Construction of new Place des Pionniers will commence in the upcoming weeks 

Sophie Demers

On May 24, the executive committee authorized the construction of the new Place des Pionniers. The building will include the Aylmer service center and the Lucy-Faris library, which were moved to the Galeries d’Aylmer since the old building was demolished. The new building will be located on the same site as the previous building, at 115 Principale. 

The contract, worth $42 million, was awarded to Pomerleau firm for the construction. The construction is set to begin in the upcoming weeks and is set to be completed in autumn 2025, if everything goes to plan. 

“It will be a modern and interesting project that will suit the needs of the community. There will be a rooftop terrace, reading rooms, and meetings rooms. It’s in a great location, and within walking distance for many residents,” said Gilles Chagnon, Lucerne councillor and member of the executive committee. 

The future building is aiming for LEED New Construction version 4 silver certification for sustainability. During the design stage, sustainable measures were incorporated into the plan for energy and water efficiency and to adapt to climate change. 

The plans include underground and outdoor parking for cars. The underground parking seeks to reduce heat islands created by asphalt. Landscaping includes planted species that are conductive with pollination and biodiversity. The plants will not require watering apart from rainfall to save water. According to the city, there will be low-flow plumbing to reduce the building water consumption by over 30% compared to similar standard buildings. The building was also designed to reduce, by 24%, energy costs compared to standard buildings. 

The building aims to provide meeting rooms, and a study-friendly environment with natural lights and a view of the outside. There will be an outdoor courtyard integrated into the building as well as a planted garden on the first-floor roof and a roof terrace surrounded by a green roof. 

Photo caption: Plans for the Place des Pionniers building by DMA Architectural firm.

Photo credit: DMA Architectural firm