Dear residents,
Here is an overview of the main files that moved forward in Chelsea over the past month.
Open-water swimming: our main new feature
Let's start with a project generating a lot of interest: the open-water swimming corridor, a pilot project set up in the Gatineau River, extending from the Farm Point municipal dock. Since June 19, autonomous swimmers can enjoy a 125-metre, buoy-marked corridor every day, from 7 a.m. until two hours before sunset, through August 31. More than 90 people have already signed the risk acceptance form.
The corridor is designed for autonomous swimmers who are comfortable in a natural setting. It is not a supervised swimming area: there are no lifeguards on site. Some residents have expressed the wish to be able to simply take a dip; however, Québec's Safety Code requires supervision in order to allow that kind of swimming. All safety rules, the schedule and the weekly water-quality rating are available on the project's webpage.
We are aware that many residents would like to see supervised recreational swimming offered here one day. We hear that. That's why your feedback on the pilot project will be so valuable: the results will help us determine whether adding a supervision service will be discussed during the 2027 budget process. I invite you to fill out the feedback form on our Cocoriko platform, in the Public Consultations section of our website. A summary report of the comments received will be tabled with Council this fall.
Our thanks to our partner, Friends of the Gatineau River, for their valuable contribution to bringing this project to life.
Water access
The swimming corridor is part of a broader effort to improve public access to the river. This is a complex file, with a range of views. To move forward responsibly, Council awarded to the firm BC2 a mandate to develop a strategy and action plan for water access at its July 7 meeting. The goal: to reach a shared vision by the end of 2026 and concretely inform the 2027 budget process.
Council is also authorized civil-engineering expertise for the shoreline development plan at chemin Burnett. This plan will only be durable if runoff from the upper part of the road is properly managed; this expertise will make it possible to design the drainage structure needed to develop the site in a way that lasts and respects the river.
Recreation
In recreation and culture, I'd like to highlight a wonderful community project. More than 300 students from École Montessori de Chelsea and Chelsea Elementary School came together to create a collective mural, the Francoderole, now permanently installed at the Meredith Centre arena. A fine example of what our community can accomplish together.
Pickleball keeps growing in Chelsea. On June 27, our Recreation team held an introductory session at Farm Point Park, led by Mr. Jean-Pierre de Beaumont. To give residents more places to play, we've lined three courts at Farm Point and two at Hollow Glen. Building on this momentum, Council has submitted a funding application to the PAFIRSPA program to build two permanent pickleball courts at parc du Ruisseau, which would allow safe, drop-in play seven months a year, for all ages.
Finally, thanks to a $15,500 contribution from Philanthropie Outaouais, our Recreation Department, in partnership with Maison de la famille l'Étincelle, will offer free-play workshops this summer, "À la découverte du jeu libre," in our parks, from 9 to 11 a.m.: July 12 at parc du Ruisseau, July 19 at Hollow Glen Park and August 9 at Farm Point Park.
Environment
On the environmental front, we are continuing an important initiative to protect the Meech Creek connectivity corridor. Following the notice of motion given in May, the by-law has now been adopted. This corridor plays an essential role in our ecological network: it links Gatineau Park to the Gatineau River. The proposed perimeter, ranging from roughly 125 to 550 metres wide depending on the sector, aims to protect key habitats and wildlife movement corridors while taking the area's realities into account.
Council also extended, across the entire municipality, the ban on internally-lit signs already in place in the centre-village. It's a concrete step to reduce light pollution and protect the natural character that makes Chelsea what it is.
Public Works
Road safety also remains a priority. On Route 105, between Chemin de la Côte-d'Un-Mille and Chemin d'Old Chelsea, new measures will aim to reduce speeds: a mobile photo radar will be deployed near Chemin Brock, and we are assessing the addition of speed-reduction markers on certain sections of Chemin d'Old Chelsea.
Public Works will also carry out asphalt resurfacing on sections of several roads this summer to give drivers a smoother ride. The team also plans to finalize the plans and specifications for the stabilization work on the Voie Verte, in the Vallée sector, so it can be carried out next spring.
It's also important to note that major work by the ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (Québec's Ministry of Transport) will take place this summer on the Chemin de la Rivière bridge, between Chemin Saint-Clément and Chemin de la Carrière. The work involves repairing the bridge's foundations and replacing its deck. It should begin sometime later this July and last about 14 weeks. Since the bridge will be fully closed during this period, detours will be in place — please plan your trips accordingly. Details will be posted in the Roadwork section of PiVOT once the exact dates are confirmed.
In closing
As you can see, summer is already in full swing in Chelsea. I wish you all a wonderful season.
This page was last updated on July 8, 2026
