Centre Slush Puppie [500 de la Cité, Gatineau] | 4000 seat arena | Completed

[J.OT13]

The Citizen has no idea. Although Tassé is not in favour of the proposed location, he said he would drop his opposition and let the project go ahead after the low turnout for the referendum signatures.

After reading quite a few articles from the Ottawa Citizen (which again, I find ill-informed o Gatineau issues) and Le Droit, it seems like the Citizen seems to support Tassé while Le Droit heavily favours Pednaud-Jobin.

[Acajack]

Not that there was really much doubt about this project in my mind, but with the win by MPJ and the defeat or retirement of almost all of the major opponents, it's now even more of a sure thing to go ahead.

On the Brigil towers, though, things are much less clear. MPJ is opposed to the towers, but even as the mayor he only gets one vote.

His political party Action Gatineau is also opposed to the towers, but AG did not win a majority on the new city council.

Many of the "independent" councillors are for the towers, but it's unclear how many and if they can tip the balance. There are several independent newcomers and I am not sure what their views are on Brigil's project.

[J.OT13]

I agree. The only thing that could derail the project now is Denise Laferrière's court battle. Considering the project received majority support during last term's council and the bill related to the arena past unanimous in the Québec Assembly, it seems extremely unlikely.

Although there is more uncertainty surrounding Place des Peuples, I think the fact that Hull-Wright elected an Action-Gatineau candidate might strengthen Pednaud-Jobin's stance on the issue among the newly-elected independent councillors.

I could see Brigil shelve the project for a few years until a new mayor more sympathetic to his cause (or a future candidate willing to blindly support any big project like Tassé and Goneau were ready to do) is elected sometime in the future.

As for LRT to Aylmer, at least one independent, Mike Duggan, supports the idea, although with a different route. http://mikeduggan.ca/actualites/arrimage-o-train/

[rocketphish]

Gatineau's new arena gets green light from province
Gatineau city council approved project last February, but needed provincial approval

CBC News Posted: Jan 24, 2018 3:51 PM ET Last Updated: Jan 24, 2018 3:51 PM ET



The Quebec government has given its approval to a new arena to replace Gatineau's aging Robert Guertin Centre.

Gatineau city council gave its go-ahead last February for a new arena on Boulevard de la Cité, about seven kilometres northeast of the current rink in downtown Hull, but needed the province's sign-off because the proposed site is considered protected wetland under provincial law.

Gatineau paid the province $675,000 to transfer jurisdiction over the proposed site to the city.

Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin assured city council Tuesday night that the project, which has been plagued by delays, is finally moving forward.

"The project is progressing well, with fewer obstacles," Pedneaud-Jobin said in French.

Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO), which is overseeing the $104-million project, has not said when construction will begin now the province has granted its approval.

VMSO president Alain Sanscartier said it's still premature to set a date for shovels in the ground.

"When the time is right we can decide on potential start date," he said in French.

The provincial approval allows VMSO to begin seeking bids for the construction of the new arena.

The arena will be the new home of the Gatineau Olympiques.

With files from Nathalie Tremblay

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gatineau-arena-consturction-province-environment-1.4501906

[Acajack]

There is still a pending court case from the former councillor for the Vieux-Hull district Denise Laferrière challenging the project, but it seems like the city and VMSO don't think it's going anywhere, so they're moving ahead as if it wasn't a factor.

[Acajack]

So looks like that court case is dead. The lawyer the councillor had lined up has had to leave the file, and Laferrière says she's not interested in trying to find another lawyer so she's going to drop it.

[J.OT13]

Do we know why he had to leave the file? Conflict of interest? And if so, why?

In any case, this is great news. The fact that Hull residents didn't line up to sign the (two!) petitions to revisit the decision to demolish the Bob and build new in (old) Gatineau AND elected people that support the project says a lot. This is the people's will. Get it done!

The Clive Doucet's and Denise Laferrière of this world are a real problem for tax payers and progress.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

In any case, this is great news. The fact that Hull residents didn't line up to sign the (two!) petitions to revisit the decision to demolish the Bob and build new in (old) Gatineau AND elected people that support the project says a lot. This is the people's will. Get it done!.

Agreed. The Bob is a horridly outdated building and pouring money into it wouldn't be wise. Likewise, I don't see any need to rebuild on the same site. I'm not 100% convinced of the new location at Cité but it will certainly be more...welcoming. Crowds in Hull are special.

