Sophie Demers

LJI Reporter

Since 2019, the City of Gatineau has been in partnership with the Boucher Forest Foundation. The collaboration was established to support the development of a public outdoor area and the creation of the Boucher Forest Park and to ensure the conservation of the forest’s ecosystems.

At the end of September, Gatineau announced that they are renewing the partnership agreement with the Boucher Forest Foundation, possibly from 2024 to 2028. The current agreement expires in December 2026, with the possibility to extend it to December 2028 if funding is available. The city has agreed to contribute $450,000 per year to the foundation.

“The Boucher Forest is one of Gatineau’s natural gems, in the heart of the Aylmer sector, and we are delighted to contribute to its protection and enhancement for years to come. This strategic partnership with the Boucher Forest Foundation is in line with our desire to develop the urban outdoors and strengthen our collaboration with local organizations,” said Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Gatineau Mayor.

The funds are used to support their mission to protect and preserve the diverse flora and fauna found in the Boucher Forest. The city will also be providing financial, technical, and professional support to facilitate operation. This could include professional services, space, equipment and building loans.

The city states that residents benefit from this agreement, as it allows the foundation to expand their offer of outdoor activities, to add new facilities, and to do regular path and forest maintenance.

The agreement outlines various goals and projects, such as management and development of an urban outdoor conservation site, development of projects and organization of eco-responsible events, production and implementation of a conservation plan, restoration and conservation of ecosystem integrity, governance, accessibility and sustainable development, and promotion of the Boucher Forest.

Since the agreement began in 2019, many projects have been completed. These projects include two market studies and a wetland delineation study, creation of a park plan, park signage, park furniture, development of trails, pruning and tree maintenance, and construction of a shelter.

“Conservation actions are long-term endeavors, and therefore require regular and rigorous planning and follow-up,” said Adrian Corbo, President of the Boucher Forest Foundation. “Today, the Foundation is pleased to commit to a multi-year agreement that will enable us to work for the good of the Boucher Forest, the environment and the quality of life of Gatineau residents. This agreement will not only ensure the conservation of the forest, but also provide citizens with quality outdoor programming. The Foundation is proud to help Gatineau achieve its goal of preserving 30% of its territory. We invite residents to come and enjoy this magnificent space of over 600 acres.”

The Boucher Forest is often referred to as Gatineau’s left lung. There are over 1,145 species of flora and fauna in the forest and 11 priority ecosystems for biodiversity conservation. Boucher Forest is bordered by chemin Vanier, boulevard des Allumettières, boulevard Wilfried-Lavigne, and chemin Antoine-Boucher.

Photo: Inside the Boucher Forest

Photo: Courtesy