No leading idea for the vacant lots in downtown Gaspé
Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
GASPÉ – Approximately fifty citizens and twenty organizations participated in consultations on April 30 and May 1 to brainstorm the future of downtown Gaspé. However, during the consultations there weren’t any specific ideas that really stood out.
With the help of the firm Raymond, Chabot, Grant, Thornton, the consultation provides everyone with a say in the repurposing of the lots following the closures of the 31,700 square metre Ministry of Transportation service centre and, eventually, the 10,500 square metre arena.
“For now, all sorts of ideas are emerging. “There’s no idea that stands out from the crowd, or for example, 75% of people say what we should do,” says the Mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté.
Some of the ideas included a community hub, a knowledge hub, a sports hub, green spaces, housing, and commercial development are emerging. “The possibilities are quite diverse. For now, we’re continuing the consultations,” adds the mayor.
The zoning in the downtown core allows for many things: housing, a green space, commercial development, and even a knowledge hub for the one near the CEGEP.
Citizens could submit their ideas until May 9. Additionally, an online survey on preliminary scenarios is scheduled from May 26 to June 15.
“Once we’ve combined all these consultations, the town council’s task will be to find the point of convergence between the results of the consultation and the other plans we have, including strategic planning and the urban plan,” continues Mr. Côté.
“It’s a complex undertaking, and when you add citizens, you add ideas and sometimes a layer of complexity, and it’s perfect. The council’s job will be to make a decision, and we didn’t want to make a decision with seven people or a few experts. This is a development opportunity that is quite unique,” comments the mayor.
Regarding the former Ministry of Transportation property, decontamination remains to be completed. The site will be ready for redevelopment in 2026.
Regardless of what is chosen, plans and specifications will need to be obtained based on the priorities expressed by citizens and the council’s guidelines. The redevelopment of the site should be completed by 2030.
As for the arena, everything will depend on how quickly funding is obtained from the Quebec government to build the new sports complex.
“The arena plans are already ready. Let’s say we have funding in 2026, the new construction in 2027-2028, and the demolition of the current arena in 2029, which puts us around 2030 in an optimistic scenario. After receiving often disappointing and incomprehensible refusals, it’s possible we could reach 2034 and the land won’t be available. We’ll do everything we can to get it as quickly as possible,” the mayor explains.
The municipality’s vision for these developments is expected to be unveiled in September, just before the municipal elections.
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