Author name: Aylmer Bulletin

A debate took place during the budget discussion week at the city of Gatineau regarding where to invest an extra 13 million dollars in infrastructure maintenance. The choices of where to invest the available budget caused a stir among councillors.

The administration gave council three options, one of which was to use $9 million of the budget on a road rehabilitation program and a little over $4 million for the maintenance of arenas and aquatic centers. This was the option that was recommended by the executive committee.

Tiffany-Lee Norris-Parent, Touraine councillor, proposed an amendment that would use $4.5 million to buy 15 sidewalk snow removal vehicles, and $8.5 million for road re-pavement. This led to a debate on where to invest city money. In the end, 11 councillors voted for Norris-Parent’s amendment and 9 voted against. This means the arenas and pools will not receive the additional maintenance funds as the executive committee suggested.

Marc Bureau, Parc-de-la-Montagne-Saint-Raymond councillor and executive committee member, voiced concern for the arenas in Gatineau, as they are aging and require maintenance. He says he fears without investments, they could face closures. “This would be detrimental in places like Aylmer where there are over 100 hockey teams,” said Bureau.

Gilles Chagnon, Lucerne councillor and executive committee member, also voiced concerns asking the administration for clarity on the work needed to maintain arenas in Aylmer. The administration responded that some parts of the arenas are not at the end of their life cycle, but need maintenance such as roof replacements.

The administration also stated that they are hoping the arenas tough it out another few years. They are doing little bits of the roof as needed, and managing the risks. The work needed for arenas in Gatineau is estimated at over $7 million but there is only $2 million in reserve in case something happens. The administration is holding off because the infrastructure won’t be needed when the planned four-rink sports complex is complete.

“To clarify, we are allowing the risk that if something happens, Aylmer could end up with arena closures,” responded Chagnon.

–Snow removal machinery

The snow removal machines were a significant discussion. The committee for transport, sustainable mobility, and security did not recommend investing in the amended 15 additional sidewalk snow removal vehicles. There are 9 new vehicles for sidewalk snow removal being put to use this winter. The committee wants to see how the additions to the snow removal fleet impact the level of service this season, before buying more.

Caroline Murray, Deschênes councillor, says that this spending proposal was made to increase the level of service for the side walks, to match that of roads. Currently, the level of service for roads is to have them cleared within 12 hours of a snowfall, and sidewalks within 16 hours. Levels of service put a parameter for the service but often snow removal can be done well before this time. Murray says this is important for those that need sidewalk access such as pedestrians, and children walking to school.

The budget will be voted on in December.

House to be demolished at 674 chemin d’Aylmer; developer plans to build a 32-unit apartment building.

Photo credit: City of Gatineau

The 103-year-old house located at 674 chemin d’Aylmer has been approved for demolition to make way for a 32-unit apartment building. The Demolition Request Committee (CDD), composed of Caroline Murray, Deschênes Councillor, Mike Duggan, Pointe-Gatineau Councillor, and Mario Aubé, Masson-Anger Councillor, officially approved it at their meeting on October 24.

This file was the only one where the vote wasn’t unanimous; it passed with two for and one against. The demolition was not supported by the city’s Urbanism and Sustainable Development Services (SUDD) and was opposed by the Aylmer Heritage Association (AHA).

“If two elected officials can disregard all bylaws, laws and policies in this way, I suppose we have to conclude that it’s absolutely pointless to continue fighting for built heritage on Gatineau territory,” said Richard Bégin, co-president of AHA. He speculates that the next target will be 651 chemin d’Aylmer, another house that was purchased months ago and has been left uninhabited and derelict.

At the same meeting, demolition of the house at 172 Foley was approved, to be replaced with two semi-detached duplexes. The vote for the demolition was unanimous.

Photo 1: Historical home at 674 chemin d’Aylmer, built in 1920, facing threat of demolition.

It’s clear that Aylmer is experiencing a development boom, with many demolition requests and apartment complex projects being approved by Gatineau. The 103-year-old house located at 674 chemin d’Aylmer is no exception.

A demolition request has been submitted for the house in the Mitigomijokan district that was built in 1920.

According to city documents, the single-family house is in an advanced state of disrepair. The owner submitted documents to the city that detail the work needed to restore it would total approximately $302,907. According to city documents, the building is worth $110,000, while the property is worth $136,700.

Photo 2: Draft of developer’s land use plan. Details a four-storey 32-unit apartment building.

The house has two residences, one in the front section of the building and the other at the back. Currently, both units are vacant due to the state of the building.

