A 540-Unit Housing Project at the Heart of Demolition Committee Discussions
Drazen Seslija
At their meeting on September 1, the City of Gatineau's demolition committee unanimously approved applications for the demolition of buildings in the Hull sector. Among the files reviewed were those concerning the buildings located at 67 Rue Wellington, 77 and 79 Rue Saint-Rédempteur, and 50 Rue Wright, which are part of a large-scale replacement project that includes the construction of a 33-storey mixed-use building with 540 units.
Four Buildings Targeted by a Major Real Estate Project
The four buildings in question have significant deficiencies, according to the analyses submitted to the committee. The buildings at 67 Wellington and 77 and 79 Saint-Rédempteur are part of the City's heritage inventory. The building at 50 Wright is not included.
At 67 Wellington, the exterior cladding is deteriorated, and several doors and windows have been altered. The mechanical and electrical systems also require major upgrades, among other things. The restoration work has been estimated at approximately $3.4 million.
The building at 77 Saint-Rédempteur has missing bricks, a roof that needs replacing, boarded-up doors and windows, and an interior deemed to be in very poor condition. The cost of the work is estimated at $3.1 million.
At 79 Saint-Rédempteur, the exterior envelope is deteriorated, and several doors and windows are boarded up. Cracks have also been found in the foundation. The restoration costs are estimated at approximately $2.9 million.
As for the building at 50 Rue Wright, it exhibits advanced deterioration of its exterior, boarded-up doors and windows, and problems affecting the foundation and structure. The total cost of restoration is estimated at about $2.5 million.
The proposed project involves replacing the four buildings with a 33-storey mixed-use building, featuring commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units on the upper floors.
A total of 540 housing units is planned. The project complies with the City's urban planning by-law and also has a permit related to the specific construction project.
The Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department (SUDD) has recommended the demolition of the four buildings.
Conditions to be met
The committee has proposed a condition aimed at maximizing the reuse of bricks from 67 Wellington in the new building. Members also want a historical reminder of the building to be incorporated into the project.
The City also indicated that it has received letters of concern from residents associations in the area. The City therefore invited the developer to meet with the associations to try to find common ground between the various parties involved.
The request to demolish the four buildings was ultimately approved unanimously.
A Hull house replaced by a three-family dwelling
The committee also considered the request concerning 32 Rue Gagnon in the Hull sector.
This single-family dwelling is not included in the City's heritage inventory. The documents presented notably mention water infiltration, roof defects, as well as damage affecting the front steps and sidewalks. Traces of vermin were also noted.
The work required to restore the building is estimated at approximately $172,500.
The demolition would allow for the construction of a two-storey three-family dwelling. The SUDD recommended that the request be accepted and the committee unanimously approved the demolition.