Luc L. Paquette conference at the Basoche

Aylmer looks to its future

Professor Luc L. Paquette held a conference on the topic of the development and future of Old Aylmer at the Basoche on August 15. The room was full of residents wanting to learn more on urbanism.
   
Based on social, cultural, historical and economic statistics, Mr Paquette explained and demonstrated what Old Aylmer could look like in the near and in the distant future.

The speaker presented many stimulating and innovating architectural projects. He showed simulations of London, Calgary and elsewhere, continuously linking them with Gatineau. Some original work created by students in architectural simulation was also presented.

With the simulation presented, Aylmer residents and others we able to learn more about the development of a neighbourhood. Simulation projects help architects, developers, investors and the City to work together in order to come up with valid plans. Aylmer District municipal councillor Audrey Bureau was at the conference and presented the City’s land use and development plan. She noted that the City has a long-term vision. She said the bike path network’s master plan will be adopted in the fall. She also mentioned that the master plan for the Parc des Cèdre will be updated shortly. The two other Aylmer sector councillors, Gilles Chagnon and Mike Duggan also attended the conference to support the Aylmer Heritage Association initiative.

The professor offered a global vision of the issue, highlighting the socio-economic side of preserving Old Aylmer’s heritage and the benefits of having a sustainable, logical protocol for its development. “All players must discuss urbanism together,” reminds the Aylmer Heritage Association. “The architecture must be social; it must be a gathering place on a human scale,” stated Micheline Lemieux, President of the Aylmer Heritage Association.

Luc L. Paquette contributed to international landmark projects such as the Canadian Museum of History in Hull as well as the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. “Heritage is moral, cultural and it is a part of the progressive economy,” says the expert.
(Trans.: CB)