Marquis-Bissonnette suggests brand images to revitalize commercial streets

Taylor Clark

Action Gatineau head Maude Marquis-Bissonnette unveiled her commitments to revitalize the City’s commercial arteries to journalists in Old Aylmer on May 13.

“I want people to be proud to live in Gatineau. Currently, we need to stand out, and there is no shortage of opportunities,” Marquis-Bissonnette wrote in a press release. “It’s time to recognize and celebrate what makes each neighbourhood unique, with a focus on local economic development and the vitality of our commercial streets.”

With distinct neighbourhoods, Gatineau was like a puzzle with each piece representing a rich diversity, but the closure of iconic local businesses has left missing pieces, ultimately weakening the economic fabric of the City.

“The pandemic, as we know, has had a hard impact on our small businesses, as has online purchasing. And actually, when it comes to online shopping, the solution is quite simple,” said Marquis-Bissonnette. “This means that, from now on, either people will buy online, or they will move to environments that will be attractive.”

While people are proud of their unique neighbourhoods, Marquis-Bissonnette said a greater vision was possible. To reach the peak of attractiveness, the Action Gatineau candidate shared plans to adopt a commercial development policy, created in conjunction with local stakeholders and citizens, by the end of her mandate.

To shape the policy, she proposed reducing the taxes on commercial spaces, a new power given to municipalities that Marquis-Bissonnette said would give businesses some breathing room. The candidate would also like to see modifications to regulations to reduce the cost of pedestrianizing streets during events and to authorize the holding of ephemeral activities and businesses in vacant premises.

“Recently, I was here for Le Vieux-Aylmer se sucre le bec. The street was not pedestrianized despite the business association’s desire to do so. For what? Because it costs too much to do it for the City.”

Marquis-Bissonnette would also like to sustain and enhance the Animation and revitalization support fund which assists in financing cultural displays and activities in commercial arteries to strengthen Gatineau’s cultural identity.

“We want to make room for the cultural community to liven up commercial streets … People see that it brings quality of life. It’s a good way to vitalize our commercial arteries, to create a feeling of belonging, and to highlight our identities, which are specific to different sectors. The reality is not the same in Buckingham as in Aylmer.”

If elected, Marquis-Bissonnette committed to strengthening ties with business associations by listening to their local needs and supporting the development of distinct brand images for each commercial street by highlighting its unique character with street furniture and public art.

“The people I meet on the ground are merchants, entrepreneurs, artists, and citizens mobilized for our future. I want to work with them to give them the means to act.”

Photo caption: If elected as Gatineau’s mayor, Action Gatineau candidate Maude Marquis-Bissonnette plans to adopt a commercial development policy to revitalize the City’s commercial arteries.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark