"homelessness"

This item concerns the procurement of site management services to support individuals experiencing homelessness in the city.

The committee authorized an additional $67,175.42 for the rental of portable toilets, bringing the total contract value to $231,382.01. The increase is due to theft, damage, and vandalism, particularly involving users experiencing homelessness. The contract will also be extended for two additional six-month periods.

The City is partnering with the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) to host a full-time scientist-in-residence to focus on housing and homelessness. This initiative aims to provide the City and its Scientific Council (CSVG) with specialized expertise to help make informed decisions on these complex issues.

The City of Gatineau is partnering with the *Fonds de recherche du Québec* (FRQ) to host a scientist-in-residence. This researcher will work full-time on the complex issue of housing and homelessness to help the City's Scientific Council (CSVG) provide better evidence-based policy advice.

This is a recurring update regarding the city's efforts and strategies to address homelessness in Gatineau.

The Commission reviewed the city's homelessness response during the winter, noting that increased shelter capacity and improved coordination between partners successfully met demand. The city is preparing a new call for tenders for the management of the Guertin site and has contracted Réhabex for social mediation services. Future discussions will address the potential for a permanent year-round shelter and the financial implications of such a project.

The Public Safety Commission reviewed and recommended the adoption of its 2026 work plan to the City Council. Discussions focused on community outreach, mental health and homelessness initiatives, and the integration of intersectional gender-based analysis (GBA+) into police interventions.

The City is transferring land on boulevard des Allumettières to Le Gîte Ami for a 20-unit transitional housing project for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The project is supported by a $3.26 million grant from the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ).

The city is transferring land for free to support a 20-unit affordable housing project for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, funded by the PHAQ program.

Council approves the free transfer of a municipal lot to Le Gîte Ami for a 20-unit transitional housing project for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The project is supported by a $3.26 million grant from the Quebec Affordable Housing Program (PHAQ). Councillor Marc Carrière voted against the motion.

The President of the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) met with Gatineau city council to discuss regional economic development, municipal infrastructure, and public transit. The discussion highlighted the growing financial burden on municipalities, the need for provincial support for sports and leisure facilities, and the urgency of addressing homelessness. The session concluded with a call for streamlined provincial and federal funding processes to better support the maintenance of aging municipal infrastructure.

The Executive Committee has authorized the 'Nuit des sans-abri' (Night of the Homeless) event to take place at Parc Sainte-Bernadette on October 17, 2025. This approval includes a temporary exemption from municipal bylaws regarding public peace and noise levels to allow the awareness-raising activities to proceed.

The city will provide $5,500 in compensation to the L'Île des Enfants daycare center. This follows the closure of Parc Saint-Rédempteur, which was repurposed to house homeless individuals during the transition period before the demolition of the old Robert-Guertin arena.

Council approved an agreement to provide $5,500 in compensation to the Centre de la petite enfance L'Île des Enfants due to the closure of Saint-Rédempteur Park, which was used to relocate homeless individuals.

The City is restructuring the Police Service by abolishing a clerk position and creating a new administrative clerk position and an Inspector position for Mental Health and Homelessness. It is also reassigning several existing crisis intervention positions under the new Inspector's authority.

The City is entering into agreements with the Office d'habitation de l'Outaouais and the Société d'habitation du Québec to provide temporary housing and housing search assistance for households at risk of homelessness. The City will cover 15% of administrative costs for the Office d'habitation.

Council approved several organizational changes in the Police Department, including the abolition of a central file clerk position, the creation of an administrative clerk position, and the creation of a new inspector position for mental health and homelessness. Several crisis intervention unit positions were also realigned under this new inspector.

Council adopted agreements for the 2025-2026 Temporary Housing and Housing Search Assistance Program. This initiative provides funding to the Office d'habitation de l'Outaouais to assist households that are homeless or at risk of homelessness in finding rental housing.

A recurring update on the city's efforts and strategies regarding homelessness in Gatineau.

Presentation of a guide outlining how the city manages makeshift encampments, providing information on policies and procedures.

Partners shared updates on various initiatives, including free transit for students, a positive reception to a video on homelessness, and improvements in mental health service access in the Outaouais region.

An update was provided on homelessness initiatives, including coordinated access, support for multi-need individuals, and a successful cleanup operation at the Guertin site.

The commission reviewed a new management guide for makeshift camps, which aims to balance public safety and hygiene with the needs of homeless individuals, designating the Guertin site as the primary authorized location.

The city is authorizing an additional $67,500 for Réhabex to support homelessness services, including the management of portable toilets, storage for campers' belongings, and security at the Guertin site. This brings the total contract value to $346,415 to address the significant increase in the homeless population.

Council authorized a funding agreement with the Quebec Housing Society (SHQ) to provide emergency housing services for households facing homelessness due to the housing shortage or minor disasters. The city will work with the Outaouais Housing Office (OHO) to deliver these services.

