for la fonderie and its surroundings

Information brochure
WHAT IS THE PDAD FOR
LA FONDERIE
AND ITS SURROUNDINGS?
The PDAD was launched by Gatineau’s
Service de l’urbanisme et du développement durable (SUDD) in 2010 to provide
a template for the development of La
Fonderie and its surroundings. This project stemmed from the Special Planning
Program for downtown Gatineau (2009),
which includes specific goals for the
Montcalm/Saint-Joseph Sud/Université
du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) area, including creating links and developing
the synergy between its university and
institutional clusters, and its commercial
and residential components.
LAND USE AND
DEVELOPMENT
MASTER PLAN (PDAD) FOR
LA FONDERIE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Fonderie and its surroundings
Montcalm
Saint-Joseph
Secteur de la Fonderie
Parc des Chars-des-Combat
Location
HIGHLIGHTS
2010 -2011 : VISION AND PRINCIPLES
Internal workshops: August - September 2010
Inter-departmental workshops: November
2010
External workshop: February 2011
Final report: May 2011
Fine-tuning: November 2011
2011- 2012 : LAND USE CONCEPT
Internal workshops: September - December
2011
Preliminary concept: March 2012
Internal consultation: April 2012
External consultation: May 2012
2013 : APPROVAL OF THE PDAD
Presentation to the Municipal Council: February 2013
Open house evening: April 2013
Fine-tuning: May 2013
Approval by the Municipal Council: June 2013
A BRIEF HISTORY OF LA FONDERIE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
A collection of vacant lots and historical buildings that are representative of the site’s industrial history over the 20th
century, spread over 119,384 m2.The building known as La Fonderie was constructed in 1942 by Hull Iron and Steel
Foundries.
Since 1946, it has housed, in turn, a household appliances manufacturing business, a warehouse and federal government offices.
In 1975, it was acquired by the National Capital Commission (NCC), was re-acquired in 2001 by Gatineau, and now
contains two soccer fields and a multisport centre. La Fonderie, located at 205 Montcalm and La Filature at 82 rue
Hanson have tremendous heritage value. The former train station housed a restaurant, while the building at De Lorimier has been vacant for several years.
2013 : IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation strategy: August 2013
By-law adjustments: December 2013
Networking and partnerships: December
20132
2014 : NTERVENTION PLAN
P1
Information brochure
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Summary
APRIL 2013
PLANNING CONTEXT
BUILT HERITAGE
Special Planning Program for downtown Gatineau
The history of the Hull sector has been
marked not only by the wood and paper
industries, but also the iron and steel industries. Because these are part of a
nation-wide network, La Fonderie and its
surroundings have acquired exceptional
historical and cultural significance, along
with the Domtar area, rue Montcalm, village d’Argentine, the Château d’eau and
La Filature.
Canada’s Capital Core Area Sector Plan
Gatineau’s Rapibus
CONTAMINATION
Historically, La Fonderie and its surroundings were the industrial core of the
former city of Hull. They included the
train yard, manufacturing industries and
the sawmill, all of which likely contaminated the soil and the water table.
These consequences are known and
remain a fact. In 1998, the provincial government introduced regulations in this
regard. The regulations stipulate that
former industrial sites, in this case property mainly owned by Gatineau and the
National Capital Commission, cannot be
developed without characterization
studies. Any required rehabilitation plans
must be approved by Quebec’s Minister
of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks.
Action plan for the downtown
P2
Information brochure
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Summary
APRIL 2013
DEVELOPMENT VISION
Developing La Fonderie and its surroundings to their full potential essentially requires a long-term solid and
unifying vision. Identifying a theme
with which everyone can identify at the
outset can help guide the process and
lend coherence to the project. This
vision is structured around the three
main themes that were highlighted
during the consultations and workshops with external partners.
La Fonderie and its surroundings are
above all a key link promoting coherence between the downtown core and
the boulevard Saint-Joseph corridor. In
addition, La Fonderie and its surroundings carry the promise of a new destination within the national capital region
and a new prime activity cluster in Gatineau.
The area focuses on its past in promoting its intrinsic historical assets. It is cultivated around cultural, historical and artistic themes that foster recreational
tourism and high tech activities, among
others, which in turn contribute to the
dynamism and economic viability of the
area. Success is conditional upon involvement by the private and public sectors at every level of government.
Finally, it is also a place that will be frequented by the residents of the adjacent
residential areas of Wrightville and Saint
Jean-de-Bosco, and that will be home to
the area’s future residents. In this regard,
La Fonderie and its surroundings are
characterized by a broad mix of uses, including commercial, institutional and
professional, that blend harmoniously
with the residential uses.
