Les Forges de Montréal, a non-profit organization that promotes the blacksmith trade, says its future is still unclear, even after a meeting with the city.
The group was facing eviction from a heritage building for allegedly violating the terms of their lease with the city. The eviction notice was sent in February.
In August, a petition with almost 5,000 signatures to keep the group in the building was delivered to Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre during a city council meeting.
The group has since met with city representatives to discuss the matter, but still doesn’t have any definite answers.
“For now, we just know that we had a good contact with them,” Mathieu Collette, Les Forges de Montréal founder, said. “They are willing to find a solution and the negotiation has started.”
READ MORE: Les Forges de Montréal, city to meet over blacksmith group’s future in heritage building
The organization is hoping to sign approximately a 90-year lease to keep their current workplace rather than changing locations.
Collette who teaches out of the workshop said a move isn’t a viable option.
“If you go in the country, you’re losing because you don’t have the citizens,” Collette said.
The length of the situation has begun to wear on the blacksmiths.
“I’m getting tired,” Collette said. “Everyone is like ‘when is that going to be solved.'”
The uncertain future of the organization has also hurt business.
“It’s going down because people are scared we’re going to be closed,” Collette said.
READ MORE: Les Forges de Montreal blacksmiths face eviction by the city
Global News reached out to the city for comment, but officials said they would need to take a look at the file on Monday.
For now, the uncertainty of their situation will continue for Les Forges de Montréal blacksmiths.
“We’re in a situation where we’re supposed to be renegotiating the whole lease,” Marc Douesnard, Les Forges de Montréal administrator, said. “Not really knowing if it will be a lease.”
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