Sustainable Development Strategic Vision 2040 - Municipality of Chelsea JANUARY 2021 - Municipalité ...
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Sustainable Development Strategic Vision 2040
Municipality of Chelsea
FINAL VERSION
JANUARY 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BACKGROUND
2. PROCESS AND APPROACH
3. SURVEY RESULTS
4. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
4.2 DESIRED OUTCOME (Where do we want to be?)
4.3 INTERVENTION MEASURES (How do we get there?)
5. CONCLUSION (planning and development challenges)
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 2
1. BACKGROUND
1. MISE EN CONTEXTE
Background
• Last February, the Schéma d’aménagement et de développement révisé de la MRC des Collines-de-
l’Outaouais was adopted. To ensure consistency with this documents, the Municipality of Chelsea wishes
to carry out a review of its Master Plan and municipal by-laws, which date back to 2005.
• Following the recent installation of wastewater infrastructure (sewer and water supply systems) in
Chelsea’s Centre-Village and sewage works in Farm Point, the municipality could witness the arrival more
than 1,000 new dwellings, not withstanding the other urban development projects planned across the
territory.
• Within this context, the Municipality of Chelsea has initiated a strategic visioning exercise in collaboration
with the community. Moreover, a study of the residential and commercial real estate markets as well as an
environmental study have been carried out to prepare this diagnostic assessment of the territory which
will be used to guide the Master Plan and planning by-laws review process.
• This diagnostic assessment of the territory is likewise based on the continuous involvement of the
community, as well as on the by-laws, policies and action plans that the Municipality of Chelsea has
implemented over the past few years.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 4
1. MISE EN CONTEXTE
FARM POINT
• The Municipality of Chelsea encompasses an area of
113 km2 and can be accessed by Highway 5 (Autoroute
de la Gatineau), route 105 and Notch Road.
• The territory is bounded to the east by the Gatineau
River and to the west by Gatineau Park. It is an integral
part of the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais’s territory.
PARC DE
LA GATINEAU
• The Municipality of Chelsea is comprised of two
urbanization perimeters: Centre-Village and Farm
CENTRE-VILLAGE
Point, as identified in the Schéma d’aménagement et de
développement révisé de la MRC des Collines-de-
l’Outaouais.
Source : MRC des Collines-de-l ’Outaouais (2019). Schéma d’aménagement et de développement révisé.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 5
1. MISE EN CONTEXTE
The bulk of the built environment is low density and consists of
detached single-family homes, with the exception of an
industrial land use zone and two urbanization perimeters.
CENTRE-VILLAGE
• The Centre-Village’s urbanization perimeter encompasses an
area of 4,849,239 m2 and is located at the south end of the
municipality.
• This perimeter includes linear-type residential
neighbourhoods on either side of Highway 5, for the most
part along the corridor of Old Chelsea Road.
• Three major residential development projects are currently
underway: Chelsea Creek, Hendrick Farm and the Quartier
Meredith community.
FARM POINT
PARC DE
LA GATINEAU
• Farm Point’s urbanization perimeter encompasses an area
of 1,700,683 m2 and is located at the north end of the
municipality.
• It holds 126 residences, the majority of which are single-
Source : MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais (2019). Schéma d’aménagement et de développement révisé.
family detached homes.
• Approximately 40% of the perimeter consists of vacant lots.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 6
2. PROCESS AND APPROACH
2. PROCESS AND APPROACH
Overall Process
UPCOMING
Adoption and
Strategic visioning Redrafting of
Master Plan review implementation of
exercise planning by-laws
by-laws by the MRC
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 8
2. PROCESS AND APPROACH
Strategic Visioning Exercise Process
The Municipality of Chelsea’s planning and development vision consultation process is two-fold:
▪ Step 1: carry out a survey among Chelsea’s general population
▪ Step 2: conduct consultations with various stakeholder groups:
Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC)
Roads Committee
Elected municipal officials
Recreation and Comunity Life Advisory Committee
(Mayor and municipal councillors)
Planning and Sustainable Development Advisory Committee (PSDAC)
The Municipal Council Working Committe
Public and government bodies
Residents’ associations
Business associations
Local and community groups Sports groups
Environmental groups
Academic groups
Other non-profit community groups
Neighbourhood association representatives
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 9
2. PROCESS AND APPROACH
Strategic Visioning Exercise Process
The consultation and survey questions responses were intended to:
Provide an accurate picture of the current state of the Municipality of Chelsea by identifying its strengths,
Where are we? weaknesses, opportunities and challenges.
Where do we Identify the desired outcome based on the various vision components suggested for the municipality’s
want to be? development as we look toward 2040.
How do we get Drawing from the suggested courses of action, determine which measures should be adopted to achieve this
there? vision, and that can be implemented in the short term.
Following the consultations and the compiling of the public survey answers, the team from Brodeur Frenette synthesized the
points that will be most critical for the upcoming review phase of the sustainable development strategic vision 2040 and
identified Chelsea’s key planning and development challenges.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 10METHODS USED
The Municipality employed several methods to encourage The survey was also sent to the members of the Planning
community participation in this process. and Sustainable Development Advisory Committee, the
Recreation and Community Life Advisory Committee and
First, personalized email invitations were sent to the the Natural Resources Advisory Committee.
municipality’s community group representatives and
stakeholders, including community organizations, sports Finally, all residents were given the opportunity to submit
groups, schools and daycares, environmental groups, and comments and suggestions at any time at plan@chelsea.ca,
to the various levels of government. A second round of a new email address specifically created for this process.
invitations were sent to local business representatives,
including business owners and real estate developers.