“…In
the workshops, sustainable development was naturally proposed by both internal
and external participants as a
macro perspective for the
sector’s revitalization”.
A DESTINATION WITH A REGIONAL RANGE
The area’s regional significance stems from the site’s special and unique location in Gatineau, on
the one hand, and within the national capital region on the other hand. La Fonderie and its surroundings are uniquely situated, and provide a development opportunity unlike any other in the
vicinity of the nation’s capital. This area could quickly become known for its current and accessible infrastructure, as well as any that will be built, making it a favourite destination and gathering place for Gatineau residents and visitors to the region.
A VOCATION BASED ON CULTURE
In addition to fulfilling its role as a regional destination, the special vocation of La Fonderie and
its surroundings must revolve around cultural, historical and artistic activities. The establishment
of new communication technology companies would complement this vocation and contribute
to the area’s visibility and economic viability, and would integrate naturally into the themes of
culture and arts.
A LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR RESIDENTS
There should be a range of activities in the area in order to promote its economic viability and to
focus first and foremost on nearby residents. The area should be characterized by a mix of uses, including residential, commercial and recreational activities. This part of the downtown is conducive
to residential development, and in that regard fulfils the PPU’s objectives. This cohabitation of different functions is an essential condition of sustainable development, which is a priority for this area.
P3
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Information brochure
Summary
APRIL 2013
DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
This area’s development would provide
the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to Gatineau’s sustainable development plan. The preservation and revitalization of a historical zone, the rehabilitation of contaminated properties, multipurpose redevelopment (institutional,
commercial, residential, etc.), the recycling of significant buildings, and the establishment of a public transit corridor are
all interventions that are consistent with
the ecological approach. As a cornerstone
of the project, sustainable development
also ties into the principles of smart
growth and new urbanism. With this in
mind, the focus would naturally be on coherent densification, sustainable and alternative transportation, a range of housing types and ecologically sound neighbourhoods.
Sustainable development as a cornerstone
of the plan for la Fonderie and its surroundings
Area
Promoting projects with a low
environmental impact (LEED CANADA-NC)
Vicinity
Practice responsible development
that takes into consideration the
expectations of the local community
– LEED-ND rating system
PDAD DU SECTEUR
DE LA FONDERIE
City
Ensure exemplary urban densification
This section presents three land use
principles. Each one addresses issues of
specific interest to the area, and helps
design a series of tangible measures.
These principles are in line with the
global approach to sustainable development.
DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES
The first principle is to promote the
area’s intrinsic heritage. Its focus is on
preserving its spirit and on revitalizing
the built, landscape and natural heritage.
The second principle is to link the area
to its environment by fostering efficient
connections that emphasize active
transportation modes (urban fabric and
networking). Finally, the third principle
is to integrate the area into the local
urban environment (uses, density, built
form and quality of development).
The principles, as well as the proposed
measures, are organized around three
levels of urban intervention: the area of
La Fonderie and its surroundings, the vicinity of the area and the city. This approach provides the opportunity to
clarify the degree of control that would
be exercised by Gatineau and to situate
the potential stakeholders.
P4
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Information brochure
Summary
APRIL 2013
URBAN DESIGN CONCEPT
The proposed development plan is in
line with the orientations of the special
planning program (PPU) and Canada’s
Capital Core Area Sector Plan.
It reflects the opinions expressed in the
workshops by providing a tangible expression of a development vision from
the sustainable development perspective. In this regard, the urban fabric and
the transportation axes play a key role.
The scenarios were explored and assessed taking into consideration,
among other things, a re-construction
of this fabric, and optimal utilization of
the public transit corridor.
With this focus on sustainable transportation and the new urbanism, the purpose of the public transit corridor is not
limited to function but extends to improving the quality of life. In this regard,
the infrastructures should be treated as
unique growth opportunities rather
than as artificial divisions.
In terms of sustainable development,
the redevelopment concept for the area
is based on the LEED-ND approach indicated in the development principles for
the area. A 3D simulation of the built
framework accompanies and illustrates
the redevelopment concept. Its aim is
to present the urban fabric, uses and
the template of the built framework for
the area as a whole. All of this would
provide the foundation for the regulatory framework (zoning) and a preliminary program for the urban development strategy.