The Service de l’Urbanisme et du Développement Durable (SUDD) does not recommend the demolition and says that the building has a strong heritage value, as it bears witness to the housing style of the early 1900s and is “characterized by an unusual architectural style”. However, the home is not on the 2008 built heritage inventory.

At the request of SUDD, the property owner hired a company to analyze the home’s heritage value. This final report of the analysis states that, due to the building’s lack of maintenance and state of deterioration and that it does not have heritage protection status, they conclude that the building has low heritage value.

The project is located in an area of Aylmer Road that is designated the countryside integration sector and a woodland protection area.

The Aylmer Heritage Association (AHA) has written a letter to the city voicing their concern with the demolition request. The letter highlights the history of the building and asks the city to consider postponing the demolition decision to allow all parties, including the developers, SUDD and AHA to determine the best course of action.

“We’re extremely concerned about the changes that have taken place along the Aylmer Road in recent years and it is clear that, despite a long series of laws, policies and regulations, heritage buildings in Gatineau, and Aylmer in particular, are gradually disappearing, and are now more threatened than ever before,” reads AHA’s letter to Gatineau. “We feel that Gatineau must send a clear signal of its commitment to heritage, the environment, sustainable development and building maintenance, without penalizing well-intentioned owners unduly.”

The Comité sur les demandes de démolition (CDD) will meet on October 24. At press time, it was not known if the demolition request would be approved, rejected, or postponed.

For 30 days following the CDD’s decision, any resident or legal entity whose address is in Gatineau can request a review of the CDD’s decision by the municipal council. This request comes with a fee of $122.50. After the request has been submitted, authorization to demolish the building will be suspended until the council reviews the decision. ​Because the house was built before 1920, if the demolition is approved, Gatineau must send a “notice of intent to authorize demolition” to the Minister of Culture and Communications and thenwait at least 90 days before issuing the demolition authorization.

Photo Credit: Ville de Gatineau

A recent study paints a worrying picture for Quebecers as they grapple with the prospects of escalating interest rates. The MNP Consumer Debt Index, conducted by Ipsos on behalf of MNP LTD, indicates that the province’s residents are increasingly anxious about their ability to manage rising debt.

According to the report, there has been a notable 11-point jump from the previous quarter in those who foresee difficulties in handling an extra $130 in interest payments on their existing debt, with the figure now standing at 34%. Additionally, the study reveals a seven-point increase to 26% in respondents who believe their capacity to withstand an interest rate rise of one percentage point has diminished.

With interest rates transitioning from near-zero levels to their highest in over two decades, Quebecers concerns are intensifying. The anxiety is particularly pronounced given the imminent interest rate announcement by the Bank of Canada.

Frédéric Lachance, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee with MNP LTD, weighed in on the findings. He observed, “The rising debt carrying costs combined with escalating living expenses have put considerable strain on household budgets. Given these circumstances, the bleak financial outlook in Quebec is understandable. For an increasing number of individuals, making ends meet has evolved into a formidable challenge.”

Furthermore, the study divulged a rise in the proportion of Quebecers who perceive their present debt situation as significantly deteriorating compared to a year ago, increasing by three points to 16%. In a similar vein, those expressing concern about their debt situation as being worse than it was five years ago have surged by six points to 22%. The forward-looking sentiment isn’t optimistic either, with 18% anticipating their debt scenario to deteriorate a year from now, marking an increase of five points. Looking five years ahead, 17% predict a worsening debt situation, also up by five points.

Lachance added that while current challenges are daunting, some financial pressures have been alleviated due to a robust job market. However, he warned of potential economic slowdowns that could lead to heightened unemployment rates as higher interest rates take effect. This sentiment is mirrored in the report, with an increasing number of respondents, now at 42%, voicing concerns about potential job losses within their households, a three-point
increase from the previous quarter.

Highlighting the dangers of relying on credit, especially during uncertain financial times, Lachance explained, “Households may resort to credit to bridge financial gaps, hoping to clear it once circumstances improve. This could initiate a vicious cycle where one relies on credit for one bill after another, eventually leading to missed payments and a spiral into a high-interest debt trap.”​To combat this, Lachance emphasises the importance of proactive measures. He recommends
individuals anticipating financial difficulties to engage directly with their lenders, potentially setting up a payment plan, and to consult a Licensed Insolvency Trustee for professional advice.

Photo: Quebecers grapple with debt challenges amid anticipated interest rate hikes. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmil

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan

During the October 17 municipal council meeting, a vote was taken on whether or not to adopt a commemorative tree and bench program. Council was divided but ultimately the program was rejected with nine voting in favour and 11 against. This came as a surprise, as earlier that day during the preparatory caucus, council voted in favour of an amendment allowing significant moments to be commemorated in the program as well.

