The transfer of a portion of the Asticou Centre lands to the province of Quebec

Petition: 527

Issue(s): Biological diversity, Compliance and enforcement, Environmental assessment, Human/environmental health

Petitioner(s): A Canadian organization

Petitioner location(s): Gatineau, Quebec

Date received: 24 January 2025

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition raises concerns about Public Services and Procurement Canada’s transfer of the Asticou Centre to Quebec. According to the petition, the Asticou Centre was approved for transfer to Quebec for the development of a university-affiliated medical centre, and the remaining land will be transferred to the National Capital Commission for use by Gatineau Park.

The petition notes that Gatineau Park is not legally protected by any act of Parliament, as it was never formally designated as a national park. The petitioner expresses concerns over the 90 plant species and 60 animal species that are at risk at the provincial or federal level. The petition asks the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement to explain the measures that have been taken to identify and protect at-risk species on lands comprising the Asticou Centre.

The petition asks the Minister of Environment and Climate Change whether an environmental assessment will be conducted for the development project as part of the transfer agreement with Quebec. In addition, the petition inquires whether Quebec will have conditions imposed on it to ensure the protection of at-risk species during the construction phase of the hospital project and during the hospital’s operation.

The petition claims that a medical facility is incompatible with a protected area like the Asticou Centre. The petition asks the Minister of Public Services and Procurement whether any conditions were imposed on Quebec to protect at-risk species as a condition of the land transfer and whether there are plans to preserve elements of the built heritage of the Asticou Centre.

Federal departments/organizations responsible for reply: Environment and Climate Change Canada; Impact Assessment Agency of Canada; National Capital Commission; Public Services and Procurement Canada