Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

For the first time in its history, the Municipality of Chelsea is developing official public access
points to the Gatineau River, responding to years of local demand and a growing commitment to
sustainable, inclusive infrastructure. The project, supported by $210,000 in funding from the
MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, forms part of a broader $1.2 million regional investment into
community-based development across six municipalities.

Set for completion in spring 2026, the work will include three distinct river access sites. A
universally accessible dock and a 125-metre open-water swimming corridor will be built in front
of Farm Point Park, providing a rare public space for safe and structured recreation. Two
additional access points for non-motorized watercraft will be constructed: one near the Farm
Point Community Centre, the other at the end of chemin Burnett. The project is being developed
in line with provincial environmental regulations, with preparatory work already underway while
the Municipality awaits final approvals from Québec’s Ministry of the Environment, the Fight
Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks.

The announcement follows a public consultation process that confirmed strong community
support for river access. Along with the construction of new infrastructure, the Farm Point Park
service chalet is being renovated to improve accessibility and will include new restrooms and
changing facilities. The Municipality has also committed to working with the Société de
sauvetage du Québec to meet safety standards, and to implementing measures that will ensure
respectful use of the space by visitors and nearby residents alike.

Chelsea Mayor Pierre Guénard emphasized the significance of the project, describing the river
as central to both the community’s history and its daily life. He called the initiative a move to
“democratize” access to the river in a way that is environmentally respectful and socially
inclusive, marking a shift in how public space is envisioned and shared.

This investment in Chelsea is one of several projects across the region supported by the MRC
des Collines-de-l’Outaouais through Québec’s Fonds régions et ruralité – Volet 3, administered
by the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation. Other municipalities benefiting from
the funding include Cantley, where a multipurpose path is under construction, and L’Ange-
Gardien, which is enhancing its regional park facilities. In La Pêche, efforts are underway to
restore the presbytery, while Pontiac is investing in upgrades to local parks in Luskville and
Quyon. Val-des-Monts will convert a historic church into a new cultural centre, blending heritage
preservation with modern community use.

Prefect of the MRC, Marc Carrière, framed the initiative as part of a shared vision for regional
sustainability and community resilience. “These investments make it possible to realize a shared
vision of the sustainable development of our territory,” he said.​

Photo: Chelsea is set to open its first official public access points to the Gatineau River by
spring 2026, as part of a $1.2 million regional investment in sustainable, community-driven
infrastructure across the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo