Residents in Gatineau’s Aylmer district are rallying to save the historic Manoir Quesnel, a 19th-century building surrounded by a rich ecological landscape, from demolition to make way for a 10-storey, 172-unit apartment complex. Photo: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau
Residents fight to save historic manor from demolition
Tashi Farmilo
A proposal to demolish the historic Manoir Quesnel and replace it with a 10-storey apartment complex has sparked fierce opposition from residents in Gatineau’s Aylmer district. On February 11, at 1:30 pm, the Association des résidents du Parc Champlain et des environs will present its arguments to the city council in the Salle Jean-Despréz at the Maison du Citoyen, located at 25 rue Laurier, urging officials to reject the plan and preserve the 19th-century building and its ecologically significant surroundings.
The Manoir, located at 1175 chemin d’Aylmer, is more than just a historical structure. The three-acre property features a natural waterway, a pond hosting a delicate ecosystem, and trees estimated to be over a century old. Residents say these elements make the site an irreplaceable part of the Champlain ecological corridor. The proposed redevelopment, which would introduce 172 apartments on 10 storeys, has heightened concerns about the loss of both heritage and environmental assets.
A heritage study submitted by the developer, Gris Orange Consultant Inc., concludes that the Manoir does not meet the criteria for designation as a protected historical building. The report argues that its architectural features lack originality and that its condition has deteriorated, making restoration costly. However, opponents of the project dispute these findings, emphasizing the building’s cultural significance and its integration into the natural landscape.
The community has framed the debate as a broader struggle between urban development and the need to safeguard natural and historical spaces. Critics of the redevelopment note that the site’s pond and surrounding greenery support unique flora and fauna, which would be irreversibly affected by construction. The Association has also raised questions about whether Gatineau’s urban planning policies adequately consider environmental sustainability in decisions like this one.
The February 11 council meeting is expected to draw significant public interest, with the Association calling on supporters to attend and voice their opposition. Residents are encouraged to review the Gris Orange Consultant Inc. report, which can be found on the group’s Facebook page “Amis de la forêt du corridor Champlain”, and to submit comments and suggestions ahead of the meeting.
