Centre L’Imagier reconstruction moving slowly

The reconstruction and expansion of the exhibition Centre L’Imagier on Front Street has been postponed by several months.

According to Marianne Breton, L’Imagier director, “Many elements need to be analyzed, such as the humidity and heat control system, in order to adequately protect artwork. An exhibition room requires these details. This is taking more time than we had foreseen because we want to do it right. This project has been in a preparation phase for over two years. On December 8, 2014,  the former Ministre de la Culture (MCC), Hélène David, came to Aylmer to announce a $1.3 million reconstruction of the centre. At the time, a federal contribution of $396,509 and $50,000 from Gatineau were added.

According to the MCC spokesperson, the funding granted in 2014, as part of the Aide aux immobilisations program, expires December 8, 2016.

“It’s at the Department’s discretion, but in such cases it is usually rolled over without any problems,” said a spokesperson.

L’Imagier may very well have to submit a request to roll over the funding, since the city’s Planning Services have not yet approved the project. The project is part of the Architectural Implementation and Integration Plan (AIIP) and therefore must go through three stages with the City.

With the AIIP, the project must be approved by the Planning Services before getting a recommendation from the Planning Advisory Committee and, finally, obtain municipal council’s approval. Ms Breton estimates this process will take six months. 

 

“Chances are good that we can start reconstruction in 2017,” said Ms Breton.

 

Ms Breton also said that L’Imagier is working with the city’s Planning Services so that the project respects all the criteria.

“The architectural concept is complete and so is the planning of the interior. We want to create a visual link between Front Street and the Parc de l’Imaginaire. The idea is to have a facade on Front Street and another in the park so that people realize that this is a public space and that it can be accessed more than one way,” explained Ms Breton. The design also creates a better fluidity between the centre, the park, and the surroundings. “We are very anxious to present the project. We really want the community to use the facility.”    (Transl: CB)