods and the Quartier Latin for the purpose of helping single mothers and orphans.
The Institute holds an important place in the built landscape of René-Lévesque Boulevard and De La Gauchetière Street with its commanding presence, its classical greystone architecture and its courtyards with large trees flanking the chapel. This hospital complex is part of a larger institutional ensemble that includes the former École des hautes études commerciales de Montréal business school (now the Gilles-Hocquart Building that houses the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec) opposite Square Viger, the former Viger Station-Hotel, and the former Académie Marchand, which now belongs to UQAM. The wings and pavilions of this large convent and hospital complex were built between 1853 and 1940.
The seven buildings of the complex, the oldest of which (pavilions D, E, F) were built between 1853 and 1884, facing René-Lévesque Boulevard. While the older wings are in the neo-classical style, the more recent ones respect contemporary architectural styles. Photo: Google; Editing: City of Montreal.
The Jacques-Viger long-term-care hospital, occupied the building from 1975 to 2012, and then streamlined and relocated its operations. Problems with the structure and the masonry in some of the wings of the original complex led to the closure of the centre. The threat now is the exacerbation of the building’s physical deterioration following its abandonment in 2013, and the absence of any future vocation. The repurposing of the site is essential in providing an incentive to invest in urgently needed restoration work to revitalize this institutional complex of great heritage value.
The former Hôpital de la Miséricorde is just one of many now-vacant hospital complexes in Montreal, in the wake of decisions to centralize hospital services—a trend also seen in other cities. And yet, these major hospital complexes are undeniable heritage sites given their historical, architectural and social value, as well as their marked presence on our collective landscape.
Since 2012, the non-profit organization Quadrilatère de la Miséricorde, supported by the Quatuor Quartier Latin and present on the Table de concertation du Faubourg Saint-Laurent, is working on a redevelopment project for the hospital site that would include several tiers: housing for families, a residence for men aged 55 and over, a museum, community spaces and artists studios. This non-profit organization is recommending that the City acquire the complex and reserve it for this purpose.
Starting in 2019, the City of Montreal is conducting a study of the site’s potential for conversion and acquisition. This study includes an audit of the building, a review of soil contamination, a statement of heritage interest, an assessment of archaeological potential and financial analyses. The objective is to identify potential new uses and an implementation strategy, including acquisition by the City. In the summer of 2021, the City presents its vision for the site: a mixed-use redevelopment project that includes a homeless shelter, student housing, public housing and the construction of a new 17-storey tower (and the demolition of part of the complex). The building, which is owned by the Quebec government, is expected to be transferred to a private developer to complete this large project.
In December 2022, it was announced that the complex would be put up for sale.
After reviewing several bids, the SQI ultimately sold the building to Alta Canada in June 2025. The developer planned to build a 30-storey residential tower while expressing openness to collaborating with the nonprofit organization Quadrilatère de la Miséricorde to integrate community uses.
However, in August 2025, Hydro-Québec announced its intention to acquire the site to install an electrical substation. Since the beginning of the year, Hydro-Québec has been searching for a vacant downtown lot to replace the outdated Berri substation. Following the controversy sparked by its proposal to build on the vacant lot next to the BAnQ, Hydro-Québec stated that the only viable option now is the Miséricorde site. Hydro-Québec also announced that it intends to launch an architectural competition to ensure the new construction’s integration into the urban fabric. In addition, the restoration and adaptive reuse of the heritage building will also be considered.
Over the years, Heritage Montreal has submitted several letters, briefs and resolutions concerning various surplus hospital buildings in Montreal, including the former Hôpital de la Miséricorde.
Héritage Montréal continues to follow the case closely and to advocate with public authorities for the site to be requalified and for the heritage values of the site to be respected.
Ville-Marie
Urban Development
Civic Heritage
Public; provincial government
Vacant
No upkeep
Victor Bourgeau and Alcibiade Leprohon, architects (1853-1884)
CIUSSS du Centre-sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
Institutional
Religious
1853-1884. Extensions: Saint-Hubert pavilion (1923), pavilions on Saint-André and de La Gauchetière Streets (1944-1947)
Building of exceptional heritage value Located in an area of exceptional heritage value
How do you see this Montreal site? What legacy has it left us? What future can we create for it? Where to start to get there? Who wants to participate in the project?
You have questions? Want to do more, but lack the information? Consult our toolkit to learn more about the heritage of the Montreal metropolitan area, the preservation mechanisms in place and possible actions.
