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The Citadelle, Thursday, May 29, 2008
I think you will agree: one need only look out from high atop the western bank of the Cap-aux-Diamants promontory to understand why Frontenac chose to build a redoubt on this site.
The role that this military structure played in the city’s defence strategy is obvious.
And we could think of no better way to honour our history, as we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Québec, than to transform the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt into a space dedicated to showcasing our heritage and expressing our culture.
It is one of the rare remnants of Quebec’s earliest fortifications and one of Canada’s oldest military buildings.
Designated a classified federal heritage building in 1991, the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt is one of the jewels of the Citadelle and the Historic District of Old Québec, which, as you know, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
What began as a defence works will now serve as a permanent exhibit space for such works as Le Grand Livre de Champlain.
On May 8, in La Rochelle, against a backdrop that included the majestic Belem, a 300-year-old three-masted barque, and the flotilla of vessels about to set sail and follow in the wake of Samuel de Champlain, it was with great pride and emotion that my husband and I accepted this magnificent gift from the cities of La Rochelle, Rochefort and the Agglomération de Royan Atlantique.
Contemporary artists have breathed new life into the accounts Champlain wrote in his journal. They skilfully worked to replicate Samuel de Champlain’s writing, paying particularly close attention to his handwriting, which has been accurately reproduced to render both his spirit and his style. They created this larger-than-life work based on his notes, engravings and maps.
I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank our French brothers and friends here with us today: Bernard Mounier, who was the heart and soul behind this project; Jean-François Fountaine, Vice-President of the Regional Council of Poitou-Charentes and representing the City of La Rochelle; and Vincent Barraud, Vice-President in charge of culture within the Agglomération Royan Atlantique. This gift has touched us all, and I would be grateful if you would convey our thanks once again to the people of La Rochelle, Rochefort and Royan.
My husband and I were very anxious that the Grand Livre be displayed in a place worthy of its grandeur. And now it is. We intend to ensure that it makes its way across Canada, because the Francophone communities from coast to coast to coast are eager to share in this gift.
The re-opening of the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt on this beautiful May morning would not have been possible were it not for the joint efforts, enthusiasm and contribution of several partners:
Public Works and Government Services Canada, which oversaw the restoration work, led by its team of passionate architects.
Parks Canada, whose knowledge and experience with respect to history, archaeology, heritage development and architecture were invaluable.
The Musée du Royal 22e Régiment, which helped to produce an audiovisual presentation and which has spent several years working with our team of guides to welcome thousands of visitors.
And finally, National Defence, which spearheaded the landscaping project, proof that our military personnel are also gardeners at heart! The work is well underway and adding to the architectural heritage and beautification of the Citadelle, which remains one of the most important historical military sites in Canada.
I would also like to applaud the hard work of the Citadelle and Rideau Hall team, which was closely involved in researching documents and illustrations, creating educational programs and ensuring hospitality and interpretation services.
Last but certainly not least is the invaluable contribution of my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, who believed in this project from the very beginning. Ever the documentary filmmaker, he saw in this an opportunity to take a trip back in time, to explore a place from our collective memory that not only brings to life the encounters that took place 400 years ago, but also provides a unique perspective on who we are today. With tireless energy and no shortage of ideas, Jean‑Daniel kept things moving ahead and helped to bring all of the partners together. Jean‑Daniel, we are so grateful to you.
One of the goals that we all shared, of course, was to preserve the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt for future generations, but we also wanted to make it accessible to a broad audience.
We hope that visitors will come out in droves to discover this jewel in our collective heritage.
May it be a proud witness to the history we share and are commemorating with this 400th anniversary of the founding of a city of which the people of Quebec and all of Canada are so proud.
What a pleasure it is to be able to celebrate the beauty and richness of our history, which has been shaped and continues to be shaped by encounters between peoples and civilizations.
Enjoy your visit!