LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo

At a recent committee meeting held on February 27, Gatineau City Council presented an
ambitious redevelopment concept for Taylor Street, a key area on the Island of Hull. The
proposal aims to transform the street into a shared road bordered by a riverside promenade,
enhancing the urban environment and connectivity in the city centre.

The concept, which has been in the works for several years, seeks to prioritize pedestrian and
cycling traffic, creating a more convivial and accessible space for residents and visitors. The
redevelopment plan includes the addition of public squares, improved access to Brewery Creek,
and the integration of sustainable and ecological water management practices.

The estimated cost for the first phase of the project is $6.8 million, with plans to allocate funds in
the 2025-2029 Municipal Investment Program Budget. The city council emphasized the
importance of this project in revitalizing the downtown area and connecting various sectors,
including Zibi and the potential future regional museum.

The presentation was introduced by Catherine Marchand, director of the Territorial Planning and
Economic Development Module, who highlighted that the presentation was a follow-up to several
years of work. The main objective was to present the concept, with the budgetary aspect to be
discussed in the upcoming budget exercise. Mathieu Boissinot, a project coordinator at the
Downtown Coordination Office and the lead on the Taylor Street project, conducted the
presentation. The focus was on proposing the adoption of the redevelopment concept for Taylor
Street and the Brewery Creek shoreline and planning for the project’s financing.

Council members expressed their support for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance
the quality of life in the area and contribute to the city’s cultural and recreational offerings. The
redevelopment of Taylor Street is seen as a key component in the broader vision for the Island
of Hull and Gatineau’s city centre. The city council plans to proceed with further planning and
budget discussions for the project, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026-2027.

Photo: The redevelopment concept for Taylor Street, a key area of the Island of Hull, aims to
transform the street into a shared road with a riverside promenade, prioritizing pedestrian and
cycling traffic while enhancing the urban environment. (TF) Photo courtesy of the City of
Gatineau