The town council of Saint‑Pie voted in August 2026 to consider a high‑school project on the grounds of the 57‑year‑old Sanair racetrack, prompting heritage organisations to ask the Quebec government for official protection of the site.
Sanair, an iconic racing venue built about five decades ago in the municipality of Saint‑Pie, has long been a landmark for motorsport enthusiasts in the region. The council’s resolution to explore a school development has raised concerns that the historic track could be altered or lost, leading heritage advocates to launch a campaign for provincial heritage designation.
Representatives of the heritage groups argue that the racetrack’s age and cultural significance merit recognition under Quebec’s heritage legislation. They contend that a formal designation would safeguard the track’s structural integrity and preserve its role in the community’s collective memory, even if the land were to be repurposed for educational use.
The Quebec government has yet to respond to the request, but officials are expected to review the proposal in the coming weeks. The outcome could set a precedent for how historic sporting facilities are treated when municipalities pursue new development projects.
Local residents who value the racetrack’s legacy have expressed support for the heritage push, emphasizing the importance of retaining the site’s character while accommodating the town’s growth needs. The council’s decision to keep the high‑school option under consideration leaves the future of the property uncertain, with the heritage designation request adding another layer to the ongoing discussion.
If the province grants heritage status, any future construction, including the proposed school, would have to comply with preservation guidelines. The heritage groups remain committed to ensuring that the Sanair racetrack’s historic value is recognised before any major changes are made to the site.