Construction of 251-unit apartment complex proposed for Vanier Road and Boulevard des Allumettières intersection
Sophie Demers
A construction project has been proposed for a lot located at the south-east corner of the Vanier Road and Boulevard des Allumettières intersection. The plans detail a 251-unit apartment complex with 274 parking spaces. Of the 251 units, 26 will be affordable 1-bedroom units, 100 will be one-bedroom units, 70 will be 2-bedroom, and 28 will be 3-bedroom.
The area surrounding the Vanier Road and Boulevard des Allumettières intersection has seen extensive development in the last few years. Many citizens have voiced their concern about the increased traffic and have urged the City to expand Vanier Road before developing further. The complex will be accessible via rue des Attikameks. According to City documents, the project will only have a limited impact on traffic conditions. However, the documents state that this increase paired with the current traffic in the area may present issues in the future if nothing is done.
The construction required a minor variance to increase the distance from the building to the property line from 8 to 10 meters. The work for the construction is estimated at $68 million and the municipal evaluation of the property values the 4,753 m2 lot at $2,733,000.
This is not the first apartment complex development that has been proposed in this area. However, the previous project which had many more units near the Vanier intersection was not well received by residents who launched a petition to block it.
Gatineau’s Service de l’urbanisme et du développement durable (SUDD) supports the project. Anyone interested in voicing their opinion about the project should address the council where councillors will vote on its approval. The council meeting will take place in the Salle Jean-Despréz at the Maison du Citoyen, 25 Rue Laurier, on October 22 at 7 pm.
