Aylmer Marina restaurant space: back in public hands, not yet open for business

Lily Ryan

Local organizers have stepped up to take charge, at least to some extent, of opening the Marina’s restaurant space while the city sorts out legal obligations for that space. The former tenants, a pair who operated a restaurant called “Le Bateau”, have stepped away from the restaurant business, returning this prime location to the city as of June 1, 2026. In such a situation involving tenant abandonment, a 60-day waiting period is required, after which city officials will begin an evaluation process.

Taxpayers, visitors and community leaders all agree that leaving this space empty is unacceptable. In response to this widespread disapproval, four community non-profit organizations have developed a plan.

The restaurant space will be open to the public until the end of March 2027. A variety of pop-up hospitality businesses will provide minimal beverage and, on occasion, food services. “We know the public hopes for a full-service waterfront restaurant,” explained Nathalie Lavergne, APICA coordinator. “That will be another phase. This year, we have focused all our efforts on opening the space to the public at least four days a week.” Lavergne went on to describe the pop-up concept, saying that the space should be open regularly for people to bring their lunch and use the facilities. When a pop-up business has reserved the space, anything from micro-breweries to local restaurants will offer limited menus. Other activities may take place as well.

The project to open the space is being spearheaded by the business association APICA and three other partnering organizations: Corporation du Vieux-Aylmer (organizes Oktoberfest and the Aylmer 500 soapbox races, among other activities); Christmas in Old-Aylmer (runs the Santa Claus Parade and Christmas Market), and Mozaïka-Lab (established in April 2025, serves as a collaborative hub for local entrepreneurs, organizations and residents to host events). These organizations are major players in Aylmer with a proven track record. An announcement will be made once the city has decided which operator(s) will win the contract to run a business in the space. This ad hoc consortium will be responsible for running activities until the end of the skating rink season, March 31, 2027. 

Editor’s note: The edition featuring this article was sent to the printer ahead of city approval, meaning final approval is pending and is slated to be considered at the July 7 council meeting. Lavergne noted that the permits, legal studies and logistics have been completed, approved and filed with Gatineau’s administrative services.