Gatineau Election: Mitigomijokan

Candidate: Rachel M. Deslauriers, Action Gatineau 

Rachel M. Deslauriers has 20 years’ experience working with municipalities, 10 of which have been with the Federation of Canadian municipalities (FCM) occupying a variety of positions, including Municipal Green Fund Advisor and, most recently, Senior Manager for Business Development, Client Services and Funding Programs. The candidate has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies and a Masters in Geography, both from the University of Ottawa.

1. Why are you running for councillor, and what experiences or qualities make you the right person for the job?

I am rooted in Aylmer, where I chose to live and raise my family. I have spent my entire career working in the municipal sector in the fields of environment, urban planning, and sustainable development. I have also been involved in our community; for example, on the board of directors of my children's daycare, and participating in food drives for the Aylmer Food Centre.

I am entering politics to represent our community and ensure that we have all the essential services for our neighbourhood. I want to preserve the charm and tranquility of our neighborhoods while ensuring that services and infrastructure keep pace with development. I would also like to work for safer and more pleasant travel, and I am committed to improving our parks, streets, green spaces, and community centres so that everyone can fully enjoy them.

2. How do you plan to balance the need for housing with the pace of development, given that infrastructure has not kept up, resulting in service gaps?

I decided to run for municipal office to better help regulate development in our area. I fully understand the importance of balancing housing and infrastructure needs with quality of life and respect for the environment. Our team recognizes that there has been too much unregulated development, meaning that municipal services and infrastructure have not kept pace with new residences. We want to change the rules of the game for more harmonious development.

I am a proud Aylmer resident. That's why I want to maintain the beauty and quality of life we ​​have here, while ensuring that it is possible to live well in our neighborhoods. Thanks to the work of Action Gatineau, there has been a moratorium on development along a long stretch of Vanier Road. This break is necessary so that we can catch up on investment in our sector, plan for the future, and align everything with the arrival of the Western tramway.

3. With increased development in the area, how will you protect the ecological corridors, such as the Champlain corridor in Aylmer?

We are fortunate to have nature so close to us in our district. Having spent my entire career in the environmental field, I know how important these spaces are for both nature and the people who live nearby. Many of us benefit directly from the trails in Boucher Forest Park (and the fabulous obstacle course, much to the delight of the children!) This forest would not have been saved in its natural state if it had been solely through citizen mobilization for its protection. I am committed to working closely with citizens who are also committed to the protection of ecological corridors to find solutions that benefit the community and ecosystems.

4. With increased development in Aylmer, there is growing concern about the preservation of local heritage, especially as many historic homes are neglected, then demolished to make way for multi-unit buildings. What is your plan to protect and preserve Aylmer's heritage?

Aylmer's heritage must be maintained, which means doing everything possible to prevent it from falling into disrepair. Action Gatineau has always been committed to protecting Aylmer's heritage: we updated Aylmer's heritage inventory this year and tightened heritage preservation regulations. This gives the City several rights it didn't have before; for example, it has the right to bill the owner for maintenance work on a heritage building left abandoned.

Currently, there are historic properties that have been purchased by developers and are falling into disrepair, including those on Chemin d'Aylmer. However, the fact that these properties are historic should not prevent them from participating in the revitalization of the area or from responding to the housing crisis. I am also committed to continuing discussions with the NCC regarding the future of their property near Allen Road.

5. Anglophones are numerous across Gatineau. How will you ensure they have equitable access to city information and services in English?

The city's information and services are there for you, the citizens. It is therefore important to me that all official communications be available in both official languages, which provincial law allows me to do compared to what is unfortunately imposed on the city. I have been meeting with you for months and I recognize the beauty and value of bilingualism in our communities. I am listening to you, and I want to improve the accessibility of municipal services for everyone.

6. Aylmer’s residents are passionate about their community. When new development projects are proposed, how will you engage with both developers and residents to address any concerns that arise?

There will be some very big decisions to be made during the next term. I want to ensure, first of all, that I represent our community well, and that's why I intend to maintain constant communication with residents, whether by organizing monthly meetings before each City Council meeting, or by holding public consultations.

I have had the opportunity during my municipal career to organize meetings and public consultations with both developers and residents. I want to work with everyone; however, developers will not have any more influence than residents. I also plan to work closely with neighbourhood associations, who do remarkable work representing residents.