Heritage home at 10 Principle future revealed

Sophie Demers 

The heritage home at 10 rue Principale is to be restored and converted into a single-family dwelling. According to Gatineau’s Built Heritage Inventory, the home is of “strong heritage value”. According to the city, the owner aims to preserve its heritage and architectural value by restoring existing exterior elements and replacing deteriorated elements.

The two-storey home built in 1852 was originally used as a single-family home, then was a small museum from 1987 to 1997. Since then, it has been vacant and barricaded. 

The home is located in the protection area of the Charles-Symmes Inn, but the proposed restoration is not subject to authorization by the Ministry of Culture and Communications. However, the zoning by-law indicates that the first floor of buildings facing rue Principale must be in use by a commercial group. Specifically, the zoning by-law indicated that the building could be used for a cultural and sports establishment or public affairs, the arts, and community services. The municipal council approved the exemption from the zoning bylaw. 

The council also approved a porch located at zero distance from the property line, and the addition of a two-car parking space on a different lot. 

The property owner met with the Aylmer Heritage Association on August 18. According to Gatineau documents, the association expressed their support for the proposed project. 

At the preparatory city council meeting, Aylmer councillor Steven Boivin voiced his concerns with allowing the zoning exemption for the first floor. “I have two concerns, the first being that we are sending a message to heritage homeowners that if you are renovating it’s an opportunity to request this exemption. Secondly, we would be creating a precedent for homeowners on Principal who wish to have a residential home on the first floor.”

Public Consultation open to the public 

A public consultation concerning this project as well as two other projects will be held on October 10 at 6:00 pm at the Maison du Citoyen located at 25 Laurier Street. All eligible voters with an interest in this proposal can attend. 

During the meeting the proposal and its effect will be presented to the participants. Residents and organizations will have the opportunity to voice their views. After the consultation, a public notice will be published inviting residents to open a register and specifying the referendum procedure for projects containing provisions subject to referendum approval.

Photo 1 caption: Current building located at 10 rue Principale. 

Photo 2 caption: Mock-up of property owner’s proposed restoration plan. 

Photo credit: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau