Contaminated Vanier Road commercial building to be demolished for 216 unit development
Sophie Demers
The one-storey commercial building located at 861 Vanier Road is set to be demolished. According to Gatineau’s project analysis document the two previous businesses that occupied the building did not conform to the Zoning Bylaws. The businesses included used motor vehicle sales, and auto repair and painting services. The zone where the building is located now authorizes residential uses only.
Built in 1972, the existing structure is valued at $209,100. The land the building is on is worth $2,489,600. There is no heritage value associated with the existing structure and Gatineau’s Service d'Urbanisme et de développement Durable (SUDD) support the demolition.
Quebec Ministry of Environment (MELCCFP) states that a notice of contamination was recorded for the property. An environmental remediation plan was submitted to MELCCFP. The site will be decontaminated to accommodate the residential development project planned for the site after the demolition.
The planned project details the construction of nine three-storey buildings each containing 24 apartments, for a total of 216 units. The plans for the extension of Rue d’Anvers across the site is also part of the project.
Vanier Road has seen a lot of development in the past few years. This is not the only project proposed for this section of Vanier. Residents, as well as municipal councilors express concern when in relation to mobility and traffic in the area. Anik des Marais, Mitigomijokan councillor echoes these concerns. “ At the last municipal council meeting, I expressed my reservations and ultimately opposed the integration of two projects along Chemin Vanier, motivated by the lack of sustainable mobility options and the gap between real estate development and that of community, recreational and sports infrastructures. I will be keeping the same critical eye on future projects,” said des Marais. “Our mission as elected officials should be to create sustainable living environments for today's residents and to think about our city for the next 30, even 50 years.”
Photo caption: Outline of the property where the 216-unit project is proposed for 861 Vanier Road.
Photo credit: City of Gatineau
