Nemaska Gathering Hall

Nemaska Gathering Hall, 2025, Nemaska, QC

Through community consultation, a dedicated gath­ering space was identified as the most important social and cultural facility needed in Nemaska.

The Nemaska Gathering Hall project proposes an adaptive reuse of the vacant Old Fire Hall building.

A deconstruction process is proposed with the community to dismantle light building components for recycling, reuse within the community and on-site waste sorting.

TypeWork and culture

LocationNemaska, QC

Year2025

TeamJeth Owen Guerrero, Fraser Plaxton, Jade Lachapelle, Nicolas Lapierre, Francis M Labrecque

RendersLaurier Verdaguer

The Gathering Hall, located in the Cree community of Nemaska, is a project consisting of an extensive renovation and transformation of the existing old fire hall building into a new community building. The project is projected to start in April 2025.

Through community consultation, a dedicated gath­ering space was identified as the most important social and cultural facility needed in Nemaska. While the existing spaces are currently adapted when needed for large events and the Recreation Hall for smaller gatherings, there remains a significant need for a purpose-built medium sized space to support the cultural practice of community gathering, provide a safe and suitable environment for private gather­ings and facilitate the preparation of meals. This new facility will be used by local government, community organizations and members on a reservation basis and will support community programs such as a soup kitchen, community markets and workshops as well as provide space for private events, including wed­dings, feasts and birthdays.

The adaptive reuse of the old fire hall is centered around the creation of a large gathering space that can accommodate up to 200 people standing but is designed with a flexible furniture arrangement to facil­itate a wide range of event types and sizes. The main space is supported by a new entrance vestibule, generous storage space, bathroom facilities and a full commercial kitchen.

The design prioritizes universal accessibility and flexibility of use to ensure that it serves all community members and accommodates both current and future needs. Additionally, the project celebrates Cree cul­ture through the inclusion of culturally appropriate de­sign elements including signage, artwork and the use of locally sourced materials. The extensive retrofit of the building envelope and new mechanical systems will ensure that the project achieves a high-level of energy performance and climate resiliency.

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