In 2020, former Aylmer councillor Audrey Bureau tabled a motion that, among other things, included the creation of a program that would allow citizens to buy trees or benches and add a plaque to commemorate loved ones who have passed.

Bureau said she realized that this service was needed when an Aylmer family that had lost their son wanted to make a donation to the city to have something in a local park that commemorated him. At the time, there was no mechanism in place for the city to process this request.

After an analysis by the city administration, the program was presented to the municipal council on September 19 for their approval. The program proposal details that residents could submit the commemorative bench or tree application at any time of year. Then trees would be planted in the spring or fall, and benches and plaques would be added in the summer season.

According to Gilles Chagnon, Lucerne councillor, who advocated for the program with Audrey Bureau, parks are public spaces and are an ideal area to commemorate someone who has contributed to the community or someone who simply lived there.

“Families will be able to make use of their public places so that the community can remember the passing of these individuals in our city,” said Chagnon during the council meeting. “It will also help people cope better with their grief, knowing that an element of the park will pay homage to their loved ones.”

During the preparatory caucus before the city council meeting, Marc Bureau, Parc-de-la-Montagne-Saint-Raymond councillor and supporter of the program, proposed an amendment adding the ability to commemorate a significant moment, not just a passing. The council voted in favour of the amendment.

Other councillors were unsure of the amendment and the program. Olive Kamanyana, Carrefour-de-L’Hôpital councillor, voiced her concern, asking if Gatineau has the adequate human resources to carry out the program.

“I find it unfortunate that the city council rejected a program that offered a service to citizens and responded to needs such as park infrastructure,” said Audrey Bureau. “The program presented very little risk to the city as the trees and benches are paid for by the citizens wanting to commemorate a loved one. I think the council’s decision was unjustified as those who opposed the program did not propose amendments or changes to reach a consensus. It feels like people are playing politics to the detriment of citizens.”

Chagnon says he is unsure if the program will be put before the council again. “I am open to making changes to the program if necessary because I believe in its beneficial effects for bereaved families. But first we need to take the pulse of the council to see if there’s any interest in reactivating it.”

A new bakery has arrived in Aylmer. Première Moisson, located at 60 rue de Seto, suite 101, officially opened its doors on October 18. The store is open Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

The new 3,534 sq. ft. bakery has space and seating for 40 people inside as well as a terrace that can accommodate a dozen people, weather permitting.

Première Moisson offers a large variety of baked goods, breads, confectionery items, pastries, and drinks. There are also ready-to-eat and take-away products, including charcuterie.

The investment in the new location allows owners Marc-André Juillet and his wife Annick Vachon to offer 30 new full-time and part-time jobs. This new location is an addition for the owners who opened the Gatineau location on boulevard Maloney Ouest in 2018.

Many attended the new location opening, including Isabelle Miron, l’Orée-du-Parc councillor and Deputy Mayor, Gérald Blachon, Vice-President of retail network with Groupe Première Moisson, and Éric Côté, Vice-President and General Manager of Groupe Première Moisson.

Première Moisson was founded in 1992, and now employs over 1,200 people in their 24 Quebec locations and their Ottawa location. Many of their products can also be found in grocery stores across the province. Première Moisson is owned by METRO.

Photo: The official opening of Première Moisson’s Aylmer location. From left to right: Gérald Blachon, retail network Vice-President at Groupe Première Moisson, Annick Vachon and Marc-André Juillet, owners, Isabelle Miron, l’Orée-du-Parc councillor and Deputy Mayor, along with Éric Côté, Vice-President and General Manager of Groupe Première Moisson.

Photo Credit: Groupe Première Moisson

The single-family, one-storey house located at 172 Foley, is set to be demolished. The house is currently vacant.

The demolition requests were published by Gatineau and the decision will be made by the Demolition Request Committee (CDD) during their meeting on October 24 at 4:30 pm at the Maison du citoyen located at 25 Laurier Street in Gatineau.

According to the project analysis, the land is being cleared for the construction of two semi-detached buildings, each with two units.

The house was built in 1945 and, according to Gatineau, it holds no heritage value. The property is valued at $126,900 while the structure is valued at $20,800. According to the owner of the property, the building would require major renovations, particularly to the foundation. The owner estimated that restoring the existing home would cost between $150,000 and $175,000.

The demolition is recommended by the Service de l’Urbanisme et du Développement Durable (SUDD).

The CDD had already approved a previous demolition request for the building on August 30. At the time, the preliminary land reuse project proposal was different. The demolition request had to be resubmitted when the owners changed the plans for the property.

