Ernest-Lattion Centre, October 11

Public meeting:  Parc des Cèdres master plan

The City is updating its master plan for the development and re-design of Parc des Cèdres, in its entirety.  Residents, organizations and environmental partners are all invited to the public meeting, October 11, 6:30 pm, at the Ernest-Lattion Community Centre, 30 Court Street.  

The open discussion will cover various themes concerning the shoreline of the Ottawa River, an area cherished by many Aylmer residents. Residents will be able to study the plans and ask questions. Aylmer citizens have often used the pages of the Bulletin for their questions and suggestions.

The master plan is several years old (2007), and City services asked elected officials to revise it. The plan aims to maximize the site by making it accessible year-round, to promote water activities, and to develop Auberge Symmes further for its heritage and cultural mandate.

The City wants attractive and vibrant public spaces along the shoreline.  This could include an exterior gym for adults and a health path. Gatineau has requested financing from the province and is awaiting a reply.  

To replace the old canteen at Parc des Cèdres, a small restaurant could be part of  the master plan.  Many residents have asked for this service during summer heat waves, and  the City says it is open to these proposals. As of  last year, no one seemed interested in  managing and operating this type of service.  

A new pavilion at the marina, 1 Principale Street, will also be discussed at the public meeting, with the new pavilion’s design already released to the public.  “As for the pavilion, we are at the information stage, and as for the development of the entire park, we are at the consulting stage,’’ Aylmer councillor Audrey Bureau told the Bulletin.  

The City announced the demolition of the old pavilion, August 15, but without consulting the Aylmer Heritage Association, which is not thrilled with the plan for the future building. “We would have appreciated being consulted before the adoption of a plan and it is certainly not the one we would have opted for,” noted the president of the Association, Micheline Lemieux.  

There is still time for people to submit ideas and comments regarding the master plan for parc des Cèdres, said Councillor Bureau.  The city’s objective is that the new master plan will be part of the budget talks coming up later this fall.   (Transl: CL)