A heartfelt gesture!

Throughout the year, the Lib tenants undertook various initiatives to raise funds for the Mathieu Froment-Savoie Foundation, a palliative care home in Gatineau. Their commitment was crowned with success, raising an impressive $3,000.

Francis Charron, president of the EMD-Batimo group which built this unique living environment, guided by his legendary generosity, decided that the company would double this amount. A cheque for $6,000 was presented to the f oundation. A gesture which testifies to the solidarity, involvement, and philanthropic commitment of an amazing community, and which will have a significant impact on this noble cause.

Congratulations to all participants on this great success. There’s strength in numbers, and together we can make a difference in people’s lives!

A splendid courtyard at the heart of the complex

Welcome to our magnificent courtyard!

A relaxing space equipped with BBQs for those who wish to express their culinary talents and enjoy the fine weather while savouring a fine feast. The perfect place for alfresco aperitif on a warm summer’s day, or for stargazing wrapped up in a cozy blanket.

An outdoor oasis offering a soothing, friendly environment.

Hats off to the artist!

Jean-Yves Routhier, one of the complex’s tenants, shares some of his works with us, much to our joy.

Originally from Angers, Gatineau, Mr. Routhier draws inspiration from his native land’s landscapes to paint watercolours that captivate the eye and the imagination. These works, which he occasionally exhibits, are a true delight and a demonstration of his talent and passion.

We can’t wait to discover more!

Top 3 Things to do This Summer

#1: Old Aylmer Festival

It’s become a tradition: everyone’s favourite family and festive event is back for its 9th edition. You guessed it, it’s the Old Aylmer Festival, taking place on August 19 and 20!

Rue Principale, between Parker and Jubilée, will be closed to traffic to make way for exhibitors and special activities organized for the occasion. Several musical performances will be held in local bars.

A festival not to be missed!

#2: A fascinating exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada

Uninvited pays tribute to women’s creativity as expressed in different regions of the country during the effervescent interwar years.

The Gallery is delighted to be the fourth and final stop for this remarkable exhibition, which offers a comprehensive and diverse portrait of the visual arts in Canada during a crucial period of modernity.

If you must see only one exhibition this year, this is the one!

#3: Gatineau Park

Known as the green lung of the Outaouais region, Gatineau Park covers 361 km² of hills and forests. Its rich biodiversity and proximity to the city make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and cross-country skiing.

Highlights include Mackenzie King Estate, the Champlain Lookout and Philippe Lake. Gatineau Park is managed and protected by the National Capital Commission.

The perfect place to feel at one with nature!

Best of Aylmer Finalist

The Lib Aylmer, finalist in the “Best of Aylmer” competition.

The best of Aylmer is a readers’ choice competition organized by the Aylmer Newsletter to celebrate and recognize excellence in our community.

Congratulations to all nominees. See you next year!

The Academy at the Heart of Lib Aylmer History

A series of panels highlighting the history of the academy were installed in the grand salon.

A story that begins in 1861, with the construction of the academy, all the way to 2022, with the completion of the Lib project, without forgetting the devastating fire that part of this building experienced in 1925.

A beautiful way to grasp the soul of the building and pay tribute to the people who have resided here over time.

Living-Together Program, what is it?

Free to enjoy

together.

No one is in a better position than Lib tenant to promote your new living environment and contribute to building your community. Thanks to the all-new Living-Together program, you’ll discover that sharing your new home with your close ones, friends and relatives can be a winning situation.

As an ambassador, you’ll receive a cash bonus for each referral who signs a lease with Lib. Simply hand out your business card Living-Together program to your referral, who in turn, will also receive it.

*This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. The Living-Together program is subject to change without notice. No cash bonus will be granted retroactively.

Lib Aylmer – Inspiring design

Spacious and bright, the design of the Lib’s apartments contributes to the uniqueness of the project. It’s easy to imagine yourself being there, comfortable, enjoying a sweet and vibrant life, with a sense of freedom.

Isabelle Rocheleau, a certified home staging and property enhancement specialist in the Outaouais region, wholeheartedly agrees. In the opinion of the founder of the isaBelle Ambiance company, the Lib is a unique place of great beauty that offers countless opportunities. Here are somes of her inspirations and tips.

The art of hassle-free moving!

For some, moving is synonymous with adventure, renewal, space and fresh air. For others, it’s a source of stress, anguish and torment. To help ease these feelings, the idea is to be well-prepared, to take your time and to take it one step at a time. Here are a few tips and tricks for hassle-free moving.

The importance of choosing your allies

When planning your move, know that here at the Lib, we can assist you as well as offer you some options. First, your facility’s management will place a move management partner at your disposal, so that all future tenants can plan the course of this important day and benefit from advantageous rates. When several people move at the same time into a newly-built complex, it’s important to adequately coordinate all comings and goings to ensure all goes smoothly.

Should you choose to deal with a different moving company than the one offered, you should still contact the partner to book your date to help coordinate the transportation and avoid congestion at the elevators and in the parking lot. Once you’ve made your decision, don’t waste any time, mark your calendar and quickly choose your mover. It’s important to shop around, as prices vary and so do the services provided. Naturally, you should go with a company you trust, with a proven track record. Make sure that the company you choose is registered under the Registraire des entreprises du Québec and that is has adequate insurance. This is an important day; your allies should therefore meet your requirements.

You should also notify some of your service providers of your change of address and cancel the services you will no longer need ahead of time. Canada Post’s mail forwarding service is ideal for avoiding oversights and will ensure all your mail is forwarded to you.

