HTNS Joins the International Council on Monuments and Sites In Calling for Immediate Action to Protect Église Sainte-Marie
On May 15, 2025 International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) issued a Heritage Alert, their highest alert warning, out of concern for the future of the former Église Sainte-Marie in Church Point, Nova Scotia. According to ICOMOS, the church, which is of national and international cultural importance, faces “imminent demolition.”
The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia joins ICOMOS in urging the Canadian federal government, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Municipality of Clare to take immediate action to protect the church by:
1. Rejecting any request to deregister Église Sainte-Marie as a provincial heritage site;
2. Halting demolition plans immediately;
3. Working with the owners to implement emergency roof and envelope repairs to prevent further structural deterioration;
4. Collaboratively developing a heritage conservation and management plan;
5. Implementing and sustainably fund a long-term plan balancing revenue-generation and heritage conservation;
6. Securing federal recognition for Sainte-Marie through Parks Canada;
7. Including Sainte-Marie in provincial and municipal plans for tourism development, rural economic rejuvenation and environmental sustainability.
Église Sainte-Marie is believed to be the tallest historic wooden church in the North America (185 feet or 56.5 metres) and is an exceptional example of Acadian craftsmanship. The building’s story, as told through its architecture and location, is vital for understanding the rich and complex history and culture of the Acadian community in Nova Scotia.
The Heritage Trust has long been an active supporter of the conservation and preservation of Église Sainte-Marie and believes deeply that now is the time to act to ensure that the future of this building is secure.
The full text of the ICOMOS Alert can be found here: https://www.icomos.org/actualite/heritage-alert-eglise-sainte-marie-canada/
