Gatineau names new civic building after “la grande Aylmeroise,” Constance Provost

Tashi Farmilo

The City of Gatineau has taken a significant step to honour one of its most influential figures, Constance Provost, by naming the new building that will host the Aylmer Service Centre and the Lucy-Faris Library after her. Slated to open at the end of 2025, the "Édifice Constance-Provost" will stand as a lasting tribute to a woman whose decades of public service helped shape the communities of Aylmer and Gatineau.

The decision follows a public proposal made in September 2022 to rename the former Place des Pionniers, which was demolished to make way for this new facility. The Toponymy Committee of Gatineau, which prioritizes names that foster inclusivity and reflect the diversity of the city's heritage, found Provost's nomination fitting. Their criteria specifically focus on highlighting female, indigenous, and culturally diverse contributions to the city's history.

Constance Provost, born Constance Morin in 1924 in Aylmer, ventured into municipal politics in 1973 as a councillor in Lucerne before serving the City of Aylmer from 1979 to 1993, including twelve years as mayor. Her tenure as mayor was the longest in Aylmer's history, during which she was known for her leadership in regional transportation and non-profit initiatives. She was involved with more than twenty non-profit organizations and led numerous humanitarian fundraising efforts.

Gilles Chagnon, councillor for the Lucerne district and chair of the Toponymy Committee, expressed the significance of this designation, "The selection of the place name 'Constance-Provost Building' is a testament to our appreciation for an exceptional personality whose political and social footprints have deeply shaped the face of our community. This toponymic designation embodies our commitment to valuing the remarkable contributions of women to our urban heritage. The Constance-Provost Building will be much more than just a geographical location, it will become a living symbol of the legacy and memory of this great lady who dedicated her life to the service of her community."

Provost passed away on January 9, 2021, but her legacy continues to inspire and impact the city she served so faithfully. The new building, once completed, will ensure that her contributions are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

Photo caption: Constance Provost in 1981, from the “Fonds de la Finale des Jeux du Québec”.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau