Gatineau is preparing to sell benches from the historic Centre Robert-Guertin, yet public interest continues to swell as only 120 out of approximately 3100 seats have been preserved. Criticism has emerged over what some view as inadequate efforts by the city to save more of these cherished artifacts from the region's sports history.
Founded in 1957, the Centre Robert-Guertin served as the home for the Gatineau Olympiques, drawing fans to the arena for decades. Despite the nostalgic fondness associated with the venue, the city's approach to its deconstruction has left many residents feeling frustrated. Councillor Denis Girouard has been vocal about his discontent, stating, "I have a slight dissatisfaction... the elected officials were never consulted and decisions were made quietly by officials." His sentiments highlight broader concerns about transparency and community engagement surrounding this issue.
The Benches, once integral to the sports experiences of many, are presently targeting preservation. The city has decided to retain approximately 20 benches for display at various strategic locations including the Musée régional de l'Outaouais, the Gatineau sports center, and the upcoming western sports complex, among others. This action aims to memorialize the arena’s legacy, yet many fans, including Girouard, wonder if enough is being done.
With the external demolition of the arena officially commencing last November, the timeline for bench sales has become clearer but remains uncertain. The city has stated plans to make the remaining seats available for purchase in the coming months, with the municipal council set to deliberate on the specifics during their March 18 meeting. The sale price has been tentatively set at approximately $300 each. Out of this amount, $175 will contribute to the construction of self-supporting structures necessary for individual bench sales.
This additional structural need has also raised eyebrows. Many benches are not standard auto-supporting units and require modification before they can be sold to the public. This modification is just one of the reasons why only 120 benches were managed to be preserved, according to city officials. Concerns about lead found in the paint used on the benches have also affected the city’s decision-making process and handling of the remnants from the now-demolished arena.
Aside from bench sales, the city has recovered other artifacts from the Centre Robert-Guertin, such as documents and plaques, intended for preservation and display. The facades of the old scoreboard have been reallocated to other municipal arenas, like the Frank-Robinson Arena, as part of efforts to maintain part of the historical significance associated with the old Centre Robert-Guertin.
Girouard asserts he is bombarded with questions from concerned residents, particularly season ticket holders from the Olympiques, eager to learn how they might acquire one of these benches. The lack of available information has only added to the frustration level, reflecting the need for more proactive communication from city officials. Girouard admits, "I don't know what to tell them, as information is scarce on this issue. To me, the damage is already done."
The former arena stands vacant at the corner of Rue Carillon, offering stark visual proof of the town's changing landscapes. Reflecting on the transformation, Girouard expressed palpable sorrow, lamenting, "I hadn’t been here since the demolition. I was shocked to see upon arrival how part of our heritage disappeared, completely razed. It's really disheartening." His emotional connection to the previous arena touches a cord with many locals who also hold fond memories of the glorious games played at the venue.
The forthcoming sale of benches presents both opportunities and challenges as Gatineau grapples with this significant chapter of its sports history. While some preservation efforts have been planned, questions surrounding the logistics still loom large, leaving many residents eager yet uncertain of their chances to reclaim tokens from the past. The city is expected to announce specific sale procedures soon, yet the discontentment voiced by Girouard and other constituents indicates the importance of community input during such transitions.
