New west end ecocentre aims to close service gap in Aylmer

Tashi Farmilo

The City of Gatineau has formalized the land acquisition and outlined the scope of work for its planned West end ecocentre, a public drop-off facility intended to serve residents in Aylmer and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The purchase of the site at the intersection of Pink and Vanier roads was officialized at the municipal council meeting of January 23, 2024. Council has since adopted a $19.4 million borrowing bylaw to fund construction and development of the facility, the purchase of goods and equipment, and professional fees.

An ecocentre is a municipally operated depot where residents can bring materials not collected through regular curbside garbage, recycling or compost programs. These include bulky waste, renovation and construction materials, scrap metal, electronics and household hazardous waste such as paint, solvents and batteries. Materials are sorted for recycling, reuse or safe handling, reducing landfill use and ensuring environmental compliance.

The project is currently in a preparatory stage. Analyses are ongoing, plans and specifications have yet to be finalized, and contracts will be awarded at a later date. Officials have indicated that budget adjustments may be required, upward or downward, depending on how the project evolves.

The $19.4 million envelope covers several components.

Construction work will include core infrastructure such as buildings dedicated to user reception, material reuse, equipment storage and the safe management of household hazardous waste. The site will feature multiple unloading areas adapted to different material types to facilitate operations and improve efficiency.

Exterior work will include paving of main circulation areas, installation of a perimeter fence and the creation of parking spaces for visitors and staff. Access and traffic flow will be organized to separate resident and supplier vehicles, including a designated waiting area to ensure safe and orderly circulation.

Operational and safety features are to include surveillance systems, lighting, signage, a scale and an information display panel for users. Environmental measures will be integrated to control and treat runoff water in order to limit environmental impacts. The design also provides for potential future expansion as demand grows.

Equipment purchases are expected to include loaders, trucks and containers, including shipping and collection containers.

Earlier planning indicated that tendering and construction were anticipated for 2027–2028. As of early 2026, the project has not yet entered the construction stage.