The concept is inspired by the following key points:
A green promenade
l A route along the Rapibus corridor dedicated to active transportation
A dynamic east-west link
l An opening through the urban fabric
A multi-purpose cluster
l For a range of activities
An ecological neighbourhood
l For sustainable living
An integrated network of public plazas
l For getting together
PERSPECTIVE OVERALL
It should be noted that in addition to
the area, this proposed plan would integrate a parcel of land owned by the
NCC. The concept would also serve the
objectives of Canada’s Capital Core Area
Sector Plan.
P5
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Summary
APRIL 2013
A green promenade
l A green route along the Rapibus corridor
dedicated to active transportation
What makes the concept unique is essentially the vast green promenade, which
completely overhauls the area’s appearance, and spurs greater coherence among
the area’s different components. This
promenade is a communal place where
people of all ages can get together, and an
ecological space where active transportation dominates. This natural green promenade lends itself to a pleasant human experience in transportation, and to the promotion of urban perspectives and landscapes.
The green promenade runs along the strip
of land adjacent to the current Rapibus
corridor. It links the rue Montcalm and
boulevard Alexandre-Taché stations. It is
seen as bordered by expressive and lively
architectural façades, play areas, rest areas
and exceptional urban real estate projects.
This green promenade also provides an
urban landscape screen that buffers the
impact of busy roads and heat islands. This
long green avenue abuts the residential
neighbourhood and the Chars-de-Combat
park, while providing the opportunity to
further densify these zones.
The green promenade runs alongside the
public transit corridor over approximately
800 m, between boulevard AlexandreTaché and rue Montcalm. This promenade
would have different sections, defined by
the different landscaping and visual arrangements aimed at optimizing the
urban experience and the quality of the
layout of the built framework.
Three key segments proposed:
1
Boulevard Montcalm
The Montcalm and Saint-Jean-Bosco segment
Measuring approximately 180 m (from Saint-Jean-Bosco to Montcalm),
the first segment is integrated into the central public plaza of La Fonderie, with views of La Fonderie and the train station.
2
The Saint-Jean-Bosco and Murray segment
Saint-Jean-Bosco
The eco-neighbourhood segment (400 m between the rue Murray extension and Saint-Jean-Bosco). The promenade would be no more than 10 m
wide to ensure that it does not impede the construction of future buildings. Nonetheless, the concept proposes a series of small open areas at
certain spots where the promenade intersects local pedestrian malls.
These small areas are on the west side of the promenade. This measure
stems from the wish to create an attractive promenade that combines
social activities, areas to relax or just opportunities to walk in a pleasant
and safe setting. Each small area would be a doorway to the econeighbourhood, and would have a different theme marking a focal point
for the activities.
Murray
The Salaberry Armoury segment
3
Alexandre-Taché
StaƟon Rapibus
Parc des Chars-de-combat
The heritage building, the Rapibus station and the pathways to UQO and
Saint-Joseph have to be harmoniously integrated if they are to be developed to their full potential. This section would be approximately 10 m wide.
The heritage building, the Rapibus station and the pathways to UQO and
Saint-Joseph have to be harmoniously integrated if they are to be developed to their full potential. This section would be approximately 10 m wide.
Boulevard Saint-Joseph
StaƟon Rapibus
Rue Montcalm
Green Promenade
Actif transport
1
2
3
P6
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
APRIL 2013
Summary
A dynamic east-west link
l An urban opening
A permeable urban fabric
From the perspective of the city
The area must be opened up if it is to be
integrated with downtown life. This why it
is important for the concept to include
links that unify the different sites, such as
rue Montcalm, ruisseau de la Brasserie, the
Saint-Joseph axis and promenade du Lacdes-Fées. The extension of rue Saint-JeanBosco would be in line with this design, as
it would enhance the network’s functionality through vehicle and intermodal
transportation.
The new Saint-Jean-Bosco axis would incorporate a pedestrian mall with access to
ruisseau de la Brasserie. The 2009 PPU for
the downtown already provided for a pedestrian overpass spanning ruisseau de la
Brasserie. The link with the new SaintJean-Bosco axis would consolidate the
urban experience, and encourage exploration of the new activity cluster at La
Fonderie, the St-Joseph Latin quarter, and
the Montcalm cultural district.
The new Saint-Jean-Bosco axis is included
in the current five-year plan for the
downtown’s development. This axis would
also be the only connection over the short
and medium terms requiring an overpass
for the Rapibus corridor in this sector. In
the longer term, rue Murray (between rue
Saint-Joseph and village d’Argentine)
could also receive a pedestrian overpass.
The proposed development would open up the area by creating
a permeable urban fabric.
