Domaine du Vieux-Port: expansion at the expense of erosion?

Sonia Roy

The Domaine du Vieux-Port, a real estate project by developer Brigil, is on the verge of breaking ground on its Phase III, a six-tower luxury condominium complex to be located on the banks of the Gatineau River near the Alonzo-Wright Bridge. The project, a vision of Gilles Desjardins, president of Brigil, has been in development for some time, with the acquisition of the land for Phase III dating back to March 2012. Phases I and II already form a neighborhood of upscale single-family residences offering several complementary services to rental units, such as access to a private marina. The geographic location of Domaine du Vieux-Port is a dream come true, located just a stone's throw from St-Joseph Boulevard and Highway 5, and with a breathtaking view of the Gatineau River. This idyllic vision of luxurious housing has recently made the headlines, notably in an article in La Presse, due to the state of the riverbanks on which Phase III will be built. Some citizens and independent experts have indeed spoken out about the erosion of the riverbanks in the area, which seems to have increased in evidence and severity since the clearing of land in anticipation of the start of construction, as well as the flood warnings in May 2022. Although Brigil and its leaders have committed to protecting 70% of the site's natural environment and to enhancing the flora of the area, the proximity of the future complex to the Gatineau River is clearly of concern to many citizens. The construction of the first tower of phase III of the Domaine du Vieux-Port should start this fall, Brigil mentions via its social networks. It should be noted that Brigil respects, in its plans for Phase III, the Quebec regulation requiring the presence of a 10 to 15 meter border between a dwelling and a body of water, aimed at protecting local ecosystems.

Isabelle N. Miron, city councilor for the Orée-du-parc district in which the Domaine du Vieux-Port continues to develop, indicated via e-mail that to her knowledge, "the City has obtained all the necessary environmental studies to authorize the work.”. The City of Gatineau's communications department, contacted by the Bulletin, added: "It should be noted that the developer submitted geotechnical studies produced by experts at the time of the application for a permit to carry out work on phase III of the Domaine du Vieux-Port. It should be noted that the analyses were well documented by the experts and then re-evaluated by the City. Following the recent flood warnings, it should be noted that the water level did not reach the critical threshold, so it was not necessary to re-evaluate the condition of the banks. It should be noted that as with all private land, if the condition of the banks changes, it is the responsibility of the owner to correct the situation if necessary.“. Brigil, contacted by the Bulletin, did not offer any comment on the project or on the concerns of citizens and some experts.

Photo caption: A lot under construction at the Domaine du Vieux-Port, on the banks of the Gatineau River

Photo credit: Sonia Roy