Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

The Forum Group’s Buckingham Market commercial project officially began the second phase of its construction at the intersection of Maclaren and Lépine on August 12. For the occasion, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site by Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Buckingham City Councillor Edmond Leclerc, and the team from the real estate developer, the Forum Group.

Phase one of the project allowed for the construction of the Super C grocery store, which has attracted a large number of visitors. As for the second phase, the following establishments will be built by the end of winter 2026: a Familiprix pharmacy, a Desjardins Caisse, a National Bank, a Mondou pet store, and a beauty salon. The project will have a total of four phases, which could be completed by 2028.

According to Councillor Leclerc, this commercial development will be quite permissive in terms of services. “If we have entrepreneurs who are well invested in commercial banners, in commercial premises that will be leased by one service or another, I believe it’s up to the market to determine what will be profitable […],” he said.

According to him, this is a welcome commercial opportunity in the area. “The arrival of a new population base also brings a new service base with more diverse businesses,” he explains.

Regarding Buckingham Avenue, Leclerc’s mission in the event of a future mandate would be to implement a specific urban plan like the one seen in the Old Aylmer area. “There may eventually be more oversight to create the right conditions for revitalization,” he commented. “This is a street with a strong atmosphere that we want to revitalize more significantly.”

Photo: Sod breaking with Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, accompanied by Buckingham City Councillor Edmond Leclerc and the Forum group team (August 12, 2025). (MG) Photo: Courtesy of Edmond Leclerc.