Feeny pledges to correct former mayor’s “mistakes” with Fonderie site

Taylor Clark

If elected, mayoral candidate Daniel Feeny vowed to correct the “mistakes of the past” and accelerate the development of more than 1,000 housing units in the Fonderie sector.

“We cannot change the past, but we can certainly shape a better, sustainable, and more responsible future for our centre-ville, for Gatineau,” Feeny wrote in a press release. “This revitalization is a unique opportunity, requiring a bold and inclusive vision, in line with citizen aspirations.”

Feeny said the decision taken by Gatineau’s former mayor Yves Ducharme, also a mayoral candidate, renounced any recourse against the National Capital Commission despite the recognition of existing environmental problems.

“Today, the citizens of Gatineau are suffering the financial consequences of this decision.”

The decontamination and rehabilitation of the site was first estimated to cost $20,891 but during a Comité plénier meeting on April 9 district councillors learned the price tag had grown another $10,273 to continue the project.

By opening a dialogue with both provincial and federal governments, Feeny said he would commit to “rectifying” the situation and explore all possible avenues of compromise.

Photo caption: One of the three sub projects in the decontamination and rehabilitation of the Fonderie site includes the building at 211 rue Montcalm.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Website