Gatineau, June 6, 2014. – Ville de Gatineau and the National Capital Commission are pleased to announce that they have given the green light to the Jacques-Cartier street shoreline redevelopment project.

"We are very proud today to proceed with the first earth turning for this eagerly anticipated project. Once completed, Jacques-Cartier Street will be punctuated by a number of features along the shoreline aimed at opening access to the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers, and giving users the opportunity to enjoy an outstanding view," indicated Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.

The Jacques-Cartier Street shoreline redevelopment project, estimated at $43 million, is being financed by Gatineau and the National Capital Commission. The NCC confirmed its involvement in the project as follows: $10 million with the signing of the contract for the work, and the transfer of land estimated at $6 million in the boulevard de la Cité portion.

"Our $16 million participation in this project will create, for residents and visitors to our region, a new and contemporary relationship with the waterfront, the river and the panoramic view of the core of the Capital. This partnership with Gatineau fits our mandate to build a National Capital Region that is a source of pride for all," added NCC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Kristmanson.

The work will be carried out by Excavation Loiselle Inc., and should take from the summer of 2014 to the fall of 2015. It will cover 3.2 km between the Lady-Aberdeen Bridge and Saint-Louis Street. It will include stabilizing and naturalizing the river banks, repairing the roads, building a lane with parking at the back of the residential lots, and other features such as a multi-purpose pathway, gazebos, rest areas for cyclists, docks, parks, urban furnishings and light standards.

The development concept was presented to the area's residents during public consultations first in 2006 and then in 2009 after the project had been fine-tuned and tabled.

For additional information about this project, visit www.gatineau.ca (keyword: Jacques-Cartier).