Canada/Gatineau's west-end ecocenter project takes another step forward

Gatineau's west-end ecocenter project is one step closer to completion. The municipal council voted unanimously on Tuesday to authorize "an expenditure and a loan of $19,400,000 to carry out various construction and development work".

This sum will enable the construction of unloading areas, as well as buildings dedicated to the reception of users, the reuse of materials, the storage of equipment and the safe management of hazardous domestic waste.equipment storage and the safe management of hazardous household waste," lists the city in a written response.

The funds will also be used to purchase equipment such as vehicles and containers.

The project is currently at the preparatory stage. Analyses are still underway, plans and specifications have yet to be produced, and the various contracts will eventually be awarded, notes the communications department. As such, there could be budget adjustments, if necessary, either upwards or downwards, depending on how the project evolves.

Gatineau is currently in the planning stage. It is currently planned that the call for tenders and construction of the new ecocenter will take place in 2027-2028.

The work schedule will be determined at a later date, depending on the completion and results of the various stages," explains the city.

The facility will be located at the corner of Pink and Vanier roads, in the Aylmer sector. Councillors had approved the purchase of the land in early 2024, and the acquisition was completed in the summer of the same year.

The ecocenter project in the city's west end has been in the works for several years now. The city council adopted a first resolution in 2019 to signify the need for this facility.

A new Consignaction site

This project isn't the only one making headway. Council also approved zoning on Tuesday for the installation of a return center for returnable containers in the building at 381, boulevard Maloney Est.

The Association québécoise de récupération des contenants de boissons (AQRCB) confirms that it has signed a lease for this address, and specifies that it will be a Consignaction return location.

This will be the third returnable container depot to open in Gatineau, and the fourth in the Outaouais region.

Consignaction plans to open a dozen sites in Gatineau and hundreds more in Quebec. The aim is to meet growing demand, as since March 1, 2025, Quebecers can return all plastic containers from 100 milliliters to 2 liters, such as milk, juice or water bottles.

Source: ici.radio-canada.ca/