Aylmer, Quebec

From Freepedia

Aylmer is a sector of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, located on the Ottawa River. Population (2001): 36,085. It is named for Lord Aylmer, who was a Governor-General of the United Province of Canada in the 1800's.

It bills itself the "Recreation Capital of the National Capital" given its many golf courses, green spaces, marina and bicycle paths. There is litttle industry in the sector, the area being mainly residential in nature.

In the recent election dealing with demerger from Gatineau, Aylmer actually voted to separate, but since there were not enough votes actually cast, it remains part of the amalgamated city. ( This was in keeping with a Quebec government regulation on similar demerger votes that for any referendum to be valid at least 35% of eligible voters had to cast ballots. )

Aylmer's population is about 40% anglophone and 60% francophone; much of its workforce commutes across the river to Ottawa. As such it tends to be a very federalist area, with much of the population being bilingual.

In 2002 the City of Aylmer became a part of Gatineau. A large protest from the Aylmer residents screamed for a de-amalgamation and was lost by 3 votes. Aylmer continues to be part of Gatineau to this day.