Brigil proposes Gatineau’s tallest tower near Canadian Museum of History, sparking debate over heritage, housing, and urban planning rules.
Developer Proposes Landmark Project Near Historic Site
Brigil, a prominent Quebec-based real estate developer, has submitted a proposal to construct a 45-storey residential tower across from the Canadian Museum of History in central Gatineau. The project, if approved, would become the city’s tallest structure and reshape the downtown skyline.
Plan Faces Regulatory and Community Pushback
The development, proposed for 35 rue Laurier—the current site of a Four Points by Sheraton hotel—falls within a designated heritage district that includes the historic Notre-Dame-de-Grâce church. Gatineau’s existing urban plan restricts building heights in this area to 30 storeys, meaning Brigil’s proposal requires either a zoning amendment or case-specific exemptions.
Brigil made its pitch in February as part of the city’s ongoing review of its downtown development framework and has formally asked council for a decision by the end of August.
Project Touted as Housing and Tourism Boost
Gilles Desjardins, Brigil’s president, argues that the additional height would offer panoramic views of the Ottawa-Gatineau region, including over federal complexes like Terrasses de la Chaudière. He also proposes an observation deck atop the tower, aimed at attracting tourists.
The two-tower complex is expected to include 1,000 residential units, which Brigil positions as a contribution toward easing the region’s housing pressures.
Mayor Questions Project’s Relevance to Housing Crisis
Despite the added units, Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette expressed skepticism over the project’s alignment with community needs. In a news conference Wednesday, she noted the proposal emphasizes high-end condos rather than affordable or social housing.
“When it comes to condos that are more high end, we don’t have a crisis there,” she said. “We have a crisis for people on the street, for social and affordable housing.”
Community Groups React with Familiar Concerns
Local residents and advocacy organizations are raising alarms, echoing opposition voiced during Brigil’s previously rejected 2018 high-rise proposal in the same district. That earlier plan—featuring towers of 35 and 55 storeys—was denied after the area received heritage designation.
Daniel Cayley-Daoust, president of the l’Association des résidents de l’île de Hull, said the new proposal feels like a repeat of past tensions.
“It’s totally unacceptable to go beyond the urban planning [limits],” Cayley-Daoust told Radio-Canada, citing concerns over blocked sunlight and discord with the neighbourhood’s architectural character. “It’s all about quality of life.”
What Comes Next in the Approval Process
The city of Gatineau is currently deliberating whether to adjust its master urban plan or issue a specific exemption for the Brigil project. Either action could trigger a public referendum under current municipal rules. City council is expected to respond to Brigil’s request before the end of August.
Until then, the proposal remains a flashpoint in Gatineau’s broader debate over growth, housing priorities, and the preservation of civic heritage.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
