Gatineau buys two lots in Aylmer for one dollar

The City accepted the donation of two lots, known and designated as a wooded area, in Aylmer, on July 5.

The lots, valued at $2.5 million dollars by Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program, cover an 18-hectare area south of Boulevard des Allumettières and were owned by Pierre Heafey (Groupe Heafey), Maurice Marois (Marois Électrique) and Camille Villeneuve (Multivesco).

“With this acquisition, we are preserving this exceptional space for natural conservation purposes. Parc Champlain residents will be happy to learn that two lots, south of Boulevard des Allumettières, will henceforth be protected from any real-estate development. The residents association and myself inquired on this file on a regular basis, since the beginning of my mandate in 2013,” declared Richard Bégin, Deschênes District Councillor.

According to Environment Canada, “Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program provides a way for Canadians with ecologically sensitive land to protect nature and leave a legacy for future generations. Made possible by the terms of the Income Tax Act of Canada and the Taxation Act in Quebec, it offers significant tax benefits to landowners who donate land or a partial interest in land to a qualified recipient. Recipients ensure that the land’s biodiversity and environmental heritage are conserved in perpetuity.”

The lot includes a stand of maple and mixed hardwood, a wetland, and a ravine that feeds Moore Creek – about 20 tree species, 11 types of shrubs and 17 herbaceous plant types. Furthermore, 14 species of birds, small animals and small fish were identified.

Gatineau indicates that the acquisition of this land will enable the City to, among other projects, extend the Plateau path at the end of Robert-Pilon Street.
(LRC / CB)