Gatineau residents raise concerns over proposed redevelopment at historic monastery site

Residents are expressing concern over a plan to build 600 apartments in a former historic monastery in Gatineau, Que. CTV’s Joshua Marano reports.

A historic monastery overlooking the Ottawa River could soon be surrounded by a new development in Gatineau, Que.

Developers are proposing a mixed-use project at 210 Laurier Street, next to Jacques-Cartier Park, that would restore the former Servantes De Jésus-Marie monastery, while adding several new buildings to the property.

The monastery has been part of the Gatineau skyline for more than a century. The building housed the Jésus-Marie sisters beginning in 1902, but the congregation eventually moved out as the large property became too difficult to maintain.

Toronto-based Civic Developments was selected last year by the National Capital Commission (NCC) to lead the redevelopment of the site.

The proposal includes five buildings centred around the historic monastery, which would be restored and adaptively reused.

The plans call for a hotel incorporating event space within the monastery, about 600 new housing units, retail space and a 60,000 square-foot recreation centre.

For some nearby residents, the scale of the proposed development came as a surprise.

“It’s a park, and it should maintain the park,” says resident Pierre Schnubb.

Developers say preserving the historic monastery is central to their vision for the project.

“We always look to create dynamic mixed-use communities in our projects,” says Matthew Cohen, president of Civic Developments. “The importance and historical significance of the monastery was a real feature for us.”

Choen says the proposal centred the entire development around the heritage building.

“Our submission entails a total of five buildings, all centred around the monastery. The monastery is slated to be restored and adaptively reused,” he says.

Local city councillor Steve Moran says redevelopment projects often bring mixed reactions from residents.

“People are looking for a project to sort of revitalize the area,” Moran says. “But of course every real estate development has concerns.”

Developers hosted a public consultation at Gatineau City Hall Friday evening, inviting residents to learn more about the proposal and share feedback while the project remains in its early planning stages.

Cohen says the meeting is the first in a series of consultations expected over the coming months.

“We want to do this with the community and address their needs and ensure that this site is for the people of Gatineau,” he adds.

Developers say they hope to start construction at 210 Laurier Street as early as next year.

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