Gatineau Park's O'Brien House, a nearly century-old mansion overlooking Meech Lake, is set to reopen as a boutique hotel this spring. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced a five-year lease agreement with Old Chelsea Square, a local business group, marking a new chapter for the historic site. The NCC purchased the federally designated heritage building in 1964, but it has been largely unused since, hosting only a few conferences and a short-lived hotel venture. The new hotel will feature 11 guest rooms, event spaces, and food and beverage services, with a focus on accessibility to the public. Old Chelsea Square aims to integrate a small spa and wellness center, and the building requires minimal renovations before its planned opening on June 1. This marks a significant transformation for the O'Brien House, which was previously leased to hoteliers Robert Milling and Lynn Berthiaume, who reopened it as The O'Brien in 2018 but closed it the following year due to disagreements over public access. The new management emphasizes the importance of public accessibility for the hotel's success, offering a gourmet brunch menu on weekends and a limited afternoon food menu. The community's input is valued, and Old Chelsea Square welcomes suggestions on how to utilize the site effectively.
