Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

After 18 months of debate, the Ville de Gatineau will go forward with a more than $180 million centralized police headquarters in Hull.

“We have had challenges. We have had different positions taken within the municipal council. I would say that particularly over the last two months, my goal … during my mandate was to bring this project to fruition,” acting Gatineau mayor, Daniel Champagne, told reporters during a press briefing on May 7 following a special council meeting.

Originally planned to replace the Robert-Guertin Centre, Gatineau now plans to merge lots at 975 boulevard Saint-Joseph and 80 rue Jean-Proulx to facilitate the new 165,000-square-foot building. The City intended to acquire the land through expropriation procedures.

The director of the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau, Simon Fournier, said the centralization of services will allow the force to increase efficiency and optimize its service to citizens.

With the project estimated to cost $187.3 million, a 25-year loan payment would be required to foot the bill. Gatineau will also be taking steps to seek funding from the Government of Quebec.

To assist with costs, the City planned to put land at 590 boulevard Gréber and 775-777 boulevard de la Carrière up for sale. The sale of both properties was estimated to bring in $40 million, which would cut the costs of the project to $147.3 million.

The decision also brought good news for Aylmer. The district can expect a new service point come 2027, after the addition of $8.2 million to its budget. What was originally budgeted at $17.5 million now sits at $25.7 million. The additional funds were expected to cover the indexation of the initial financial package as well as finance the expansion of office space and warehousing needs.

“I think it was very important to keep a service point in Aylmer,” said Steven Boivin, the councillor for the district. “We have more and more people and we need something in Aylmer.”

With construction of the centralized building expected to commence in the summer of 2026, Fournier said the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau would maximize the current locations to offer the best possible service.

“There are investments that we must maintain as an organization to ensure that the buildings continue to operate,” said Fournier.

Photo caption: Gatineau’s new centralized police headquarters will take shape in Hull at 975 boulevard Saint-Joseph and 80 rue Jean-Proulx.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Website