2016, a bright year for rue Principale

2016 went out with  a bang on rue Principale. The weekend-long Christmas celebration in Old Aylmer was a big hit, attracting over 25,000 people, organizers estimate. Gatineau’s annual Santa Claus Parade was moved to a Saturday night and the Christmas market shifted from Memorial Park to the British Courtyard, to evident approval.

Following the parade came more positive news about rue Principale with the opening of Le Maçon pub and La Maison Conroy at 61 rue Principale. The two restaurants replace Le Bostaurus, closed last spring, in the beautifully restored Lakeview Home.

The entire British Hotel and restaurant complex was officially opened in late September, another magnificent restoration project. Ürasie, near the corner of Front and Principale, also opened in 2016. This Asian fusion restaurant launched with its unique Vietnamese pho soup, mid-April, giving Aylmer’s pho diners a second choice.

In February, the restaurant Antonyme replaced the short-lived Vilains Pêcheurs eatery. Its tapas and seafood bar have grabbed everyone’s attention.

In 2016, Aylmer learned that Bistro Vitalia will replace the beloved Bistro Ambrosia, which closed last summer to the surprise of many.

Street-long events

After a busy summer, Principale saw the Old-Aylmer Market continue in Memorial Park, also the site of Aylmer’s stirring Remembrance Day ceremonies.

The cancellation of the Yesteryear Fest, last fall, left the heritage avenue fairly quiet, after a summer of almost weekly events. The Festival de la Principale was a success this year with its remarkably-large inflatable structures decorating buildings along rue Principale in late August, part of Gigantika inflatable arts.

In mid-August, the well-established Gatineau Auto-Show at parc des Cèdres drew its large crowds, as did the summer-long Jazz Festival, including international music shows, in L’Imaginaire Park.

In late June, parc des Cèdres hosted the 2016 Festival L’Outaouais en Fête. This big party, spared  torrential rains, drew large crowds to Aylmer.

The weather also cooperated for the 2016 Canadian Championship Criterium, racing through Old Aylmer at the end of June. Organizer John Large hopes to repeat its success in coming years.

The annual tradition of Festival Folk in early June saw bars and restaurants offering shows -- despite the weather.

And, at the start of spring, came Principale Sweetens Up, offering maple-inspired tastes and entertainment in restaurants and boutiques. Aylmer’s well-promoted rue Principale was a busy and prosperous venue in 2016!