Old Gatineau’s newest “chill spot”

Djeneba Dosso

On August 28, the Vieux-Gatineau's business association – AGAP – inaugurated Placette Main, a temporary outdoor public space conveniently located between 348 and 368 Main Street. The lively square equipped with picnic tables, benches, lawn chairs, books and craft materials will house a total of 34 free activities between September and October, proving the fast-approaching fall is no excuse to lock yourself inside.

“For several years, we’ve been looking for a place to liven up Main Street. We wanted people to be able to come together and make the street their own, to live on it and also to support the businesses present by stimulating local purchasing,” said Daniel Baril, AGAP president.

Bringing this project to life was no easy feat, requiring countless consultations with residents, associations, nearby business owners and City officials in its early days. AGAP worked closely with the City of Gatineau who authorized the two-month-long road closure where the square is located and donated $43,500 and $20,000 as part of their Dynamization and Building Safer Communities Funds. Later, they were tasked with hiring instructors, artists, storytellers and game masters to animate the space weekly alongside artists and layout designers to bring the space to life. Despite the numerous public consultations over the last year, some residents still felt concerns about the possible disturbances that come with the space, notably noise past business hours, the inconvenience of the Main Street closure and the ethical use of the space after-hours. Baril is adamant about appeasing these concerns.

“We are aware that the temporary closure brings with it certain challenges for nearby businesses and residents, but speeding issues, the proximity of the school corridor and increasing acts of vandalism prompt us to take action to encourage preventive appropriation of the ambient street by the population, customers and businesspeople, with a view to allowing safe gathering.”

This is a pilot project, he said, adding that residents will be invited to complete a survey later in the season to assess where AGAP went wrong and what they got right.

From September to October, Placette Main will host activities for all ages weekly, except in the event of rain at which point all activities are subject to cancellation. Activities will vary from one day to another to reach the largest possible audience. The pilot project will culminate in two months at AGAP’s October 27 Halloween party, after which Placette Main will close for the season.

The full programming for all 34 activities can be found on AGAP’s Facebook page. A condensed list featuring recurring activities in September and October can be found below:

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Wednesdays: “Casse la croûte avec…” Business owners, local workers and telecommuters have the chance to go out, buy a meal nearby or bring their own lunch and attend one of the eight speed-networking lunch events. Each week a new company will come and present their product or services, bringing a small gift or treat for attendees. These events will be held over the lunch hour between 11:30 am and 1 pm. A list of the organizations to present will be released on AGAP’s Facebook page.

Thursdays: Every other Thursday starting on September 12, families and friends are invited to join Les Dés Agréables for board games night from 6 to 8 pm.

Saturdays: On Saturday mornings, Carol-Ann Crépeau and Natacha Gargantiel will offer guided outdoor yoga sessions starting at 10 am. While yoga mats will not be provided, childcare will be during each hour-and-a-half session. Children will either be entertained by storyteller Marc Gauthier or by one of the four art workshops offered by Deux Regart. Dress according to the weather.

On four Saturday evenings, Placette Main will come alive with Claude Grenier dancing and singing to the rhythm of well-known songs from 6 to 8 pm.

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The rest of the time, Placette Main will be an open space for leisure, work or socializing. If you wish to host an activity or event, AGAP is open to suggestions written in the special booklet in the square.