Redesign of Aylmer’s marina pavilion inching along

More than two months have passed since Gatineau, on December 7, awarded the $295,000 contract to the architecture firm Lapalme Rheault to design Aylmer’s new marina pavilion.

“It’s still very early in the project; much too early to discuss it. At this point, we are only gathering information about the site to properly analyse the area. The groundwork will continue for at least several more weeks,” said a reticent Christian Rheault, firm associate. Mr Rheault said that under the agreement, additional details about the marina project would need to come from the city’s communications department.

The same architecture firm was also hired to design the new Centre d'exposition L'Imagier, located near the Aylmer Marina. They are also behind the Carrefour santé Aylmer and the building housing the Pro-Cycle Aylmer business, both on Aylmer Road.

The Bulletin also contacted the Grande-Rivière Sailing Club that is playing an important role in the marina’s redevelopment.

“We are working with the city to determine our priorities,” said Stéphane Poirier Defoy, Club Commodore. The club manages the harbour basin and operates the award-winning sailing school. It is projected that the school will occupy parts of the new pavilion.

“We are looking to expand our activities and encourage the community to further use the marina,” said Poirier Defoy.

The club is also developing a pilot project regarding the parking space adjacent to the boat launch. “We will present our plan to the city soon,” said the Club Commodore.

The club is also in discussion with the city to maintain the enclosed area for the sailboats. “We are negotiating with the city to ensure the area stays there, it would be expensive to move. Yes, we are working to embellish the area,” added Poirier Defoy. This spring, the club will also present its strategic plan for the next five years.