From the perspective of the vicinity
Saint-Jean-Bosco
Montcalm
From the perspective of the vicinity of La Fonderie and its surroundings , this concept promotes a functional design, with the
priority on pedestrians. The overall concept for the streets
(network, configuration, etc.), is designed to reduce speeding and
avoid thru-traffic. The sidewalks and bicycle lanes would make it
easier to get around. A series of east-west walkways would connect the green promenade, the central public plaza, the parc des
Chars-de-combat and the residential areas.
A new street to the east of parc des Chars-de-combat would run
through the residential neighbourhood as an extension of rue
Graham, and would connect to Saint-Jean-Bosco. As well, the current access to the site through rue Montcalm would have a street
running along La Fonderie and connecting to Saint-Jean-Bosco.
Murray
Alexandre-Taché
StaƟon Rapibus
Parc des Chars-de-combat
Saint-Jean-Bosco
Boulevard Saint-Joseph
New segment to build
StaƟon Rapibus
Rue Montcalm
Hanson street
P7
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
APRIL 2013
Summary
A multi-purpose cluster
l An activity cluster
Two scenarios for La Fonderie
The interface of La Fonderie and its surroundings with rue Montcalm is a key sequence in the city’s cultural axis. The office
towers to the north provide a reminder of
the need to promote synergy and to focus
any current and future development as
much as possible in this segment, which is
currently fragmented by road infrastructures.
According to the PPU for the downtown,
multi-functionality is a key element for this
segment, both to the north and south of
rue Montcalm. The proposed concept aims
to densify this cluster through mixed uses,
including an adapted and integrated built
framework.
A new building could be constructed near
La Fonderie, providing complementary or
entirely separate uses. The street level
would be open and accessible to pedestrians (entertainment, cafés, boutiques,
public market, etc.). The building would rise
no higher than La Fonderie. The idea is to
harmoniously integrate the new structure
while highlighting the heritage building.
The uses of the buildings of heritage interest (2 rue De Lorimer and 205 rue Montcalm) would be linked to the rest of the
area. Notwithstanding their current state of
disrepair, it would be best to restore and integrate them. Such interventions were included in the action plan for the
downtown’s development. It would be easy
to connect the uses of 2 rue De Lorimier
with those of La Fonderie, and to add service and office activities. As for 205 rue
Montcalm, given its location and tremendous visibility, it could easily accommodate
activities such as a restaurant, a sustainable
development centre, antique shops and
specialty shops. Uses that are complementary with those of La Fonderie would be
best in order to avoid fragmentation.
The train station is another important reminder of the area’s long history. It is a historical reference point for the public plaza.
The development of this structure to its full
potential is largely dependent on the measures adopted for this area. Other options
would be preserving the station or replacing it with a contemporary style structure. It
could easily be returned to its original use
by moving the departure and arrival station
for the tourist train to this site. It could also
be used as a small seasonal market, as an
accessory building to the large public
plaza, or as a tourist information office.
Scénario A
Transform the entire building in order to accommodate a major municipal department.
Scénario B
Street level fully or partially accessible to the public
Saint-Jean-Bosco
Montcalm
- Permanent public market
- Restaurants
- Artisans’ centre
- Art galleries, etc.
- Artists’ workshops
- Recording studios
- Media centre
- Movie theatre, with projection rooms
- Dance studios
- Trade fairs
- Meeting rooms, etc.
Murray
The public plaza is the core of the multi-purpose activities cluster. It measures between 4,500 m² and 5,000 m², and could be used for a range of
events with up to 3,000 spectators (e.g. the Festival de l’Outaouais Émergent, an outdoor circus, buskers, etc.). It is also essential that this public
plaza be available for activities throughout the year, and it must be designed to serve this purpose.
Alexandre-Taché
StaƟon Rapibus
Parc des Chars-de-combat
Boulevard Saint-Joseph
Édifice de la Fonderie
StaƟon Rapibus
Place centrale
Rue Montcalm
Mixité fonctionnelle
East of the Rapibus, along rue Montcalm,
larger scale buildings could accommodate
hotels and restaurants, offices, businesses,
personal care and any activity that would fit
with the area’s new spirit and help bring it
to life.
P8
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Summary
APRIL 2013
An ecological neighbourhood
lFor sustainable living
Densification
A
La Fonderie and its surroundings constitute
a large expanse of downtown land. Reurbanizing this obsolete industrial area
would provide the opportunity to add different types of housing, and to consolidate
the built framework in line with new projects that integrate community-oriented
and environmentally-friendly homes.
