Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

A newly adopted inventory documenting the traditional architecture of Aylmer has been officially
approved by Gatineau’s municipal council, adding 579 properties to the city’s heritage register.
This milestone was confirmed during the June 11 council session and is part of a broader effort
to recognize and record the architectural legacy of Gatineau’s diverse neighbourhoods.

The inventory includes 575 buildings and four cemeteries. It highlights the wide variety of
structures that contribute to Aylmer’s historical identity. While Old Aylmer’s Main Street is often
the primary focus for local heritage, this project takes a wider perspective. It acknowledges rural
homes, modest dwellings, and former summer properties that reflect the area’s transformation
from a small town into a suburban district.

Among the examples provided by the city is 61 rue du Couvent, a former religious institutional
building from the early 20th century. Its architectural features and historical religious role make it
a landmark within the Old Aylmer area. Another notable entry is 1400 chemin Queen’s Park, an
elegant summer villa that represents the period when Aylmer served as a retreat for Ottawa and
Hull residents who travelled there by streetcar to enjoy summers by the water. The simple rural
property at 59 rue Bancroft also stands out, recalling a time when the area outside Aylmer’s
boundaries were predominantly agricultural. These buildings vary in form and function, but
collectively offer insight into Aylmer’s development in social, economic, and architectural terms
over the past 150 years.

Although the properties listed in the inventory are not officially designated as heritage sites
under provincial or municipal law, they are recognized as having cultural and historical value.
Inclusion in the inventory does not restrict everyday renovations or affect insurance or property
taxes. However, it may influence how future construction or demolition projects are assessed.
For example, buildings on the list could face additional scrutiny through the City’s Site Planning
and Architectural Integration Program (PIIA), especially when proposed changes would alter
their external appearance.

City officials describe the inventory as a key planning tool that helps identify heritage-worthy
buildings and guides policy decisions. It does not carry legal obligations but does inform
approaches to zoning, development, and conservation. Some properties are already eligible for
existing subsidy programs, and the City is considering new measures to support maintenance
and restoration work.

This Aylmer inventory follows the adoption of a similar document for the Hull sector earlier this
spring. Work on inventories for the remaining sectors—Gatineau, Buckingham, and Masson-
Angers—is underway. The complete citywide register is expected to be in place by April 1, 2026.
Residents can view detailed entries for both the Aylmer and Hull sectors online at
gatineau.ca/patrimoine.​

Photo: Gatineau’s council has approved the Aylmer heritage inventory, adding 579 properties,
including the simple structure at 59 Bancroft, to a growing register that celebrates the area’s
diverse architectural legacy without imposing formal restrictions. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo