Trois-Rivières City Hall – Trois-Rivières, QC

Municipal Government Headquarters

Modernist Heritage and Civic Center

L’Hôtel de ville de Trois-Rivières stands as a landmark of modern architecture in the Mauricie region. Inaugurated in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, the building was designed by architect Jean-Claude Leclerc and is recognized for its distinctive concrete Brutalist style, which won the Massey Medal for Architecture. Situated on Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, it anchors the city’s civic administrative zone. The building is not just an office complex but the seat of local democracy, housing the City Council Chambers (Salle du conseil) where elected officials meet to deliberate on bylaws, budgets, and urban development projects. The structure is physically connected to the Maison de la Culture, symbolizing the link between governance and community life.

Citizen Services and Administration

As the primary point of contact for residents, City Hall centralizes numerous municipal departments. The ground floor service counters are designed to assist citizens with:

• Taxation and Assessment: Residents can pay municipal tax bills, transfer duties (welcome tax), and inquire about their property assessment roll. Staff can explain tax breakdowns and payment schedules.
• Permits and Urban Planning: The urban planning department provides guidance on zoning regulations, renovation permits, and construction licenses. While complex technical permits may require appointments with inspectors, general inquiries are handled at the main counter.
• City Clerk’s Office (Greffe): This department is responsible for access to information requests, claims against the city (e.g., for pothole damage), and the certification of documents. They also manage the official archives of the municipality.

Democracy and Public Engagement

City Hall is the venue for the monthly public council meetings. These sessions are open to the public, allowing citizens to voice concerns during question periods. The building also houses the Mayor’s Office, where the city’s executive branch coordinates strategic initiatives for economic development and public safety.

Licensing and Registry

Beyond property and construction, the administration handles various local registrations. This includes the issuance of dog tags and licenses, which are mandatory for pet owners in the city. The facility also manages the registry for commemorative programs and assists with the logistics of public events held on municipal property.

Accessibility and Amenities

The building underwent renovations to improve accessibility, featuring ramps and elevators for citizens with reduced mobility. It serves as a central information hub, providing maps of the city, bus schedules for the STTR, and brochures on waste management and recycling calendars.