Any resident wishing to address the CDD should attend the October 24 meeting. For 30 days following the CDD meeting, any resident or legal entity whose address is in Gatineau can request a review of the CDD’s decision by the municipal council. This request comes with a fee of $122.50. After the request has been submitted, authorization to demolish the building will be suspended until the council reviews the decision.

Photo 1: Courtesy of Gatineau

Photo 1 Caption: The 1945 vacant single-family house at 172 Foley that may face demolition.

Photo 2: Courtesy of Gatineau

Photo 2 Caption: Construction draft of the plans after demolition to construct a four-unit duplex

Residents can look forward to the upcoming Aylmer Community Theater Company (ACT Company) production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. After nearly three years without a live performance, the organization is excited to bring a funny and relatable performance to their audience.

Barefoot in the Park follows young newlyweds living in New York City in the 60s. A character sums up the play with the line “With all the trouble today, you see a couple of newlyweds, you figure there’s still hope for the world.”

The newlywed characters in the play will be portrayed by actors Virginia Larose and Bradley McDermid, who are a married couple in real life. Cindy Beaton, a long-time ACT Company member, will also be acting in the performance.

Peggy Henderson, a founding member of ACT Company, echoes the sentiment stating that part of the reason for the choice of plays was to bring joy and laughter to the audience. “Despite the play taking place in the 60s, it is still highly relatable today,” said Henderson.

The performance will be directed by Jackie McKeown, who tells the Bulletin that the play was originally done on Broadway in 1963 and then there was a film in 1967. “It is a comedy about new beginnings, family, and a new couple settling in an expansive, not-so-great apartment. I think the play will resonate with many people,” said McKeown.

The performance will take place at Heritage College, located at 325 boulevard Cité-des-Jeunes.Opening night will be October 20 at 7:00 pm. There will also be performances on October 21 at 7:00 pm and a matinee on October 22 at 1:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

ACT Company was founded by a group of like-minded individuals in Aylmer 15 years ago. Since then they have presented many performances and become a valued organization in the community.

For more information, individuals can visit https://www.actcompany.ca/home

The Vanier road ecocentre seems to be moving forward. Gatineau administration presented a set of recommendations outlined by the working group on the project during a plenary committee meeting. The working group was created after some nearby residents had concerns with the effect the project would have on their neighbourhood.

The mediation process consisted of a public information session, the creation of the working group, a dialogue and discussion process from April to June, and then the drafting of a recommendation report.

The working group consisted of a member of the Plateau Residents Association, a member of CREDDO (Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais), and a representative for Gatineau. The final draft includes 13 recommendations.

“Overall, I’m pleased that the project is moving forward,” said Gilles Chagnon, Lucerne councillor, who initiated the project and advocated for the ecocentre for many years. “Social acceptance, even mediation, is necessary in a project like this. It takes time, but it’s a necessary step.”

The first recommendation asks to consider using a PPCMOI, which is a process to allow for a specific construction, modification, or occupation of a building, rather than a zoning change. The working group also recommended preserving the area of the land that is not occupied by the ecocentre by prohibiting future construction on the site. They also ask that the ecocentre be as far away from residents as possible on the planned property.

The working group has also asked for a study of the traffic flow of the area, as well as a study of sound disturbance. They also hope that greening is improved on the site, and that there are precautions taken for light and sound pollution during and after construction of the ecocentre to mitigate disturbances to residents.

Other recommendations include respecting and going beyond groundwater protection regulations, and identifying and implementing measures to limit pollution of Moore Creek. The working group also recommended putting the ecocentre exit on the southern part of the site to optimize safety and visibility, and that the city proceed with pavement repairs on Vanier Road.

“It’s difficult to say at this stage whether all the recommendations will be implemented according to the revised timetable. They will be evaluated by the administration. The municipal council has welcomed the report and is still in favour of the project,” said Chagnon.

In addition to the recommendations, a revised timeline for the ecocentre project was presented. This timeline foresees the opening of the ecocentre between Autumn 2026 and Winter 2028.

Next steps include changing the zoning, which should take place by February 2024, as well as the acquisition of the property between May and December of next year.

“I find the process very long between project approval and completion,” said Chagnon. “I’d have liked to see it come to fruition more quickly. At least the presentation on October 3 shows that everything is moving in the right direction.” ​Gatineau plans to purchase a private lot 3 835 037, on Vanier road between Pink and Vernon for the construction of the ecocentre. Similar to the ecocentre in Gatineau, the centre will allow residents to dispose of items such as tires, electronics, recyclables, styrofoam, metals, construction waste and textile and other types of waste.