Across from Dépanneur Rapido about to get a face lift

Sophie Demers

On April 8, Gatineau published a public notice listing the requests for demolition that will be discussed at the next Committee on Demolition Applications meeting on April 25. Two demolition applications were submitted for properties next to each other in Old Aylmer. One is for a residential home at 24, rue Derwin and the other for a commercial building at 39, rue Front, both owned by the same person. According to Gatineau’s project analysis, neither structure is considered built heritage. 

The residential home on 24 Derwin is valued at $97,200 while the property is worth $123,800. The property, built in 1930, is currently occupied. The 39 Front property is a vacant commercial space that was built in 1972. The building is valued at $77,000, whereas the property is worth $351,100. 

The Service de l'Urbanisme et du Développement Durable (SUDD) is in favour of the demolitions. 

The owner's preliminary land use plan includes the construction of a three-storey apartment building with a mezzanine and approximately 43 units. This project is not yet approved by the city and there are still various stages of approval by the city council for the construction to begin. 

The Committee on Demolition Applications will discuss the approval of the demolition request during their meeting on April 25 at 4:30 pm in the Mont-Bleu Hall on the 1st floor of the Maison du citoyen, located at 25 Laurier Street in Gatineau. Residents wishing to address the Committee regarding the demolition are encouraged to attend the meeting. 

Once a decision is made, individuals or corporations who disagree with the committee’s ruling, and whose addresses are within the territory of Gatineau, can request a review of the decisions before the Municipal Council. The individual or corporation must request a review within 30 days of the Committee’s decision. There is a fee of $122.50 associated with the request that must be paid in full at the time of filing the appeal. If someone submits a request for review of the decision, the authorization to demolish the building will be suspended until it is complete.

Photo Caption: Across from Dépanneur Rapido. This is the preliminary plan for use of the land after demolition at 39 Front and 24 Derwin. The city has yet to approve demolition or the development project that would follow. 

Photo Credit: Screenshot of the project analysis from the City of Gatineau