Summary of Demolition Committee Meeting  

Demolition approved for historic home despite opposition from Gatineau’s Urbanism service  

Sophie Demers

The 103-year-old home located at 674 chemin d’Aylmer has been approved for demolition to make way for a 32-unit apartment building. The Demolition Request Committee (CDD) composed of Caroline Murray, Deschênes Councillor, Mike Duggan, Pointe-Gatineau Councillor, and Mario Aubé, Masson-Anger Councillor, met on October 24th where the approval was officially made.

 
This file was the only one that wasn’t unanimous, the vote passed with 2 for and 1 against the demolition. The demolition was not supported by the city’s Urbanism and Sustainable Development services (SUDD) and was opposed by the Aylmer Heritage Association (AHA).  

“If two elected officials can disregard all bylaws, laws and policies in this way, I suppose we have to conclude that it's absolutely pointless to continue fighting for built heritage on Gatineau territory,” said Richard M. Bégin, co-president of AHA. He speculates that the next target will be 651 chemin d’Aylmer, another home that was purchased months ago and has been left uninhabited and derelict.

 
In the same meeting, the demolition of the home at 172 Foley was approved to be replaced with two semidetached duplexes totaling four dwellings after demolition. The vote for the demolition was unanimous.

Photo 1 caption: Home to be demolished at 674 chemin d’Aylmer, developper plans to build 32-unit development.  

Photo 2 caption: 172 Foley Home approved for demolition to make way for two semidetached duplexes.  

Photo credit: City of Gatineau