Residents consulted in their wards ahead of May general council meeting

Jude Osmond and Drazen Seslija

Residents in district one and district three were consulted by their city councillors ahead of the regular May city council meeting. Caroline Murray invited her constituents to a virtual meeting   on Monday evening, May 11, 2026. City councillor for district one, Vincent Roy, invited residents to a similar meeting at the new Lucy-Faris Library. Vincent Roy, presented several key issues and challenges to the attendees, most of whom were residents. They had the opportunity to speak with Councillor Roy and ask him questions about important issues affecting the heart of Aylmer.

Here are some key points raised at the meeting:

2026 Flood

Flood Update. “The worst is behind us,” said Roy, adding that water levels are expected to continue to drop gradually everywhere over the next week. He also made a point of thanking the good Samaritans who helped during the floods, particularly the volunteers.

Yard Waste and Sandbags

On May 18, residents can place yard waste (leaves, branches, and garden waste) at the curb.

Residents who wish to dispose of their sandbags may notify the City by calling 311. There will then be two collection rounds for sandbags on May 19 and 25.

Bourgeau Garden

The Bourgeau Garden project has sparked controversy. Residents have argued that the site chosen for the community garden is unsuitable, noting that many families and their children spend a great deal of time each day on the land that was designated for the garden. They mentioned that it is a community's dream to have a park like that, as many people enjoy it year-round.

They are not against a community garden, but they are against the chosen location, because it is too valuable for the neighbourhood. They said they would have liked to have been more involved in the decision-making process regarding the location.

A detailed town hall meeting to review the situation is scheduled for May 28 at 61 rue du Couvent.

Unoccupied house at 87 Symmes Street

Councillor Roy also provided details aboutthe  house on Symmes Street. “You can’t just leave a house abandoned, especially a heritage house like that one,” he said. “We’re taking action, using the city’s legal remedies. What I’m authorized to say is that we’ve issued fines – and hefty ones at that – and that other measures are being implemented. However, I’m not authorized to say more at this time.” The councillor used the word abandoned for this property owned by an Orleans, Ontario resident.

Potholes

Councillor Roy acknowledged that the number of potholes is rising in Gatineau and urged residents to report any of them by calling 311.

Events

Mr. Roy spoke about upcoming events in the Aylmer sector, including a big garage sale May 30 on Principale Street hosted by APICA, the Aylmer Patio Stumble, the same day as the garage sale, the Marché des petites entreprises is June 6, the HOLA Latino Festival on June 12-14 at Parc des Cèdres, the goal of which is to be the biggest Latino festival in Quebec, and the Dragon Boat race taking place on June 21 and 22 at Parc des Cèdres.

Université du Québec en Outaouais Dome

The councillor also discussed the UQO dome project. After several delays, a budget for the project has been finalized and the targeted opening is November 2027.

The next municipal meeting for the Aylmer sector will be held on June 16 at 6 pm at the Belmont Community Centre.