Then, each district councillor selected two residents actively
involved in the community to be invited to participate in
the special residents-only workshop.
To increase public participation in the online survey, notices
were posted on all the municipality’s communication
platforms, such as its Facebook page, website, newsletter
and the municipal publication that is mailed to all
households in Chelsea.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 112. PROCESS AND APPROACH
The Survey
• The Municipality of Chelsea prepared and published a survey on the Survey Monkey
platform between June 2 and July 10, 2020.
• Over 900 respondents provided answers to this survey, of which most responded to
every question.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 122. PROCESS AND APPROACH
Consultation Meetings
• Six (6) consultation meetings took place with various stakeholders between April 16
and May 6, 2020.
• The following groups participated:
• Municipal council members: 7 participants (1 group)
• Community groups and local stakeholders: more than 30 community organizations divided into 5 groups
• Community organization representatives and interests group, including La Fab, the Gatineau Valley Historical
Society, the Table de développement social des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, the Des Collines Seniors’ Roundtable,
the Grace United Church, the Mill Road Community Space, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de
l’Outaouais, the Meredith Centre, the Cascades Club, the Larrimac and Dunnderosa golf clubs, Chelsea Trails, the
Chelsea Forest School, the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais,
Action Chelsea for the Respect of the Environment (ACRE), the Friends of the Gatineau River and the Agence
Bassin Versant des 7
• Chelsea’s business owners, real estate developers and entrepreneurs
• Public entities: Transcollines, the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais, the ministère des Transports du Québec, the
National Capital Commission
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE • Group of residents selected by each district councillor 133. SURVEY RESULTS General Population Consultation
3. SURVEY RESULTS
Q1. Who are you?
1%
42%
Man
Woman
57%
Other
922 respondents
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 153. SURVEY RESULTS
Q2. Are you?
5%
A Chelsea homeowner and/or
business owner
Neither a Chelsea homeowner or
business owner
95% 922 respondents
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 163. SURVEY RESULTS
Q3. In which district is your residence or business located?
6%
6%
14% District 1
District 2
29%
District 3
District 4
12%
District 5
District 6
I don't know
12%
922 respondents
21%
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 173. SURVEY RESULTS
Q4. To which age group do you belong?
2% 1% 3%
17% Under 18
14%
Ages 18-24
Ages 25-34
Ages 35-44
Ages 45-54
21%
21% Ages 55-64
Ages 65 and over
No response/non applicable
21% 922 respondents
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 183. SURVEY RESULTS
Q5. What is the primary language you speak at home?
1%
39%
French
English
60% Other
922 respondents
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 193. SURVEY RESULTS
Q6. What do Chelsea residents care about the most?
Please rank the following categories in order of importance (1 being the most important and 6 being the least important).
6
The natural environment
Finding
5 The outdoors, sports and recreation
Community involvement Chelsea residents attach more
4 importance to their quality of life
Local business and being able to enjoy the
3 Heritage/local history
outdoors than to cultural activities
and protecting the municipality’s
Culture and the arts heritage.
2
1
868 respondents
0
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 203. SURVEY RESULTS
Q7. What other aspect is important to résidents?
Village
character
and quality
of life Environmental protection (41) Finding
(83) Traffic and
tranquility
(70)
Residents appreciate the quality of
Affordable housing (14) life and tranquility that comes with
Chelsea’s village character and
Public access to the river (15) they do not wish to see the
municipality become a “suburban
community.”
Access to child-oriented activities and facilities (7)
Better public expenditure management and debt reduction (7)
Transparency on the part of the municipality (6)
Access to outdoor, sports and recreation activities (4)
Short-term residential accommodation (1)
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 213. SURVEY RESULTS
Q8. What are the key strengths of the Municipality of Chelsea?
Please answer in the order of importance (1 being the most important and 8 being the least important).
8
Quality of the natural environment and community lifestyle
7 Its sports and recreation Finding
6 Proximity of the municipality to major urban centres
What residents believe to be the
Transportation infrastructures and mobility options
municipality’s strengths are in line
5
Community engagement and citizen involvement with what they value the most, i.e.
4 Its heritage/local history quality of the natural environment
and sports and recreation.
Its arts and culture
3
A dynamic economy
2
1
805 respondents
0
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 223. SURVEY RESULTS
Q9. What are the Municipality of Chelsea’s other key strenghts?
Green
spaces and
Finding
biodiversity Bilingualism (17)
(29)
A peaceful Residents value the peace and
rural way of
life privacy that the municipality
(34) currently offers, and its green
spaces.
Proximity to the Gatineau Park and Gatineau
River (23)
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 233. SURVEY RESULTS
Q10. What are the key weaknesses of the Municipality of Chelsea?
Please answer in the order of importance (1 being the most important and 8 being the least important).
6 Lack of municipal services and infrastructure
High cost of housing Findings
5
Heritage protection The lack of municipal services and
4 infrastructure as well as the high
Limites
d access to affordable commercial products and services cost of housing have been raised
3 as the municipality’s key
Recreational services weaknesses.
2 Cultural and arts services While heritage protection has not
been identified by residents as the
Sports services and facilities most important aspect, it was in
1
their opinion the 3rd greatest
Restrive configuration of the municipality
weakness.
