February 8, at the Maison du Citoyen

Talking about the city’s “ephemeral spaces”

A half-day reflection on “ephemeral spaces” in Gatineau will take place Friday, February 8, from 1 to 6 pm at the Salle des Fêtes of the Maison du Citoyen (Hull).

The event, organized by Culture Outaouais which supports the region’s artists, writers, cultural workers and organizations, is co-sponsored by the city’s Service d’urbanisme and its Commission sur le développement du territoire. Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Commission chair, says she is thrilled with the idea of developing ephemeral spaces in Gatineau.

“The spaces are temporary structures that can enhance under-utilized areas, like vacant lots or off-street parking spaces, and make them ours,” says Ms. Marquis-Bissonnette. It will be up to citizens and neighbourhood associations to choose the space they wish to value, she adds.

February 8, expert panellists will suggest different initiatives. Vivre en Ville (which invests in sustainable communities), La Pépinière (which supports community living spaces) as well as Solon Collectif (which promotes projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions) will be among the presenters.

Agenda for the half-day event: panel presentation, question period from citizens, participative activity, concluding with a networking cocktail.

The city hopes to see some ephemeral spaces as early as summer, 2019, especially in the old town centres. The money to implement the spaces will come from the city’s $380,000 (over 5 years) Fonds de soutien à l’animation et à la revitalisation.

The spaces will not be created by the City, but by organizations such as residents’ associations. “These spaces will contribute to a healthy redevelopment of the city,” says Marquis-Bissonnette.

Registration for the event can be done via Culture Outaouais’ Facebook page.

As for such spaces in Aylmer, Councillor Audrey Bureau consulted with citizens at the Centre Ernest-Lattion last November 5. Most participants found the best place for ephemeral spaces would be along Rue Principale. The Association des professionnels, industriels et commerçants d’Aylmer (APICA) says it is eager to work with the councillor on these projects. (Transl : CB)