Lucy-Faris library

Aylmer’s councillors consider demolition

There will be an update on the Lucy-Faris Library file at the Plenery Committee, June 28. The four Aylmer councillors (Audrey Bureau, Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Gilles Chagnon and Mike Duggan) agree that the decision on the future of the library should be made on June 28 and that its demolition should be considered. 

“We want a decision to be made on this and we want to move forward,” says Audrey Bureau, Councillor for the District of Aylmer. If Gatineau were to move forward with a simple reinforcement of the structure, there would be an extension of the life span, but that would not be a long-term solution.  

This is an important issue for the residents of Aylmer since this resource building is located in the heart of Old Aylmer, a heritage site. This is useful for many Aylmer residents. Several schools also use it. It is the second busiest library in Gatineau, according to city data. 

The Aylmer councillors would like to know the approximate amount associated with the demolition of the current building and the construction of a new one. “If we want to keep the municipal services on the main street,  115 Principale Street proves to be the perfect site,” says Maude-Marquis Bissonnette, Councillor for the Plateau. Politicians would like to see an architectural competition to guide the building of the future library. “It is a unifying building in the heart of Old Aylmer and if it is replaced, we must make it a signature building, which will fit into the heritage character of the street,” explains Ms Bureau, councillor for the district where the Lucy-Faris library is located. “Examples of libraries around the world make us dream. I also invite residents to visit the recently built Varennes library on the Internet, which is self-sufficient in energy use,” she says.    

Aylmer’s elected officials will want to create a citizen committee to help the administration, when the time comes, choose the services that will be offered in the library.

Some councillors had previously favoured the idea of moving the Lucy-Faris library near the Paul-Pelletier pool. The four elected officials do not want it  moved to this location as long as the residents of the area want the building to remain in Old Aylmer. When Aylmer’s elected officials have all the figures and the terms and conditions related to the demolition, they can make an informed decision.

Although the building is a relatively new construction, its poor structural condition means that it will never be used to its full potential despite its exceptional location. There is also a new neighbourhood library to be planned in the heart of the Plateau village by 2020.

“If we demolish the 115 Principale, we want to take advantage of the opportunity to make it a real living environment and meet many needs. We would like space for artists, community organizations, non-profit organizations, the private sector or even government if necessary. We want it to become an important community hub,” say Aylmer city councillors.

Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin said he is in favour of demolishing the library, during an interview with Le Droit a few days ago.