Deschênes’ reforestation and park-building continue

Samantha MacConnell

Deschênes’ Residents Association, the DRA, led by Howard Powles, has completed various restoration and community projects, including “Put Deschênes on the Map,” which documents the area’s history as a trading and industrial zone and which will strengthen its voice within the City of Gatineau. Also, the “Archaeology in Deschênes” project hosted a public archaeological dig to discover hidden gems. Over 1,000 objects of historical significance were discovered in Deschênes, once a meeting place of European settlers and First Nations along the “Great River of Trade”.

The Association’s projects include “Reforestation of Parc Madaire” and a restoration project by its Planning Working Group. The Parc Madaire housing area was once a nickel refinery, until 1922, which points to Deschênes’ industrial activity thanks to its proximity to the rapids. The DRA launched a reforestation project in 2017 to rejuvenate the housing development and children’s parks on and around Chemin Vanier by planting trees in areas that had been affected by the emerald ash borer in recent years. The DRA has already planted dozens of trees, and in 2017 marked the housing’s 25-year anniversary with a ceremonial tree-planting in September. The event, named the “Festival of Tree Biodiversity”, highlighted the success of Red Ash, Swamp White Oak, and Littlelead Linden trees which grow between Vanier and Rue Madaire. The DRA will continue replacing dead ash trees.

Deschênes Rapids Park

DRA’s Planning Working Group is focussed on the Deschênes Rapids and the area’s heritage, thanks to Gatineau’s 2014 budget which allotted $45,000 towards developing the Deschênes Rapids Park, currently a park only in name. The project will protect the ruins of the old dam at the rapids, and the DRA will host heritage walks in the area, June 23 and July 7.

The Residents Association was incorporated in 2010 with the goal of highlighting the unique history of the riverside community.