Chelsea to open first public access points to Gatineau River in major regional investment

Tashi Farmilo

For the first time in its history, the Municipality of Chelsea is developing official public access points to the Gatineau River, responding to years of local demand and a growing commitment to sustainable, inclusive infrastructure. The project, supported by $210,000 in funding from the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, forms part of a broader $1.2 million regional investment into community-based development across six municipalities.

Set for completion in spring 2026, the work will include three distinct river access sites. A universally accessible dock and a 125-metre open-water swimming corridor will be built in front of Farm Point Park, providing a rare public space for safe and structured recreation. Two additional access points for non-motorized watercraft will be constructed: one near the Farm Point Community Centre, the other at the end of chemin Burnett. The project is being developed in line with provincial environmental regulations, with preparatory work already underway while the Municipality awaits final approvals from Québec’s Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks.

The announcement follows a public consultation process that confirmed strong community support for river access. Alongside the construction of new infrastructure, the Farm Point Park service chalet is being renovated to improve accessibility and will include new restrooms and changing facilities. The Municipality has also committed to working with the Société de sauvetage du Québec to meet safety standards and to implementing measures that will ensure respectful use of the space by visitors and nearby residents alike.

Chelsea Mayor Pierre Guénard emphasized the significance of the project, describing the river as central to both the community’s history and its daily life. He called the initiative a move to “democratize” access to the river in a way that is environmentally respectful and socially inclusive, marking a shift in how public space is envisioned and shared.

This investment in Chelsea is one of several projects across the region supported by the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais through Québec’s Fonds régions et ruralité – Volet 3, administered by the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation. Other municipalities benefiting from the funding include Cantley, where a multipurpose path is under construction, and L’Ange-Gardien, which is enhancing its regional park facilities. In La Pêche, efforts are underway to restore the presbytery, while Pontiac is investing in upgrades to local parks in Luskville and Quyon. Val-des-Monts will convert a historic church into a new cultural centre, blending heritage preservation with modern community use.

Prefect of the MRC, Marc Carrière, framed the initiative as part of a shared vision for regional sustainability and community resilience. “These investments make it possible to realize a shared vision of the sustainable development of our territory,” he said.