Sophie Demers

LJI Reporter

Gatineau’s Commission des arts, de la culture, des lettres et du patrimoine gathered on April 30 to discuss the updates on various cultural infrastructure projects.

Lucy-Faris Library

The long-awaited Constance-Provost building, which will be the home of the Lucy-Faris Library, is set to be completed in November of this year. Once the construction is complete, the building will be handed over to the city, who will then take a few months to prepare the interior of the building to welcome the public. Gatineau is also in the process of hiring a librarian who will be responsible for collection development.

Guy-Sanche Library

The plans for updating the library and adding new spaces for the community are moving forward. The plans include creating a multi-purpose room, work rooms of various sizes, an area dedicated to comic books and graphic novels, areas for kids and teenagers, and a café, along with other updates. The city has proposed an architectural competition for the design and is waiting for approval from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation before moving forward.

Atelier du Ruisseau

This project involves building a visual arts centre supported by local artists. The centre will provide a space for professional artists. The plans include three floors made up of 45 studios, as well as the relocation of Galerie Montcalm. There is also space in the project for which the use has yet to be determined. Currently, geotechnical and environmental studies are being conducted on the future site at the corner of rue Morin and rue Papineau.

Centre des arts de la scène

This project will bring together Artishow and L’Avant première in one location in building 9 on the Fairview estate. Phase 1, decontaminating and stripping the building is complete. Phase 2 involves an in-depth study of the building structure.

La Filature

La Filature is a non-profit organization comprised of artist-run centres Daïmon and Axe Néo7 offering a space for artistic research, creation and dissemination. The organization owns the former Hanson Hosiery Mill’s and wants to build an extension for workshops and multi-purpose spaces. Gatineau’s Service des arts, de la culture et des lettres is waiting for the Service des biens immobiliers to issue a notice for the sale of the land.

Musée régional de l’Outaouais

The Ministry of Culture and Communications is currently analyzing the feasibility and functionality studies Gatineau provided for the project. The museum plans to move into the E.B. Eddy building. The Museum would be dedicated to showcasing the region’s collections and promoting research on Outaouais heritage.

Auditorium du Cégep de l’Outaouais

Negotiations are currently underway between Gatineau and Cégep de l’Outaouais with the goal of signing a memorandum of understanding for the modernization of the Alphonse-Desjardins auditorium. The project would create a 700-seat auditorium.

Cultural infrastructure plan

This year the city plans to create an inventory of all cultural infrastructure in Gatineau. Currently the city is in the process of evaluating the development plan.

Photo: The new Constance-Provost building under construction. It will be the home of the Lucy-Faris Library once construction is complete. (SD) Photo: Sophie Demers