Mayor says update on the Aylmer Marina file coming

One of the most anticipated projects in Aylmer remains the Aylmer Marina, and Aylmerites could have an update from the city on this project before the end of November.

“During budget talks, we will take stock of the situation,” said Mayor Pedneaud-Jobin. “There’s a lot of work going on right now for the pavilion, but I don’t have anything specific to announce. It remains one of our top priorities, and the money we put aside for the Marina will stay there.”

A few years ago, the city earmarked $5.4 million for the redevelopment of the Aylmer Marina. A large sum will go towards refitting the pavilion where the Resto Bar Marina is now housed.

 

It remains unclear what the pavilion’s new vocation will be, but the city did receive a number of proposals.

During the summer of 2015, staff from the city’s administration questioned various community associations on how to enhance Aylmer’s large Ottawa River park.

The city asked five general questions about the pavilion. The city sought any new concepts, what services might be offered there, what uses could be granted, and what opportunities and challenges, risks or constraints, are at play.

Several of these questions were answered during the 2007 municipal consultation about parc des Cèdres. At that time, the city completed an all-inclusive report, but this appears to have been shelved. Almost a decade later, a new city council and a new territorial director for Aylmer are asking again. Some conclusions in the earlier report may have become outdated.

“The difference between now and then is that we have funds put aside for the Marina,” commented the mayor.

The city will likely find inspiration in the previous blueprint, but it’s looking for a new master plan. Many scenarios remain on the table, for example, the relocation of Lucy-Faris Library from Place des Pionniers to the Marina pavilion. When asked about this possibility, the mayor was hesitant to comment, and said only that “moving the library to the pavillon poses certain challenges.”