0
752 respondents
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 243. SURVEY RESULTS
Q11. What are the Municipality of Chelsea’s other key weaknesses?
Rapid rate of residential
development Insufficiency of environment protection
(57) and climate change adaptation
measures
Findings
(47)
Road traffic speed and congestion and The real estate development of the past
the limited supply of public and active few years is perceived as a threat to the
transit options (46)
Residents have little influence in the
municipality’s peaceful village character
decision-making process and there is a and to its sense of community.
lack of public transparency (35)
Many residents want the municipality to
be more actively engaged in protecting
the environment and adapting to climate
High level of municipal debt and change. Some would even consider a
taxes (23)
shift towards becoming carbon neutral.
Lack of services for children (9)
Poor trail maintenance (8) Several respondents have also raised the
No public access to the
Gatineau River’s shores (18) No public pool (8) issues of traffic congestion or the limited
Homogenous housing stock (8) public transit service and few active
Lack of health care services (6)
mobility options compared to demand.
Lack of affordable
housing (12)
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 253. SURVEY RESULTS
Q12. Which of the following types of businesses and services would you like to see more of in
Chelsea? (Maximum (3) choices)
80%
A permanent public market
Health-related services Findings
Local goods and services
60%
The majority of residents would
Schools and daycare
like to see the establishment of a
Restaurants and entertainment businesses permanent public market in
40% Museums and other cultural or arts facilities Chelsea.
Personal care services Many residents have also
Retail stores highlighted the limited number of
20% health-related services and local
Professional services
shops like grocery stores.
738 respondents
0%
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 263. SURVEY RESULTS
Q13. What other types of businesses and services would you like to see more of in Chelsea?
Local and independent businesses (22)
Sports Gas station (13)
None (51) and Findings
recreation Health care service (10)
services
(31) 51 respondents believe that there is
a sufficient supply of shops and
services in the municipality. This
may be because there is a strong
Childcare and other services for new desire to maintain the peaceful way
mothers (10)
of life the community enjoys.
Bank or automatied banking machine (9) The number of sports and
Senior-oriented services, especially regarding housing (8) recreation services is likewise
Car sharing and bike sharing services and charging stations (4)
considered to be insufficient by
SAQ (5)
Short-term housing (1) many respondents.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 273. SURVEY RESULTS
Q14. Which of the following types of housing would you like to see built in future developments
in Chelsea’s village cores? (1 being the most important and being the least important)
9
Seniors homes
8 Single-family homes Findings
Semi-detached homes
7
Mixed-use buildings Demand is mostly for seniors’
6 residences. This can be explained
Townhomes
by the municipality’s aging
5 Plex population.
4 Buildings up to 3 storeys
Multi-unit buildings Despite the reduction in
3 developable areas, respondents
Buildings up to 4 storeys
2
would like to see more single-
Buildings with more than 4 storeys family homes built.
1
710 respondents
0
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 283. SURVEY RESULTS
Q15. What other types of housing would you like to see in Chelsea?
Seniors’ residences (25)
No additional
Various Findings
models of
housing affordable
(108) housing 108 respondents state that no
(72)
additional housing should be built,
especially not multi-unit housing.
Buildings up to 3 storeys (9)
Many residents would like to see a
diversification of the housing stock
Green, sustainable and/or socially mixted
buildings (15)
with a focus on affordable housing
models (e.g. coops, rentals, tiny
houses, intergenerational homes,
etc.).
Buidlings that are accessible to people with reduced mobility (4)
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 293. SURVEY RESULTS
Q16. The Municipality of Chelsea in 2040 should be a place where:
Please rank the following statements in order of importance (1 being the most important and 9 being the least important).
Nature is protected, enhanced and accessible.
9
8 Innovative and sustainable projects aimed at reducing the ecological footprint are
implemented.
Findings
7 The village cores are attractive, enhanced by their heritage value and special cachet and
unique sense of place.
Protecting and enhancing the
6 Streets are more pedestrian-friendly.
natural surroundings as well as
5 reducing the environmental
Public transit and active transportation infrastructure are efficient, safe and
interconnected within a unified territory and where the automobile has a reduced role.
footprint are ranked as primary
4 objectives by the respondents. This
There are more public spaces and gathering places for residents.
demonstrates that the population
3 has a strong environmental
Tourism and a dynamic economy are supported and complementary to the identity and
conscience.
2 lifestyle of the municipality.
The housing supply is more accessible and diversified.
1
The village cores are denser and more mixed, while maintaining a human scale.
0
669 respondents
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 303. SURVEY RESULTS
Q17. Would you like to suggest another objective?
Stop development and preserve the municipality’s rural character (31)
Protect the natural environment (24)
Findings
Reduce traffic congestion, improve
connectivity and increase active mobility
Residents value environmental
infrastructure (22) protection and want to slow
municipal development.
Focus on the interests of residents over
Support residents remaining in the community (3)
those of real estate developers and tourists
(6) Improve transparency in the decision-making process (3)
Increase the supply of affordable housing (2)
Reduce debt and taxes (2)
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 313. SURVEY RESULTS
Q18. In your opinion, what actions should the Municipality of Chelsea make as their priority in
the coming years?
Please rank the following choices in order of priority (1 being the most important and 9 being the least important).