[kevinbottawa]

I used to live near the hospital in Gatineau and really like the area where they're proposing the arena, but I don't understand how Gatineau is building their city. I understand the team's fanbase is in the Gatineau sector (or so I've heard), but building all these amenities outside of your downtown just seems crazy. Along with Zibi, the NCC's plan for the area around Ruisseau de la Brasserie, the recladding of Place de la Terrasse, and their potential LRT line, an arena could've done so much for downtown Gatineau. Oh well, that ship has sailed.

[J.OT13]

I think the location at La Cité is far superior to the current one. Stats show most Olympiques fans are on the east side of the Gatineau River, the new arena is a few steps from a major Rapibus Station, steps away from many other entertainment options (Cinema 9, Complex Sportif, Salle Odyssé) and walking distance from the Cégep, which can be a huge fan base for a junior team.

Yes, a lot of people would argue that an arena in downtown Hull would help the revitalization and bring thousands to the area, but it would be a fraction of what Zibi and a new NHL arena just across the river will bring in 5-10 years.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Yes, a lot of people would argue that an arena in downtown Hull would help the revitalization and bring thousands to the area, but it would be a fraction of what Zibi and a new NHL arena just across the river will bring in 5-10 years.

This is a pretty important point. The new Sens arena at Lebreton really allows them greater access to the Gatineau-side of the river and makes game days much more appealing for Quebec fans. Having a Q rink so close would allow it to get overshadowed. Moving the Olympiques further into Gatineau allows them to control their market a bit more and solidify themselves as a Gatineau team instead of a Hull team.

Hull is always going to be a unique place but the games are going to be much different in the new rink. Hull games are in an ancient building with an equally-antiquated fan base and the new rink is going to be cookie cutter appealing with suburban families.

Likewise, I think Sens games are going to be much more vocal at Lebreton once people aren't required to drive in and out. Allowing access via LRT or walking means more alcohol can be consumed.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Do we know why he had to leave the file? Conflict of interest? And if so, why?

In any case, this is great news. The fact that Hull residents didn't line up to sign the (two!) petitions to revisit the decision to demolish the Bob and build new in (old) Gatineau AND elected people that support the project says a lot. This is the people's will. Get it done!

The Clive Doucet's and Denise Laferrière of this world are a real problem for tax payers and progress.

The lawyer has declared bankruptcy and as a result is not allowed to practise law anymore.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by JHikka

This is a pretty important point. The new Sens arena at Lebreton really allows them greater access to the Gatineau-side of the river and makes game days much more appealing for Quebec fans. Having a Q rink so close would allow it to get overshadowed. Moving the Olympiques further into Gatineau allows them to control their market a bit more and solidify themselves as a Gatineau team instead of a Hull team.

Hull is always going to be a unique place but the games are going to be much different in the new rink. Hull games are in an ancient building with an equally-antiquated fan base and the new rink is going to be cookie cutter appealing with suburban families.

Likewise, I think Sens games are going to be much more vocal at Lebreton once people aren't required to drive in and out. Allowing access via LRT or walking means more alcohol can be consumed.

The decision to move to Place de la Cité was made before it became clear the Sens were moving downtown. But it turned out to be a fortuitous one.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by kevinbottawa

I used to live near the hospital in Gatineau and really like the area where they're proposing the arena, but I don't understand how Gatineau is building their city. I understand the team's fanbase is in the Gatineau sector (or so I've heard), but building all these amenities outside of your downtown just seems crazy. Along with Zibi, the NCC's plan for the area around Ruisseau de la Brasserie, the recladding of Place de la Terrasse, and their potential LRT line, an arena could've done so much for downtown Gatineau. Oh well, that ship has sailed.

Yeah it is a shame more stuff is not downtown like the university, Cegeps, cinemas, etc.
Given how weak it is.

I actually live quite close to the La Cité district. It is quite promising.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Acajack

The lawyer has declared bankruptcy and as a result is not allowed to practise law anymore.

According to Le Téléjournal tonight, her lawyer recommended two people who might be willing to take over the case. The witch is back at it.

[wingman]

The case against the proposed arena was dismissed.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/gatinuea-arena-court-challenge-1.4609451

[J.OT13]

What a waste of time and resources. Get on with it.

[Acajack]

Backhoes in the ground as of last week for this project. Prepping the site with stuff like sewer and waterworks, etc.

[J.OT13]

Final concept for the new arena. They significantly reduced the glass expanse and greenery in order to "fit" the budget, but still looks fairly decent.





https://www.gatineau.ca/portail/default.aspx?p=la_ville/arena_glaces_communautaires

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

What a boring box. :/