The announcement of a real estate project at 435 chemin Vanier in the Plateau sector, in Gatineau, aroused much criticism from residents of the sector, so much so that municipal councilors Caroline Murray and Anik Des Marais decided to withdraw the proposal in the municipal council agenda scheduled for Tuesday.
In a Facebook publication, the two elected officials specify that the project promoter was met. He also agreed to hold an information meeting with the population before the proposal returns to the council’s agenda.
I firmly believe that dialogue must be open between citizens, politicians and developers, underlines Caroline Murray in her publication.
According to the plans provided, the 15-story building should accommodate nearly 250 housing units and 270 parking spaces. The company targeted a vacant lot located on the outskirts of Boulevard des Allumettières, near the Fidélice bakery.
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According to the municipal councilor of the Mitigomijokan district, Anik Des Marais, citizen consultation must take place upstream of the real estate project.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Patrick Foucault
In an interview with Radio-Canada, the municipal councilor of the Mitigomijokan district confirmed having received messages from residents opposing the project, in particular because of road congestion in the area. On Vanier Road, there is congestion quite regularly. Adding more people in cars would increase traffic. People are already very frustrated, said Anik Des Marais.
I think it’s a good project. It corresponds to the layout plan, it complies […] We want to densify, but perhaps it is too early in this case.
A quote from Annik Des Marais, municipal councilor for the Mitigomijokan district
Note that the City has begun studies to widen Vanier Road in order to improve traffic flow and relieve congestion on the roads during rush hours. This will allow more buses to pass through there and possibly accommodate the tramway, specifies the politician.
According to Ms. Des Marais, citizen consultation must be done upstream of the process. It also allows you to know the sector. People have the experience and intelligence of their neighborhood. A discussion with a developer allows for better projects, she adds.
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The company chose vacant land located near Allumetière Boulevard, next to the Fidélice bakery.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Patrick Foucault
Despite everything, the elected official feels an openness on the part of the promoter. These are people who invest in the city of Gatineau and who will allow us to counter the housing crisis […] It’s really interesting what they’re offering, it’s just that maybe not right away.
Strong reactions among the population
Met by Radio-Canada, residents of the neighborhood expressed their dissatisfaction. This is the case of Lucie McNicoll, resident of the Aylmer sector, who described the project as crazy. She doubts that the voice of the public is really heard by the promoter: I wonder if sometimes the public, even if we consult it, we take it into account.
Michelle Poirier, who has lived in the neighborhood for three months, considers such a project illogical. There are a lot of buildings and almost no forests. I think it will just add traffic, she mentions.
Conversely, Stéphanie Kenne, also a resident of the neighborhood, considers that this new project is a great idea for families and students in a context of housing shortage.
I believe that pushing back [le projet] could put people on the street. When I look around me, there are a lot of people who can’t find a house, she explains.
No details regarding the public consultation have yet been communicated.
With information from Patrick Foucault
