Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Work on phase two in the widening of Pink Road from two to four lanes should commence in

three years, “if all goes well.”

“We heard today that there are things we cannot control, but we are optimistic,” Mitigomijokan

district councillor Anik Des Marais told attendees at a consultation session on February 19.

The information session was organized by the Ville de Gatineau as a continuation of the previous

sessions with the public to discuss the Pink Road project, which aims to resolve traffic and safety

issues by improving the road conditions and flow of traffic.

“We are located in a strategic territory that has, on the one hand, experienced strong urban

growth continuously for around 30 years,” said Alexandra Cordisco-Moreau, senior specialist of

consultation, dialogue, and relationship with the human environment with consulting firm WSP.

“Then, on the other hand, it is a territory which requires significant needs for vehicular and

active travel in an east-west orientation.”

From 2019 to 2020, phase one was carried out between Rue de la Gravité and Boulevard des

Grives. The City later launched a modification request procedure in 2020 to kick phase two into

high gear. WSP was enlisted in 2021 to update certain studies and the detailed preliminary

project plans as well as to carry out the information session.

Phase two will see the continuation of widening to four lanes of approximately 2.7 kilometers

from Boulevard des Grives to Chemin Vanier. Planned improvements included bus shelters, a

one-way cycle lane on the roadway, a multifunctional off-road path on the south side, a concrete

sidewalk on the north side, the installation of traffic lights at various intersections as well as

similar landscaping and street features as phase one.

Many of the comments heard by the City and WSP dealt with concerns about speed, the safety of

pedestrians, and the environment.

“Rest assured that you have been listened to,” said Des Marais.

All the feedback received will be compiled into a report by WSP and will join the three other

studies requested by the ministry to allow the analysis of the project and the issuance of the

modified decree to fulfill phase two.

“We will put in place means to ensure that you are informed as the work progresses.”

A recording of the information session can be viewed through the City’s website or the Ville de

Gatineau YouTube channel.

Photo caption: Mitigomijokan district councillor Anik Des Marais thanks the attendees of the

phase two information session for sharing their concerns and feedback on February 19.

Photo credit: Screenshot from information session on phase two of the Pink Road work