$2.1 million deconstruction of Robert-Guertin Centre set for this summer

Taylor Clark

The Ville de Gatineau officially awarded a more than $2 million contract for the deconstruction of the former home to the Gatineau Olympiques. The Robert-Guertin Centre was added to Gatineau’s list of demolitions in late February due to its “significant level of deterioration.”

Mario Aubé, president of Comité consultatif d’urbanisme and Comité exécutif, told reporters work would begin in the coming weeks and was expected to take at least a year.

While demolition tends to evoke images of wrecking balls, Aubé emphasized the 67-year-old building would be deconstructed on account of numerous containments.

The lengthy process would allow those who make up the encampment known as “Tent City” in the adjacent parking lot to “not be chased away.” 

“It’s not necessarily going to start tomorrow morning but when it starts this summer, there will be communication with the people who are there at least two weeks before it starts,” said Aubé.

To create a link between those experiencing homelessness and the City, council recently appointed an integrated housing and homelessness strategy project director. The City’s territorial director, Geneviève D’Amours will occupy the position for two years.

Photo caption: Deconstruction of the Robert-Guertin Centre, former home of the Gatineau Olympiques, will begin this summer and last at least a year.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark