Current and upcoming construction projects in Aylmer
Sophie Demers
The municipal council has long talked about developing Aylmer to meet the needs of the growing populations, offering better infrastructure and services, and increasing housing during the current housing crisis in the area. There are many current and upcoming construction and development plans in Aylmer, namely the Lucy-Faris Library and the construction of the new police station.
In December, Brigil began working on their Morley-Walters project, comprising two three-storey buildings with 48 units. The project is at 15 and 21 Morley-Walters. Before the work began, a group of citizens collected 200 signatures from residents in the area who disagreed with the project.
The Lucy-Faris Library construction is set to start this year, according to the current plan. The timeline predicts the new two-storey building's construction will be finalized in 2025. Gatineau authorized an expenditure and loan of $40,000,000 to complete the project.
An expenditure and loan of $14,000,000 to complete construction work for the new police station has been authorized. The police station will remain at the intersection of Vanier and chemin d’Aylmer. The current plan states that after the new station's completion, the old building will be demolished. Caroline Murray, Deschênes councillor, says that Gatineau has issued the calls for tender, but the contract has yet to be awarded.
The city council approved the construction of the three-storey multi-family building at 47 Symmes. During the Preparatory caucus on January 17, Aylmer councillor Steven Boivin highlighted that the developer presented the project to him and collaborated with the Heritage Association concerning the roof of the building. Boivin highlighted the concerns residents had about the impact the increased development would have on the road and traffic in the area, stating that solutions would come from the Special Urban Planning (PPU) for Old Aylmer. The Aylmer councillor invited all residents to participate in developing the PPU.
Destination Vanier - Seto apartment complex
A 12-storey apartment complex has been approved at 30 Seto Street as part of the Destination Vanier project in the Mitigomijokan district. Seto Street is located off Vanier between Allumettières and Boulevard du Plateau.
“I share their concerns, and I have said recently that we need to think about how we can slow down development in the west. I do not want to scare investors or developers. I remind you that this densification is necessary to protect our agricultural lands and natural environments outside the urban perimeter,” said Mitigomijokan District councilor, Anik Des Marais. “Moreover, the real estate development is in line with our development plan. In the Mitigomijokan District alone, the construction of approximately 1,500 doors in 2022 was approved. We must manage this growth well, and I have ideas, such as inclusion regulations and growth fees.”
The complex will include 268 units, 330 indoor parking spaces, and common areas for residents to gather. It is also set to include vegetated roofs, common areas and the installation of heat pumps for heating and air conditioning to improve energy efficiency. There will also be adapted units to meet accessibility needs.
“I support this project because it is consistent with the urban plan voted by the majority of the Council in October 2020. It should be noted that only Audrey Bureau and I voted against this Town Planning Plan and zoning because Aylmer did not have the necessary infrastructure to support it,” said Gilles Chagnon, Lucerne Councillor and member of the executive committee. “I had huge concerns about the delays in the various planned infrastructures in the west that had been approved a few years ago. I still have these concerns in 2023.”
Photo credit: Courtesy of Unigesco, general contractors.
Photo caption: The plan for the Seto apartment complex, part of the Destination Vanier project.