9 Further protect the natural environment
8 Increase the number of trails and bike paths
Findings
7 Develop urban design strategies to make public spaces more pedestrian-
friendly
6 Improve the maintenance and development of public infrastructure
The actions judged to be priorities
Designate pedestrian streets during the summer months coincide with the identified
5
objectives: protection of the
Increase public transit services natural environment, additional
4
Regulate residential development and diversify the housing supply active mobility infrastructures and
3 more pedestrian-friendly public
Regulate business development and diversify the commercial sector spaces and community.
2
Increase the supply of community facilities
1
0
642 respondents
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 323. SURVEY RESULTS
Q19. Would you like to suggest another action?
Reduce the spead limit on Route 105, limit traffic on Old
Chelsea Road, build more active mobility infrastructure,
and construct a direct route to Camp Fortune from the
highway exit (28) Protect the Gatineau River, the lakes and
wetlands, plan strategies to adapt to climate
change, become carbon neutral (20)
Slow real estate development and
enhance the charming village Findings
character, especially the view of St-
Stephen’s Church (28)
A large number of respondents
stated that they attach a great deal
Improve trail maintenance (6)
Build a municipal pool (6) of importance not only to traffic
reduction and additional active
Have residents’ interest come first (6)
mobility infrastructure, but also to
Reduce the debt, limit slowing down real estate
expenditure and avoid
increasing taxes (11) development.
Encourage community engagement and social inclusion (4)
Offer more affordable housing (3)
Build a public access point to Offer more activités and housing for seniors (2)
the Gatineau River (7)
Offer more health care services (2)
Promote the use of electric vehicles and charging stations (2)
Improve transparency in decision Increase the number of primary and secondary schools and daycares (2)
making and communication with Build an arts centre (1)
residents (7) Build a permanent public market (1)
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 334. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4. CONSULTATION RESULTS
The following subsections will be addressed:
4.1 Current state of affairs (Where are we?)
4.2 Desired outcome (Where do we want to be?)
4.3 Intervention measures (How do we get there?)
• The first subsection generates a comprehensive picture of the current state of affairs (Where are we?) by identifying the
Municipality of Chelsea’s agreed upon strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges as pinpointed during the
consultation workshops.
• The planning vision guides which intervention measures the Municipality of Chelsea should prioritize in planning land
use and development by outlining the desired outcome (Where do we want to be?). The main vision components as
suggested by the participants have been summarized in the second subsection.
• Having determined what the vision should entail, the participants were then asked what actions should be taken to
achieve their vision (How do we get there?). The main courses of action agreed upon by the participants are presented in
the third subsection.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 354. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
QUALITY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE
STRENTGHT 1 An Exception Natural Setting Quality of Life
Chelsea’s natural surroundings make it an To its residents, Chelsea represents a safe, pleasant
exceptional living environment, most notably the and authentic living environment.
Gatineau Park, Gatineau River, Meech Lake and the
Both village cores, the Centre-village and Farm Point,
ecological corridors. Likewise, the topography
are served by wastewater and/or water supply
complements the natural landscape.
infrastructure. The concentration of future
Initiatives aiming to enhance and protect the developments in these areas promotes the long-term
territory’s natural features have been implemented preservation of the natural environment and ensures
by the Municipality and citizens, which has conferred the sustainability of structured living environments.
upon it the image of a “green municipality.”
The heritage buildings of interest in these sectors © JESSE ELLIOT
A network of formal and informal trails, including the also help maintain Chelsea village character.
Community Trail, links the municipality’s various
sectors and ensures that the territory remains
connected.
The presence of the park managed by the National
Capital Commission (NCC) in the territory is a
political and economic driver of natural habitat
conservation.
© realtor.ca
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 364. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
Citizen Committees and a Strong Community Specific Population Characteristics
STRENGHT 2 Voice
Chelsea’s demographic profile includes certain
Chelsea is home to many community organizations
characteristics, such as bilingualism, education level
active as much in arts and culture as in sports and
and high household incomes.
recreation. Chelsea’s deepening cultural identity
likewise contributes to the residents’ attachment to
the municipality.
The Municipality of Chelsea encourages citizen
involvement, which can be particularly seen in: Highlights of Chelsea’s Residential Real
• Environmental protection Estate Market Study
© LA FAB CHELSEA
• Social justice • More than half of households (55.4%) are in the
45 to 64 age range.
• Universal access to facilities by women, children, • There are relatively few households in the 25 to
seniors and people with reduced mobility 34 age range.
• Equity in access to quality jobs for women • In 2015, 58.4% of households earned an income
equal to or above $100,000, while this was true
for 31.8% of households in the Ottawa-Gatineau
CMA.
• The average total household income was
$140,604, which is 60% higher than the average
in the Ottawa-Gatineau CMA.
© ULOCAL
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 374. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
A DYNAMIC ECONOMY AND PROXIMITY TO MAJOR URBAN CENTRES
STRENGHT 3 Magnet for Tourism Local Economy
Tourism is a major contributor to Chelsea’s economy. The Municipality of Chelsea’s commercial vitality is
Indeed, a wide range of tourist attractions make it a distinguished by a diversified mix of shops and
destination of choice for outdoor, sports, culture and services as well as a favourable economic
food enthusiasts. environment due to the increased real estate
development of the past few years.
