“Heart of the urban village” plan
Gatineau to approve three-story commercial building along the edge of Écoquartier Connaught
Sophie Demers
A new commercial building is slated for the vacant lot located at 810 Aylmer Road. The proposed construction is for a three-story commercial building as part of the “Écoquartier Connaught” development project by Les Habitations Bouladier Inc. This project has been underway for many years, as part of the redevelopment of the former Connaught Racetrack site.
The lot, valued at $869,700, is located at the corner of Aylmer Road and Joe Gorman Street. The proposed project requires a minor variance to reduce the minimum planting depth for trees and landscaping along Aylmer from 25 meters to 20 meters. This bylaw, which requires a 25-meter strip of vegetation, is in place to preserve the green corridor along Aylmer Road.
According to city documents, developers will be seeking an Energy and Environmental Design (LEED silver) certification to reduce environmental footprint as well as using local sustainable materials, and reduced energy consumption.
The lot is located in an intermediate preservation area, making it subject to a bylaw which aims to ensure the quality of the project's implementation taking into account the surrounding environment and architectural context.
The Eco-neighborhood is a pilot project in Gatineau and is nearing its final stages. There have been 9 phases to the construction with two more phases set to begin in the near future. The building currently proposed is part of phase 11B of the project. The Service de l’Urbanisme et du Développement Durable (SUDD) recommends going forward with the project.
If approved, the ground floor of the building will welcome a pharmacy. The building will have a 700 m² floor area, three floors, and will have a green roof. The project also details 58 parking spaces, 49 of which will be located in the basement of the building.
The building’s main entrance will be on Joe Gorman Street, with two other service entrances planned on the neighborhood's private street.
The City Council will be discussing the proposed construction during the February 17 meeting, which is taking place in Aylmer at the Centre Aydelu, located at 94 rue du Patrimoine. This gives residents a unique opportunity to address concerns with the council right here in Aylmer. Those hoping to address the council can register on-site at 6:30 pm before the meeting begins at 7 pm.