Aylmer sweeps heritage recognition projects at the Gatineau 2022 Heritage Reception

Sophie Demers

 

On February 19, Gatineau held their Heritage reception which was broadcasted live on their Facebook page. Five individuals were honored for their contribution to the preservation and enhancement of Gatineau's heritage.
First, Louise Nathalie Boucher was highlighted for her contribution to toponymy and women's history. This was done through the publication of articles and the show Matrimoine: les femmes de l'Outaouais font l'histoire.
The Deschênes Residents’ Association was honored for their dedication to Deschênes' double centennial projects, which enhance the heritage of the district. Howard Powell received the certificate at the event.
Françoise Houle, was recognized for her leadership and determination to defend the heritage of the Bellevue cemetery, thus promoting its heritage citation. The Bellevue cemetery is located in Aylmer at 1030 Aylmer Road.
Folklore Outaouais was celebrated for promoting Quebec’s heritage through music, dance, and folk capsules for the past 20 years.
Finally, Gérald Tessier was recognized for his preservation of the architectural integrity of the Hanson-Taylor-Wright heritage site (the village of Argentina) for the past 20 years.
“Promoting Gatineau as a living environment by highlighting culture, inclusion and heritage creates a living environment that is attentive to people and strengthens the sense of collective belonging,” said Deputy Mayor Daniel Champagne, councilor for the Versant district. “It is important that the City continue to invest in its heritage, because it is through history that we build our Gatineau identity. I congratulate all the recipients who work to preserve the memory of those who wrote our history. It is in part thanks to them that our heritage remains alive and always relevant.”
Throughout the Heritage Reception event local artist, D-Track, performed by rapping the introductions to each of the individuals being recognized that evening.
During 2020 and 2021, Gatineau carried out many heritage projects with various communities. The electoral district 5 was named Mitigomijokan which means the place of oak. The city put up many plaques in various heritage sites, published “Le Quartier-du-Musée : diversité architecturale et héritage historique de Hull” brochure, and the launch of a financial assistance program to enhance Gatineau's built heritage.
Photo: Howard Powell, President of the Deschênes Residents' Association, accepting the recognition certificate at the 2022 Heritage reception on behalf of the association. Photo: Screenshot from online event