Carefully sorting to breathe easier

It’s unavoidable, there will be boxes to pack. To do this, it’s important that you grant yourself some time. Time to assess your belongings and your needs, and to properly sort through your things. We often move into smaller accommodations. It is therefore necessary to undergo this process to declutter the new environment and make room for new furnishings.

When faced with the daunting task of sorting your belongings, it’s important to proceed one room at a time, while giving yourself short breaks to avoid becoming discouraged. Take this opportunity to do some cleaning. It’s strange how some shelves can be so neglected over time! Complete this process, while avoiding all possible distractions. If an object makes you feel nostalgic, set it aside, you can come back to it once this chore is complete. In fact, sorting through your sentimental possessions is definitely the biggest challenge. Follow your heart and your feelings towards the object; you will then be able to make an enlightened decision.

And the beauty in all this? Sorting and organizing provides psychological benefits by alleviating the mental load, among other things. Sometimes quite subtly, a messy home can induce a state of stress and lead to serious health problems. Who would have thought? A spring cleaning can be good medicine.

Packing boxes, a science?

Because packing boxes is a science, before you begin, it’s important to have all the material required to complete this step. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap and a marker are some of the basic essentials you’ll need. Several specialized stores sell boxes, but you can also pick some up in very good condition at the grocery store, at the SAQ or in big-box stores.

Take precautions with delicate objects, use wardrobe moving boxes for your clothes and pay special attention to the weight of your boxes. No need to draw you a picture, lower back pain can quickly strike!   Also remember to label your boxes. There is nothing worse than having to look for your things in your new apartment.

Start with the items that you don’t use on a daily basis; this should be done sooner rather than later. On moving day, you should perhaps consider bringing the boxes that contain your delicate items with you. Even if your movers are meticulous, no one is immune to unfortunate events. You can simply pack them using your towels and washcloths, thereby killing two birds with one stone.

The importance of being well supported

On moving day, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Make sure you have someone you can rely on with you, like a friend or a family member so that they may support you and help you go over the important steps required. Also, make sure to keep a box with you that contains everyday essentials. There is nothing worse than reaching your destination and having to search through all your boxes for toilet paper. Oh, and don’t forget to bring snacks for the good Samaritans lending you a hand.

Once there, settling into your new home requires some management. In a stress-free manner, take the time to unpack your boxes, one room at a time, placing your belongings in strategic places that will help make your daily routine easier. Unpack the rooms by order of priority. The kitchen and bathroom will obviously take priority over the shed and its countless items.

In short, it’s important to breathe, to plan carefully and thoroughly, and to surround yourself with others. By following these simple tricks, your move into your Lib rental condo is sure to go smoothly.

Top 5 – Stay active this winter in Outaouais!

The Lib’s location in Aylmer, Gatineau, offers myriad ways to enjoy the winter without travelling far from home. To narrow down your options, here are our top 5 winter activities for fresh air, rejuvenation and staying in shape.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a perennial favourite, and visiting in winter only further brings out its beauty, peacefulness and truly impressive size. Take in all 361 square kilometres of the snowy landscape! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a range of physical activities, with 50 cross-country ski trails, 14 snowshoeing paths and, for more laid-back days, a multitude of picturesque walking routes. If you’re looking to dive into a new winter sport, the park also offers on-site equipment rentals. Check out the official website for more information and updates on rule changes for certain activities, depending on the public health situation. GATINEAU PARK – NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION (NCC-CCN.GC.CA)

Rideau Canal Skateway

We couldn’t possibly leave out the Rideau Canal Skateway, a beloved ice-skating destination since 1970. The 7.8-kilometre track is an attraction like no other, running straight through the heart of the capital. In 2005, it was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world! But that’s not the only record it has broken—in 2019, the rink recorded an unprecedented 1.5 million visitors. This year, you can be one of them! RIDEAU CANAL SKATEWAY – NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION (NCC-CCN.GC.CA)

Éco-Odyssée Nature Park

Still got your skates on? Good—you’ll need them to enjoy the unique experience of Éco-Odyssée Nature Park, where nature lovers try to navigate the world’s only ice-skating maze. Covering three kilometres, the trails lead you through a variety of ecosystems, including forest, marsh and field. You can even take your experience to the next level by visiting at night. The trails are lit each evening after sundown, and on Thursdays, the atmosphere is heightened with music. HOME – ÉCO-ODYSSÉE (ECO-ODYSSEE.CA)

Pêche Blanche Gatineau

Put a new twist on fishing! The Gatineau ice fishing centre is ready to welcome you for a day of fun and relaxation with friends or family. With more than 200 heated ice shacks available to rent, you’ll be a part of transforming the frozen lake into a bustling community! For those with a more competitive spirit, there will be a friendly ice fishing competition on February 27. Reel in the biggest lunker and you’ll take home the $1,000 jackpot—now that’s a catch! PÊCHE BLANCHE GATINEAU (PECHEBLANCHEGATINEAU.COM)

Old Aylmer Walking Tour

Take a stroll through history and see the city through fresh eyes with the Old Aylmer Historical Tour. Simply download the free app, BaladoDiscovery, to your smart phone or tablet and listen as you roam around the 1.5-kilometre route, passing by stately heritage homes, historical businesses and important locations in the city’s history. The journey ends at Des Cèdres Park, on the shore of the Ottawa River—the perfect spot to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. BALADODISCOVERY – OLD AYLMER HISTORICAL TOUR (BALADODISCOVERY.COM)