Some of these attractions include:
Unique and Advantageous Location
The GATINEAU PARK with its many outdoor
Chelsea is located near Ottawa (National Capital),
recreational activities
Gatineau and Hull, which implies:
© NORDIK SPA-NATURE
The NORDIK SPA — NATURE, the largest spa in • Access to pools of quality jobs
North America, which generates several jobs and
• Higher household incomes
adds to the region’s appeal for tourists
The MORRISON QUARRY, GREAT CANADIAN
BUNGEE, the most important bungee site in Canada
Its appeal as a FOOD LOVERS DESTINATION, thanks
to its Gourmet Festival and many renowned
restaurants
© BUNGEE.CA
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 384. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
MOBILITY OPTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
STRENGHT 4 New Public Transit Service Highway Access and Quality Local Roads
A quality public transit service has recently been The highway network may be accessed through
made available to Chelsea’s citizens to encourage Highway 5 and Route 105.
the use of alternative transportation methods to the
Chelsea’s road network is, in general, well
automobile.
maintained.
Significant Active Mobility Infrastructure
Considering the Size of the Territory
The municipality’s network of trails and bike paths
provides quality pedestrian and cycling routes and
© CHGA
promotes active mobility. This network physically
links Chelsea’s different sectors and ensures that
the territory remains connected overall.
© VOIE VERTE CHELSEA
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 394. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
HIGH COST OF HOUSING AND LIMITED ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE SHOPS AND SERVICES
Homeownership and Renting Is Out of Reach for Lack of Local or Specialized Shops and Services
WEAKNESS 1 Most and the Housing Stock Is Poorly Diversified (Health)
Chelsea’s residential housing stock is fairly
The lack of local or specialized shops and services (e.g.
homogenous, being mostly comprised of single-family
healthcare and education or childcare) may in part be
detached homes.
explained by the close proximity of major urban
The high market value of houses and high taxes make centres (Gatineau and Ottawa), which hold a more
homeownership hard to attain for first-time buyers, lucrative market and, therefore, contribute to the
young families and seniors. exodus of capital and skilled labour toward the better
paying employment hubs across the Ottawa-Gatineau
The decreasing availability of land for development is
region.
putting pressure on the current housing stock and
causing a rise of the market value of lots, leading to Many of Chelsea’s business are tourist-oriented and © HENDRICKFARM.CA
reduced opportunities to offer affordable housing follow peak tourism periods.
options.
Several local businesses struggle to break even. A lack
of signage to promote local shops is often raised as
Population Profile
one reason for this situation.
Chelsea’s population is sociodemographically
Residents are resistant to the arrival of certain types of
homogenous. Households are, by and large, well-off
businesses in the municipality (e.g. a gas station). As a
and more highly educated than the provincial average
result, property tax revenue is restricted mainly to
for Quebec.
residential uses and a few commercial uses.
In the past, citizens have been resistant to change and
the integration of newcomers to the community is
perceived as being difficult.
© CONSTRUCTIONEXO.COM
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 404. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
LACK OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
WEAKNESS 2 Insufficient Public Transit Service and Active Insufficient Number of Public Spaces and Facilities
Mobility Options
The Gatineau River is not open to the public as the
Despite the presence of a public transit service in lots along its shores are for the most part privately
Chelsea, it does not offer a real alternative to the owned. The lack of facilities is also a limiting factor
automobile. The primary reasons are that existing regarding access to and enhancement of the Gatineau
legislation prohibits any direct bus route from Chelsea River.
to Ottawa, and that bus frequency is too limited to
Likewise, few public spaces can serve as gathering
provide user-friendly mobility for residents and
places (e.g. squares, public parks, open spaces). In
visitors.
certain sectors, no parks equipped for young families
Mobility is equally restricted by the absence of bike have been made available to citizens.
© ESPACES.CA
paths between certain sectors of the municipality and
the village cores. This may be contributing to
fearfulness in some citizens when it comes to using Too Few Community Spaces
roads with high levels of traffic and where crosswalks Despite the large number of community organizations
are deficient (e.g. Route 105). active in the arts and culture, among others, the
An important proportion of the infrastructure is not deficiency in recreational, cultural, artistic and sports
completely under the municipality’s authority (NCC facilities, such as artists’ studios, a larger venue to host
and MTQ). Infrastructure governance is problematic cultural events and a public pool, has been noted.
when it comes to planning bike paths or other active
mobility infrastructure.
© LE DROIT
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 414. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
RESTRICTIVE CONFIGURATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY
WEAKNESS 3 The Shape of Chelsea’s Territory Impact of the Presence of the Gatineau Parc and
Its High Level of Visitors
The Municipality of Chelsea’s particular territorial
geography, notably its narrow shape along the While the Gatineau Park is a major contributor to
north-south axis and the fact that it is segmented at Chelsea’s attractiveness, it equally negatively impacts
its boundary with the Gatineau Park, means that its the municipality and its citizens in certain ways:
urbanizations perimeters are separated by long
• Congestion, high transit traffic volume and a lack
distances. Hollow Glen is cut off by the Gatineau Park
of parking spaces in the Centre-Village
and Farm Point is located on the fringe of the
municipality. This isolation may be reducing each • Pressure on real estate development in the
sector’s citizens’ sense of belonging and lead to the municipality
perception that resources and maintenance work are • Efforts and resources are focused on tourism, © YVON MAURICE
not equitably distributed between the Centre-Village sometimes at the expense of other activities or
and the other sectors. municipal asset management
Low residential density increases municipal Government funding is insufficient to support
infrastructure costs, which partly explains the high infrastructure maintenance costs and the NCC’s
municipal tax rate. It also makes offering public contribution does not cover the true cost of its
transit across the entire territory more complex. impact on the municipality.
Highway 5 cuts through the municipality’s town
centre, limiting the possibility of creating a unified
village core.
