LETTER

LETTRE

The people of Aylmer have a right to a hospital   (Translated)

 

The media is reporting pressure from certain groups to locate the new hospital in the centre of Gatineau (Hull).   In my opinion, the elected officials, decision-makers and citizens of Aylmer must also speak out.
    In terms of accessibility, a potential hospital near Allumetières Boulevard (and a future public transit system) would be as accessible, if not more so, than the hospitals in Hull, Gatineau and Papineauville (Gatineau's three existing hospitals).  A hospital in Aylmer would have the potential to be as environmentally friendly as any hospital in Hull.  A hospital does not necessarily need a large parking lot.   Urban sprawl is a scourge that must be limited, but not necessarily at the expense of established populations.  What are governments doing to prevent urban sprawl west and north of Gatineau?
    Aylmer is undoubtedly the main pole of residential development in Gatineau (in terms of surface area and density).   Aylmer is not just a suburb, we have a dynamic downtown,  and soon Aylmer will be as densely populated as Hull. It is time for our various governments to invest in infrastructure. West of Vanier,  schools are being built, an arena is being removed, and then the decision makers seem to be reluctant to put the new hospital there.  Who decides in Gatineau? Real estate developers?  The new hospital will be for the citizens; let's build it where there is no hospital and where the future need will be striking: Aylmer
    There are many possible sites for the new hospital; we can even think of Lafarge quarry and golf course (Aylmer was the city with the most golf courses).
    Let's express ourselves, among others, in the Aylmer Bulletin, which is a jewel for the citizens.
Eric Beaudoin
Aylmer