Deschênes house slated for demolition, plans for 8-unit housing project proposed 

Sophie Demers 

Built in 1950, the vacant single-family house located at 16 rue Côté is facing demolition. It has been boarded up since 2022 and, according to the city’s project analysis document, has no heritage value.

The building is deteriorating from years of little to no maintenance or upkeep. An inspection concluded that the roof and exterior are damaged and there are signs of a rodent infestation in the attic. There is water damage on ceilings, walls, near windows and in the basement. The electrical and plumbing systems would need to be replaced and there is mold present.

The cost of restoring the house is estimated at $221,925, while the cost of demolition and construction of a new building is estimated at $238,065.

The developers plan to replace the current house with a two-storey, eight-unit building. Of the eight units, four will be one-bedroom and four will be two-bedroom. The project analysis states that this is consistent with the guidelines of Gatineau's urban plan, which aims to increase development in urban areas, especially near public transit routes.

The City’s Service de l’Urbanisme et du Développement Durable (SUDD) is in favour of the project. If approved by the Comité des Demandes de Demolition (CDD), one minor exemption regarding the number of parking spaces will need the municipal council’s approval.

The demolition notice was published on August 5. Anyone who is against the demolition must submit a written opposition to the city clerk's office within 10 days of the notice’s publication. The written opposition can be emailed to greffe@gatineau.ca. 

The CDD will meet on August 19 at 4:30 pm in Salle Mont-Blue at the Maison du Citoyen to make their decision. The meeting is open to the public to attend in person or online. To find the link to the meeting visit the “Calendrier des reunions” page on the city’s website.

Within 30 days of the CDD’s meeting, individuals can request a review of the decision by the city council by contacting the clerk's office. A $122.50 fee must be paid to make this request. Authorization to demolish the building will be suspended until the council's review is complete.