© MSN.COM
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 424. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
PERCEIVED LACK OF COMMUNICATION AND COMPLEX REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Perceived Lack of Communication Between the Lack of Regulatory Framework Flexibility
WEAKNEST 4 Municipality and Its Citizens
Existing municipal by-laws may be a barrier to
Some citizens find municipal governance to be innovation and are inadequate — because obsolete
complex, resulting in an impression that there is a lack — to a modern municipal planning and sustainable
of overall vision and proactive planning regarding development context. Current by-laws do not
urban planning and development exemplified by: sufficiently serve the enhancement and protection of
the natural environment as well as the distinctive
• Weak implementation of environmental
components that make Chelsea unique.
protection measures and a lack of recognition of
natural features (e.g. conservation plan) Although the Municipality of Chelsea has adopted a
Sustainable Development Action Plan, it is not
• Difficulty in generating consensus within the
accorded sufficient consideration when it comes to
population
making decisions or carrying out various development
• Poor communication and a perceived lack of projects.
transparency with respect to how the Municipal
Council makes decisions
The fact that municipal organizational resources are
limited compared to the scale of the needs, could
mean that environmental positions are difficult to
enforce.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 434. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
MASTER PLAN AND MUNICIPAL BY-LAWS REVIEW
OPPORTUNITY 1 Municipal Planning and Development Adapted to Today’s Improving How the Municipality Enhances and Protects
Realities the Natural Environment
The Master Plan and municipal by-laws review is an The Master Plan and municipal by-laws review also provides
opportunity for Chelsea to reconsider more critically how it the opportunity to create an ecological corridors development
views land use planning and to adapt its approach to climate program that could be integrated into the municipality’s other
change. This could be done by: planning documents and, in so doing, restore the balance that
should exist between municipal development and
• Adopting of a common vision regarding planning in the
environmental protection and conservation.
village cores as well as in the areas outside the urbanization
perimeters The funding of environmental development and conservation
initiatives could be further encouraged by setting up a
• Reflecting on commercial development and the
dedicated fund.
municipality’s approach to it
It is likewise an opportunity to increase the municipality’s
• Planning for additional municipal facilities (e.g. Meredith
ability to adapt to climate change.
Centre or an aquatic centre)
• Improving the road network and access routes
• Compiling an inventory of sites with development potential
• Matching public transit with the new denser
neighbourhoods
Building greater consistency between the Sustainable
Development Action Plan and municipal planning and
development tools during the review process may lead to the
implementation of actions previously identified at the time
that the tool was being developed.
© QUÉBECORIGINAL
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 444. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
REGULATING REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITY 2 More Diverse and Inclusive Real Estate Mixed-Use and Support Services to Residents
Development
Chelsea’s new real estate developments are mostly
The interest developers are showing in building
residential. The strength of the market in this
more densely is an opportunity for Chelsea to
current context is an opportunity for the
diversify the housing stock in both urbanization
municipality to integrate mixed-use buildings by
perimeters with the appropriate municipal
strategically adding shops and services to specific
regulation in place. In this way, a booming real
sectors.
estate market might lead to greater housing
accessibility and affordability and therefore attract It would be particularly appropriate to add health
a wider range of households (first-time buyers, care services, as the population is aging. A better
young families, seniors). supply of shops and services would promote the © INDIGOTREMBLANT
retention of capital and labour in the municipality.
The continued growth of the Ottawa-Gatineau
region may influence Chelsea’s attractiveness and The availability in commercial space is also
lead to increased residential development. conductive to developing a distinctive commercial
vision and signature for Chelsea.
The building of senior-oriented housing would
help the municipality retain the population already
established on its territory, especially in view of its
aging population.
© BOISFRANC
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 454. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
IMPROVING THE AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY SPACES AND FACILITIES
OPPORTUNITY 3 Providing More Community Spaces Expanding the Public Transit Network
There is high demand for community spaces in Public transit is popular among citizens; therefore,
Chelsea given its lively arts and culture scene and increasing bus frequency and the number of routes
very active community groups. would encourage a more widespread use of the
service.
Because there is little available land in the village
cores for public and community spaces, defining of This is a chance for both the municipality and
an overall vision and concept to connect such spaces Transcollines to promote good sustainable mobility
within the municipality constitutes an opportunity to practices and to increase the use of the service.
plan and secure locations where future municipal
facilities may be built, especially as: © DUJARDINDANSMAVIE
• Several sports groups have voiced their interest
in establishing themselves in the municipality
(national field hockey training centre, Chelsea
Nordiq)
• The Government of Quebec has expressed an
interest in working with the municipality to build
an aquatic centre in Chelsea
• Various sources of funding and grants are
available to support the conversion of heritage
buildings into community spaces
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 464. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
DECLINING ATTRACTIVENESS AND AGING POPULATION
CHALLENGE 1 Devitalization Decline in the Attractiveness and Unique Character of the Municipality
There are several sociodemographic and economic factors that could lead to a
The Municipality of Chelsea is blessed with many specific characteristics that
decline in population which might in turn impact the municipality’s vitality:
make it an attractive place to live, whether it be its natural surroundings or the
• A loss of interest on the part of developers and a slowing down of the quality of life it offers. This attractiveness is most apparent in its community
current real estate market lifestyle, property market and tourism sector.
