Old Aylmer celebrated for preserving heritage
Tashi Farmilo
The City of Gatineau held its 21st annual Heritage Reception on February 12 at the Théâtre de l’Île, awarding honorary certificates to four residents and two organisations for exceptional contributions to the promotion and transmission of Gatineau’s heritage, with several distinctions tied to Aylmer.
The Musée de l’Auberge Symmes in Aylmer received a Heritage Enhancement Certificate for its contribution to promoting history and heritage through an innovative museum approach to the escape game Vol à l’Aquatic Club. The museum, located in the historic Auberge Symmes in Old Aylmer, was recognized for strengthening public engagement with local history.
Founded in 1982 by Hélène Gagnon and André Rousseau, Théâtre Dérives Urbaines, the oldest professional theatre company in Gatineau, also received a Heritage Enhancement Certificate for its commitment to highlighting Gatineau’s heritage and for the excellence of its original production Bébé d’Hull. Louise Dumoulin was honoured with the same distinction for her longstanding commitment to the transmission and promotion of regional history.
The city introduced a new designation, Emerging Heritage Leader, presented to Anyssa Doiron for her work preserving and promoting regional heritage and for emphasizing the importance of an active and engaged next generation.
A Certificate of Excellence in Restoration and Preservation of Built Heritage was awarded to Marisol Carpenter and Edward Yeoman for the exemplary restoration of the John Murphy house at 12 Broad Street in Old Aylmer.
The city also outlined major heritage initiatives undertaken in 2025, including implementation of its heritage enhancement action plan in the downtown core and the inauguration in Aylmer of the commemorative public artwork Renaître de ses cendres by artist Jérôme Bertrand. The piece highlights the historic role of the Aydelu Centre in community and cultural development.
Additional measures included updating the inventory of traditional built heritage, offering more than 35 free heritage activities at about 20 historic sites through the Enjoy the Summer program, installing commemorative street name plaques in the du Portage, Kent-Aubry-Wright and Hanson-Taylor-Wright heritage areas, supporting the Toponymy Committee in research and the designation of new place names, including recognition of eight women on March 8, and providing support to heritage organisations.
“The Heritage Reception, celebrating its 21st edition, reminds us that our history is lived in the present and passed on to future generations. Every act of preservation and enhancement enriches our city and weaves the link between past, present and future. We celebrate those whose commitment contributes to making Gatineau a community proud of its heritage and open to the future,” said Caroline Murray, City Councillor for the Deschênes district, Chair of the Urban Planning Advisory Committee and Chair of the Local Heritage Council.