Aylmer heritage inventory approved by council

Tashi Farmilo

A newly adopted inventory documenting the traditional architecture of Aylmer has been officially approved by Gatineau’s municipal council, adding 579 properties to the city’s heritage register. This milestone was confirmed during the June 11 council session and is part of a broader effort to recognize and record the architectural legacy of Gatineau’s diverse neighbourhoods.

The inventory includes 575 buildings and four cemeteries. It highlights the wide variety of structures that contribute to Aylmer’s historical identity. While Vieux-Aylmer’s Main Street is often the primary focus for local heritage, this project takes a wider perspective. It acknowledges rural homes, modest dwellings, and former summer properties that reflect the area’s transformation from a village into a suburban district.

Among the examples provided by the City is 61 rue du Couvent, a former religious institutional building from the early 20th century. Its architectural features and historical religious role make it a landmark within the Vieux-Aylmer area. Another notable entry is 1400 chemin Queen’s Park, an elegant summer villa that represents the period when Aylmer served as a retreat for Ottawa and Hull residents who travelled there by tramline to enjoy summers by the water. The simple rural property at 59 rue Bancroft also stands out, recalling a time when Aylmer’s edges were predominantly agricultural. These buildings vary in form and function but collectively offer insight into Aylmer’s development in social, economic, and architectural terms over the past 150 years.

Although the properties listed in the inventory are not officially designated as heritage sites under provincial or municipal law, they are recognized as having cultural and historical value. Inclusion in the inventory does not restrict everyday renovations or affect insurance or property taxes. However, it may influence how future construction or demolition projects are assessed. For example, buildings on the list could face additional scrutiny through the City’s Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (PIIA), especially when proposed changes would alter their external appearance.

City officials describe the inventory as a key planning tool that helps identify heritage-worthy buildings and guides policy decisions. It does not carry legal obligations but does inform approaches to zoning, development, and conservation. Some properties are already eligible for existing subsidy programs, and the City is considering new measures to support maintenance and restoration work.

This Aylmer inventory follows the adoption of a similar document for the Hull sector earlier this spring. Work on inventories for the remaining sectors—Gatineau, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers—is underway. The complete citywide register is expected to be in place by April 1, 2026.

Residents can view detailed entries for both the Aylmer and Hull sectors online at gatineau.ca/patrimoine.