Residents oppose Manoir Quesnel proposed redevelopment plan

Tashi Farmilo

A battle over the fate of Manoir Quesnel, located at 1175 chemin d’Aylmer, has gripped the community, as residents push back against a proposed demolition that would clear the way for a 10-storey residential tower. On February 11, members of the Association des résidents du Parc Champlain et des environs gathered in the Salle des Comités at the Maison du Citoyen, urging city council to reconsider its stance on the development project.

Built in 1952, the Manoir Quesnel once stood as a centrepiece of Aylmer’s equestrian culture, complete with stables and a racetrack that attracted horse enthusiasts and families seeking a tranquil lifestyle near Gatineau Park and the Ottawa River. Now, EMD-Batimo, the developer behind the proposed project, seeks to replace the estate with more than 170 units for residents aged 55 and over—a transformation that many argue would erase a crucial piece of local history. The same developers previously built Lib Aylmer, a similar senior residence in the area, and have used it as a comparison to the new project.

This is about protecting our history, our sense of place,” said Francis DesCôteaux, who has lived in the neighbourhood for over 50 years. “This was never just a building—it was a way of life.” He emphasized that the manor was an emblem of the community’s past, a place where generations of families built their lives, shaped by its unique rural and equestrian heritage. He recalled a time when Aylmer was known for its open green spaces and small-scale stables, drawing in families who wanted to live close to nature. The manor, he argued, is one of the last remaining symbols of that era, and its demolition would sever an important link to the area's cultural roots. The project represents not just a loss of architecture but an erasure of the traditions and identity that have long defined the neighbourhood.

Environmental concerns further complicated the debate. The site lies within the Champlain ecological corridor, an area identified for conservation. A major point of contention is a waterway running through the property, which residents claim appears on a 1933 map, indicating its natural origins, while developers insist it is man-made. The Association des résidents du Parc Champlain presented historical documents to substantiate their claim, arguing that the presence of this waterway adds to the site’s ecological significance. Heritage consultant Isabelle Bouchard, who assessed the project, pointed out that the developer’s evaluation failed to account for the site’s cultural and ecological significance.

In response, EMD-Batimo’s president Francis Charron sought to reassure residents and council members, pledging to incorporate heritage elements into the new development. The company has proposed converting the estate’s remaining stables into a community space and maintaining the existing wetlands. Additionally, developers have committed to integrating the natural environment into their plans, ensuring that protected green spaces remain undisturbed. They also referenced an archival painting of the manor and its surrounding landscape, which they plan to display in the new building’s lobby as a tribute to the area’s past.

But critics remained unconvinced. “Token gestures won’t save the character of this neighbourhood,” said Alexandre Vézina Prévost. “We need thoughtful, responsible development that respects our past.”

Further complicating matters, Manoir Quesnel is not listed in Gatineau’s 2008 heritage inventory, a technicality that weakens legal protections for the site. City officials acknowledged that its absence from the list posed challenges but stopped short of taking a definitive stance.

This is not the first time Aylmer residents have mobilized against large-scale development. Previously, local opposition successfully halted a 251-unit housing project near boulevard des Allumettières and chemin Vanier, citing concerns over traffic and infrastructure strain. Now, many hope that history will repeat itself.

Gatineau City Council, remaining tight-lipped, has deferred its final decision to February 18. The meeting, set to take place at the Aydelu Centre in Aylmer, could serve as a last opportunity for residents to make their case before a verdict is reached.

The upcoming meeting at the Aydelu Centre, located at 94 Rue du Patrimoine, in the Aylmer sector, will take place on Tuesday, February 18, at 6:30 pm. This meeting represents a crucial moment for the community to voice its concerns and push for the preservation of Manoir Quesnel. Residents, historians, and environmental advocates are encouraged to attend and make their voices heard. 

In addition to attending the meeting, supporters can sign a petition initiated by Francis DesCôteaux, which has already gathered hundreds of signatures. The petition calls on Gatineau City Council to halt the planned demolition and protect the historical and environmental significance of the Manoir Quesnel. With growing community support, the petition serves as a testament to the collective commitment to heritage preservation. Those who wish to add their names can do so online at https://www.change.org/p/non-%C3%A0-la-d%C3%A9molition-du-manoir-quesnel-et-la-construction-d-une-tour-de-10-%C3%A9tages