• A real estate or financial crisis rendering the region’s housing marking
A decline in attractiveness might result from:
inaccessible
• The loss of Chelsea’s distinctive cultural and community identity as a result of
• The continued reliance on a housing development model based on a
a too rapid transformation of the village cores (dilution of its unique
homogeneous and more affluent class of the population resulting in the
character)
exodus of younger and older households to other cities or municipalities in
the region • Citizens’ resistance to change and to new projects, particularly in the form of
phenomena such as NIMBY, municipal balkanization and neighbourhood
• A commercial exodus to nearby major urban centres
insularity
• An inability to retain the local workforce
• The population remaining homogeneous because of the inaccessibility of the
A decline in population would especially have a direct impact on local economic housing market
activity, municipal tax revues and the real estate market.
• Increasing pressures on the road network during peak tourism periods and
nuisances related to traffic congestion
• A lack of funding for expanding municipal infrastructure and facilities
• A hike in commercial rents and the commercial space vacancy rate in
conjunction with a fading of businesses’ “local flavour”
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 474. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
OUTSIDE PRESSURES LEADING TO THE LOSS OF CHELSEA’S IDENTITY
CHALLENGE 2 Flawed Municipal Development Vision Changes to the Municipal Boundaries and Road Network
The Master Plan and municipal by-laws review that is presently underway will The possible annexation of the Municipality Chelsea to the City of Gatineau
culminate in the adoption of a new planning and development vision that will might completely alter Chelsea’s community lifestyle and spirit.
guide the municipality for next 20 years. If this vision should prove inadequate,
Signage indicating the current exit for access to Gatineau Parc (Exit 12) could be
its related measures might have the following consequences:
moved to Exit 13. This would prevent visitors crossing the Centre-Village to get
• Increased tourism at the expense of residents to the park.
• A confrontation between private property rights and nature conservancy
• The inability to better connect underserved areas
A lack of time and resources to properly plan municipal development may lead
to:
• Suboptimal and scattered municipal development
• A race to develop at the cost of Chelsea’s charm and uniqueness
• The municipality’s inability to support the rate of growth
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 484. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
MAN-MADE AND NATURAL DISASTERS
CHALLENGE 3 Climate change heightens the risks of natural disasters. Should the Municipality of Chelsea not
implement measures to adapt to the risks posed by natural and anthropogenic disasters, citizens may
be impacted by such events and not be able to react quickly enough. In which case, lack of proper
planning could have economic, social and environmental consequences for the municipality.
The tendency of individuals to privatize nature on private land poses a threat to environmental
protection to the extent that conservation requires that a given territory be considered in its entirety.
Should the municipality not adopt a concerted approach, citizens would not be equipped to embrace © RADIO-CANADA
environmentally responsible behaviours.
Stringent urban agriculture regulations might limit citizens’ ability to spearhead initiatives to reduce
their environmental footprint.
Certain plots of land contain natural restrictions, such as those related to the risk of landslides. These
are subject to specific mitigation measures.
The risks of pandemics are very relevant at the moment and the Municipality of Chelsea could be
affected by new public health crises as the population ages.
© LE DROIT
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 494. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.1 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS (Where are we?)
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
1 Quality of the natural and community lifestyle 1 High cost of housing and limited access to affordable shops and services
2 Community engagement and citizen involvement 2 Lack of municipal services and infrastructure
3 A dynamic economy and proximity to major urban centres 3 Restrictive configuration of the municipality
4 Mobility options and transportation infrastructure 4 Perceived lack of communication and complex regulatory framework
OPPORTUNITIES CHALLENGES
1 Master Plan and municipal by-laws review 1 Declining attractivness and aging population
2 Regulating real estate development 2 Outside pressures leading to the loss of Chelsea’s identity
3 Improving the number of community spaces and facilities 3 Man-made and natural disasters
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 504. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.2 DESIRED OUTCOME (Where do we want to be?)
THE MUNICIPALITY OF CHELSEA IN 2040, A PLACE WHERE…
VISION
COMPONENTS
• Nature is protected, enhanced and accessible (Gatineau Park, biodiversity corridors, nature trails, Gatineau River shoreline)
• Innovative and sustainable ecological footprint reduction projects for citizens are implemented
• Heritage, character, and a unique and unified sense of place are fostered and valued through attractive village cores
• More public and meeting spaces are available to citizens and the road network is user-friendly
• Public transit and active mobility infrastructure are efficient, safe and interconnected within a unified territory, and car use is
reduced
• Tourism and a strong economy are fostered without compromising Chelsea’s peaceful village character and identity
• The housing stock is more accessible and diversified
• Village cores are denser and more mixed use, yet remain human-scaled
• The community is concerned by municipal issues and feels involved in the decision-making process
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 514. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.3 INTERVENTIONS MEASURES (How de we get there?)
