Future hospital on the Asticou site: preparatory work concerns Hull residents
Drazen Seslija
Residents of the Parc-de-la-Montagne and L’Orée-des-Bois neighbourhoods in the Hull sector were given a first glimpse of how the preparatory work for the future University-Affiliated Hospital Centre (CHAU) will impact their daily lives. An information session was held on Thursday, August 20, at the log cabin located at 331 Boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes. Representatives from Santé Québec Outaouais, including its Deputy CEO Stéphane Lance, and the Member of the National Assembly for Hull Suzanne Tremblay, were present to speak with residents and answer their questions.
The meeting focused primarily on the deconstruction and decontamination work that must precede the construction of the future hospital. Quebec Health Outaouais explained that various studies, including noise studies and data collection, are underway. A more detailed timeline will be established with the contractor once the necessary information is confirmed.
Heavy traffic in the neighbourhoods
For this first phase, Quebec Health Outaouais anticipates approximately seven to 10 truck trips a day in the neighbourhoods near the site, five days a week. About 20 workers will also be present on site. The work is expected to begin this fall.
The organization assures that it wants to maintain "safe and smooth" traffic flow despite the additional movement of workers and heavy vehicles. Officials acknowledged, however, that some answers are still pending, particularly depending on the information provided by the contractor.
The project is expected to progress in stages, and Quebec Health Outaouais intends to keep residents informed of its progress as the work advances. The future CHAU is planned for the Asticou site, a plot of land of over 170,000 square meters, selected for its location, accessibility, and technical characteristics.
Questions about expropriation and the environment
The question of a possible expropriation was also raised by a resident.
Stéphane Lance indicated that no expropriation is planned at this time, while leaving open the possibility that the issue could be reassessed in the future, particularly in relation to the Saint-Raymond–Cité-des-Jeunes corridor. More precise answers should be available once the final route has been determined.
Another resident inquired about wastewater treatment and the possibility of neutralizing pharmaceutical residues from the future facility. Santé Québec Outaouais was unable to immediately answer this question but indicated that it would be examined.
Representatives also presented a map showing the planned footprint of the future hospital, including designated parking areas.
A project that must proceed in stages
Santé Québec Outaouais reminds everyone that the acquisition of the Asticou site was finalized in April 2026 and that preparatory work has been authorized, including decontamination, building demolition, and land grading.
The project is intended to lead to the construction of a 600-bed hospital. According to information provided during the meeting, the goal remains to complete the project by 2034. Santé Québec Outaouais emphasized the importance of proceeding step by step, while gradually sharing available information with residents.
Residents can follow the project's progress and consult upcoming updates on the official CHAU website: chau.cisss-outaouais.gouv.qc.ca.