An additional $260,000 to revitalize Gatineau's commercial cores

Petar Seslija

On November 3, the City of Gatineau announced its proposal to add $260,000 to the budget to support the commercial revival of Old Aylmer, Old Gatineau and Old Buckingham. The announcement was made in the presence of Nathalie Lavergne, director of the Association des professionnels, industriels et commerçants d’Aylmer (APICA). This amount would be in addition to the $1 million already planned for the three commercial hubs.

The goal is to promote the occupancy of vacant commercial spaces, stimulate economic activity and raise awareness of these historic neighbourhoods. In particular, the City wishes to reproduce the vibrancy observed in downtown Hull, where there has been a net increase of 33 new businesses since January 2024.

For Nathalie Lavergne, this additional amount represents a concrete opportunity to continue efforts to revitalize Old Aylmer. "I very much welcome the proposed budget additions, which total $260,000. These measures provide concrete means to implement the Commercial Development Policy. They will help promote the occupancy of vacant spaces, liven up public spaces and raise awareness of our commercial sectors through a territorial marketing strategy," she said in an interview with the Bulletin.

Lavergne also mentioned the work already undertaken with businesses and organizations in the area, including the Corporation du Vieux-Aylmer. Initiatives such as Christmas in Old Aylmer and the summer market could serve as levers to attract visitors and encourage attendance at businesses.

APICA wishes to take part in the implementation of the measures by using its knowledge of the area, contributing to the establishment of priorities and participating in the monitoring of the benefits for businesses and the neighbourhood.

Details regarding the allocation and management of the funds have yet to be determined. At the municipal council meeting, Edmond Leclerc, councillor for the district of Buckingham, asked that the week of budget study allow for clarification of the local bodies or entities that will be responsible for administering the funds.

The additional envelope is proposed as part of the 2027 municipal budget, which has yet to pass the City's planned adoption stages.