WHAT WE HAVE TO DO TO GET THERE
1. Development and Management of Public Property 3. Environment and Adapting to Climate Change
COURSES OF
ACTIONS • Build public spaces to improve usability and to serve as gathering places • Implement measures to adapt public property to climate change
and recreational areas for the community
• Implement initiatives and incentives to reduce the ecological footprint,
• Pedestrianize certain roads crossing the Gatineau Park as well as certain food waste, as well as other measures
areas of the Municipality during the summer (e.g. the Centre-Village)
• Ensure the connectedness and conservation of ecological corridors
• Develop the north-south access of the Community Trail
• Include residual lands for protection and conservation
• Create access points to the river for citizens
• Promote the use of electric vehicles, car sharing and bike sharing
• Create thematic circuits across the municipality (fun and interactive trails
showcasing local history, heritage, culture and tourism)
4. Municipal Infrastructure and Facilities
• Build a bike path or footpath connecting Kingsmere to Hollow Glen
• Expand public transit for residents and visitors (e.g. shuttle service between
• Give pride of place to St-Stephen’s Church
Gatineau Parc and Chelsea)
• Better manage water and system capacity
2. Commercial Mix of Shops and Services
• Implement parking and traffic management
• Create a permanent public market
• Build an underground parking lot to improve walkability
• Encourage the establishment of more health care services
• Re-align municipal services provision with the population’s needs (fire
• Encourage the building of schools and daycares protection service, municipal facilities, school)
• Support local and independent businesses • Improve public infrastructure maintenance
• Encourage the establishment of a bank or automated banking machine • Build a direct access route to Camp Fortune from Exit 13 of Highway 5
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 524. CONSULTATION RESULTS
4.3 INTERVENTIONS MEASURES (How do we get there?)
WHAT WE HAVE TO DO TO GET THERE
5. Regulatory and Planning Mechanisms 6. Real Estate Development
COURSES OF
ACTIONS • Integrate the Sustainable Development Action Plan to the Master Plan • Regulate real estate development to provide a greater diversity of
and by-laws review process dwelling types (especially for seniors and people with reduced mobility)
and greater accessibility to the housing market (rental and home
• Include existing action plans and policies in the Master Plan review
ownership)
• Ensure citizen participation in the Centre-Village SPP review
• Encourage the construction of eco-friendly and/or socially mixed
• Adopt an SPP for Farm Point, with the participation of residents and buildings
developers
• Tax real estate developers to finance municipal service expansion
• Adopt an environmental protection plan supporting the protection of
7. Communication
natural conservation zones outside the urbanization perimeters
• Build permanent communication and consultation channels with citizens
• Identify areas or plots of land with development potential
(e.g. web community engagement platform) to coordinate discussions on
• Identify areas that could be converted into public spaces municipal actions and in this way foster trust regarding transparency;
• Modify by-laws so that they are based on form rather than dimensions • Develop a brand image, especially for the two village cores, but one that
and set-backs (Form-Based Code) does not rely solely on recreational tourism.
• Support the protection of heritage buildings through regulation 8. Finances
• Implement policies and programs to improve housing accessibility • Create a fund for the protection of natural areas
• Intervene with the NCC to re-establish equitable property taxation
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 535. CONCLUSION Planning and Development Issues
5. CONCLUSION
In view of the information collected during the consultations and the answers compiled with the public survey, the
team from Brodeur Frenette was able to identify five (5) topics that should be given primary consideration as
cornerstones of the Master Plan and municipal by-laws review process.
ENVIRONNEMENT MUNICIPALS SERVICES ECONOMIC CULTURE
POPULATED AREAS
AND NATURAL HABITATS AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT AND HERITAGE
1. Protect and enhance 1. Regulate real estate 1. Encourage active mobility 1. Diversify the shops and 1. Promote culture and the
natural habitats and development projects and the use of public services commercial mix. arts.
biodiversity. inside the urbanization transit.
perimeters with a view to 2. Support local economic
2. Control land use to reduce encouraging mixed use. 2. Provide a greater number development. 2. Protect and showcase the
land consumption. community facilities. natural and architectural
2. Limit real estate 3. Regulate the growth of heritage.
3. Reduce the environmental development and urban the tourism sector
footprint. sprawl in rural areas.
V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 555. CONCLUSION The aim of this strategic visioning exercise was to determine the Chelsea community’s primary preoccupations and values to take into account in the diagnostic and, therefore, in the provisions of the new Master Plan and planning by-laws that are to come. Despite the extraordinary COVID-19 context and its impact on the scope of the consultations and the methods employed, the team has managed to survey more than 30 community groups and over 900 citizens using online platforms, which corresponds to almost 14% of Chelsea’s population. While this is only the first step in the Master Plan review process, the diagnostic that will emerge from this exercise will be used to guide subsequent steps during which community input will once again be solicited. V E RS IO N P RÉ LIMIN A I RE 56
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Municipality of Chelsea would like to Historical Society, the Table de • The Chelsea Municipal Council
thank everyone who contributed to the développement social des Collines-de- • The municipal managers
success of this strategic visioning exercise by l’Outaouais, the Des Collines Seniors’
participating in the online survey, workshops, Roundtable, the Grace United Church, the • Stéphane Doré and the Brodeur Frenette
or by submitting comments and suggestions: Mill Road Community Space, the Centre team
intégré de santé et de services sociaux de
• Chelsea’s residents l’Outaouais, the Meredith Centre, the
Cascades Club, the Larrimac and
• The neighbourhood association
Dunnderosa golf clubs, Chelsea Trails, the
representatives
Chelsea Forest School, the Conseil
• The volunteer members of the Planning régional de l’environnement et du
and Sustainable Development Advisory développement durable de l’Outaouais,
Committee, the Recreation and Action Chelsea for the Respect of the
Community Life Advisory Committee and Environment (ACRE), the Friends of the
the Natural Resources Advisory Gatineau River and the Agence Bassin
Committee Versant des 7
• Chelsea’s business owners, real estate • Transcollines
developers and entrepreneurs
• The MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais
• The community organization
• The ministère des Transports du Québec
representatives and interests group,
including La Fab, the Gatineau Valley • The National Capital Commission
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