Arena complex to replace aging Guertin: residents invited to sign a register to ask for a referendum – just not in Aylmer

There are two locations where Gatineau residents can sign a register if they want Gatineau to hold a referendum on building a new 4,000-seat arena and three community ice rinks. This is the Guertin Arena project that has been under much debate in Gatineau. The old Guertin Arena will be replaced with an arena complex in Old Gatineau, for the cost of $36.5 million to the city. A special law (Bill 227) was passed by the National Assembly to break through the deadlock at Gatineau council, June 14. This law permits Gatineau to work with two partners for the approval, construction and maintenance of the complex: Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO) and the Quebec Government. VMSO is a not-for-profit organization that will have the responsibility to build and manage the arena complex. VMSO will put $16 million into the arena and Quebec’s share is $25.5 million. VMSO has also agreed to put $225,000 annually into the upkeep of the arena and to assume all risk responsibility.

While the resolutions to accept the investment agreement and the contract with VMSO passed at council back on February 22, 2017, the opportunity for residents to ask for a referendum on the plan is limited to June 26 – 30.  A register will be open and if 14,363 Gatineau residents or business owners sign the register asking for a referendum, an open vote will be organized. If fewer than 14,363 people sign the register, city officials can assume that a majority of residents support the plan and there is no need for a public vote on the matter.

No Aylmer register

There are two locations to sign the register in all of Gatineau: On Morency Street at the Ernest-Gaboury Pavilion and at City Hall on the first floor. The register is open from June 26 to 30, from 9 am to 7 pm. Call your local councillor for more information.