A new vision approved for Terrasses de la Chaudière

Sonia Roy

The Terrasses de la Chaudière complex, located on one of downtown Gatineau's main thoroughfares, will soon see its facades and exterior structures replaced. The federal initiative of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) includes five major components that contain several renovation and modernization projects for the buildings that make up the complex. While some projects have already been completed (such as the complex's car park, where upgrades were completed in late 2020), others are in the design phase. This is the case for the project that frames the "replacement of the envelope" as stated on the PSPC website, or the exterior façade of the building. This will be equipped with a "modern and energy efficient" structure that will prioritise materials such as glass and aluminum. Energy-efficient windows will be installed, which, with their many layers of glass, will provide better insulation for the weather. Work to replace the Terrasses de la Chaudière siding is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2022. The buildings targeted by the work include the towers located at 1 Promenade du Portage, 15 and 25 Eddy Street, and 10 Wellington Street. 

Following the deterioration of the brick that forms the present cladding, the PSPC and the authorities concerned installed high-level protection systems around the affected towers, in addition to closing off the complex's interior courtyard. These will be removed as the work progresses. The inner courtyard will remain closed until the modernisation of the complex is completed as a preventive measure. Inspections of the condition of the brickwork will continue to be frequent until all the work is completed. With respect to transportation and accessibility of Promenade du Portage (which serves several bus routes from Gatineau and Ottawa), Public Services and Procurement Canada officials mention that they are working with the City of Gatineau and the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) to find solutions to the disruptions that are likely to occur. Finally, the PSPC mentions that the greatest efforts will be made to "mitigate the impact of the work on the general public and employees working at the complex".

Photo caption: A pictorial representation of the modernization concept of the Terrasses de la Chaudière complex (for information purposes only)

Photo credit: Courtesy of Public Services and Procurement Canada