South of the new Saint-Jean-Bosco axis and
to the west of the green promenade lies a
high-density residential neighbourhood,
built in accordance with the principles of
eco-neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood
has a network of semi-public inner courtyards that are conducive to active transportation, social activities and urban gardens.
A portion of the neighbourhood’s ground
floors could be reserved for community services (e.g. day care, health care). This area
has approximately 29,700 m2 of land suitable for construction.
In order to promote urban densification
and optimal use of the area, the proposal
for La Fonderie and its surroundings includes developing the southern portion of
parc des Chars-de-combat, which is currently owned by the National Capital Commission. This less used wooded area could
become a focal point for development because of its strategic location in relation to
the park, the Rapibus station and UQO. This
area has approximately 4,800 m2 of land
suitable for construction. Its location would
allow for buildings of up to 15 stories,
which could mean approximately 200 new
dwellings.
B
Saint-Jean-Bosco
Montcalm
The proposed concept promotes a dense built framework with an
eight-story maximum building height along rue Saint-Jean-Bosco and
at the front of parc des Chars-de-combat. However, proper integration
would require a variation on the Jean-Dallaire neighbourhood style.
Overall, this area could accommodate 700 to 1,100 dwellings.
Saint-Jean-Bosco,
the core of the community
The proposed concept identifies the new Saint-Jean-Bosco axis as the
core of the community. Most of the private homes are along boulevard
Saint-Joseph, and public/recreational equipment is concentrated on
Saint-Jean-Bosco.
Murray
Alexandre-Taché
StaƟon Rapibus
Parc des Chars-de-combat
Boulevard Saint-Joseph
StaƟon Rapibus
Rue Montcalm
1
1
The concept allows for flexibility in the
event that a large area is required for major
institutional projects (R&D centre, university pavilions, etc.). This means functional
flexibility for the entire area, including
mixed uses at street level.
The east side of the public transit corridor,
which is attached to the Jean-Dallaire residential neighbourhood, would remain
dedicated to residential use. The built
framework would be properly integrated
into the existing context, while at the same
time promoting some high density portions (eight-story maximum).
La Fonderie
Central Area
Multi-purpose cluster
Coupe 1_ 1
P9
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Summary
APRIL 2013
An integrated network of public plazas
l For getting together
From the perspective of the city, the core of
the neighbourhood’s network of public
plazas would be the central area at the intersection of rue Montcalm and the green
promenade. The public plaza, the parc de
Chars-de-combat and the ruisseau de la
Brasserie fit into the municipal and regional
context, and provide different urban experiences: a public plaza, a recreational park
and an active transportation route.
The green promenade is a north-south
linear space subdivided into different
public places (play areas, spa gardens,
stone gardens, etc.).
From the perspective of the vicinity, the
Saint-Jean-Bosco community centre and its
recreational amenities (e.g. pool and outdoor play structure) enhance the area’s
appeal, particularly for families.
The inner courtyards of the urban fabric are
part of the network of green places linked
by a tertiary pathway that attract local and
neighbouring residents. Some of the courtyards could become community gardens.
The multi-purpose cluster would require
underground or multilevel parking. These
parking spots would connect directly with
the pedestrian network and the green
promenade, and would serve all of the
buildings in the neighbourhood. Outdoor
parking spots would also be available for
some buildings, but they would have to
blend in with the landscaping.
StaƟon Rapibus
Parc des Chars-de-combat
Boulevard Saint-Joseph
StaƟon Rapibus
Rue Montcalm
Vehicle access to the neighbourhood
would mainly be through rue Saint-JeanBosco, which provides access to the garage
entrances and delivery bays.
Public plaza, etc.
Community centre
Central Area
Multi-purpose cluster
P 10
Information brochure
Land use and development master plan
for La Fonderie an its surroundings
Summary
APRIL 2013
IMPLEMENTATION
The proposed land use and development master plan for La Fonderie and
its surroundings is part of a development and promotion effort involving all
stakeholders. The strategy for implementing the plan must therefore take
into consideration the commitment of
private sector and public sector players
at every level. The project’s financial stability depends on securing the engagement of partners and optimizing resources.
One of the first measures would be to
set up a governance structure for the
municipal interventions. In addition, a
communication structure aimed at setting the project and its orientations in
context would be essential to the process. The decision-making aspects related to cultural, commercial and residential development would all have to
be taken into consideration as well.
KEY FACTORS IN A DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY:
Governance and municipal measures
Communication structure
Networking and partnership
Development model
Stages and deadlines
LA FONDERIE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS / DOWNTOWN OF GATINEAU
P 11