The City is formalizing an agreement with the provincial government to receive funding for a multi-year project. This project focuses on improving police responses to mental health and homelessness issues in Gatineau through concerted practices.

The committee awarded a one-year contract to Sanivac for the rental of portable toilets for approximately $149,278.71. The contract includes options for two six-month renewals, potentially bringing the total to $298,557.42.

The City is updating its agreements with the *Office d'habitation de l'Outaouais* to align with provincial programs for temporary housing and housing search assistance. This includes repealing a previous protocol and authorizing new funding agreements to support households at risk of homelessness.

The City is entering into an agreement with the CISSSO to fund the "Halte" project, a proximity service center for people experiencing homelessness. This project aligns with regional and provincial strategies to reduce homelessness.

Council approved updated agreements with the Office d'habitation de l'Outaouais to support the Temporary Housing and Housing Search Assistance Program. This program helps households at risk of homelessness by providing guidance and support in finding rental housing, with the city covering 15% of administrative costs.

Council approved an agreement with the CISSSO (regional health authority) to fund the "Halte" project, a proximity service centre for people experiencing homelessness. This project aligns with the city's 2025-2029 homelessness action plan and regional priorities to provide essential services to vulnerable populations.

Council approved the City's support for the joint declaration resulting from the 4th General States of Homelessness. This declaration advocates for fundamental rights, accessible services, and a concerted approach to reversing homelessness trends, and calls on the Quebec government to take necessary actions.

The commission reviewed the 2025-2029 Municipal Action Plan on homelessness and social development. The plan focuses on six key areas, including governance, housing, and adapted interventions, and emphasizes the city's commitment to addressing homelessness through a person-centered approach.

The city is entering into agreements with the CISSSO (regional health authority) to fund the 'An organized encampment in Gatineau' project. This initiative, part of the city's homelessness action plan, aims to provide better support for people living in encampments.

The City of Gatineau is partnering with the CISSSO (regional health authority) to implement the 'An Organized Encampment in Gatineau' project. This initiative, part of a broader homelessness action plan, will receive funding to support individuals experiencing homelessness.

This item authorizes a partnership agreement between the City and the *CISSSO* (regional health authority) to manage an organized encampment project for vulnerable populations.

The commission reviewed the 2024 Park Surveillance Program, which patrolled over 80 parks to ensure safety and respectful use. Plans for 2025 include expanding patrols to skating rinks and sliding areas, maintaining year-round patrols, and implementing a new procedure for special requests.

An informational update on the city's ongoing efforts and strategies to address homelessness.

The commission discussed the city's homelessness response, including the operation of warming centers and the 'Village Transition' container site at Robert-Guertin. The discussion covered the management of donations, the difficulty of collecting data on the homeless population, and the need to interpret statistics carefully to avoid underestimating the severity of the situation.

The City has awarded a contract to King Sécurité inc. to provide security services at sites serving individuals experiencing homelessness. The contract is valued at approximately $2.99 million and covers the period from December 2024 through May 2026, with options for two one-year renewals. This ensures continued security coverage for these essential community support sites.

The City is granting a 10-year, rent-free emphyteutic lease to the non-profit organization Transition Québec to establish a transitional housing village for up to 100 people experiencing homelessness at the former Robert-Guertin Arena site. This project replaces a previous resolution to align with new municipal social housing assistance programs. The City will support the project by providing the land and assisting with future relocation planning for the housing units.

This item authorizes the financial and material support for the transitional housing project under the newly adopted Bylaw 968-2024. The City will provide $1.5 million from the homelessness assistance reserve, grant the land use (valued at $4 million) for 10 years, and provide $25,000 in municipal services.

The City is granting an emphyteutic lease (long-term land lease) to the non-profit organization Transition Québec to establish a transitional housing village for up to 100 homeless individuals at the former Robert-Guertin Arena site. This resolution replaces a previous one to align with new municipal social housing programs. The lease is for 10 years and includes requirements for the organization to return the land with specific improvements at the end of the term.

The City is awarding a contract to Le Gite Ami for homeless intervention and site management services, totaling $802,514.28 before taxes.

The City is creating two new 'Community Development Coordinator' positions within the Recreation, Sports and Community Development Service to support the 2025-2029 Homelessness and Social Development Action Plan.

The City is repealing a previous resolution regarding a contribution to Transition Québec, opting instead to develop a new municipal program for innovative housing projects to address homelessness.

The City is creating two new permanent Community Development Coordinator positions within the Recreation, Sports and Community Development Service to support the implementation of the 2025-2029 Homelessness and Social Development Action Plan.

The City is repealing a previous resolution (CM-2024-760) regarding a contribution to 'Transition Québec' to better align with new municipal powers and a more comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness and housing needs.

The commission reviewed the increasing number of police interventions related to mental health, which are projected to reach 3,904 in 2024. The discussion focused on the role of the specialized UNIC team, the challenges of balancing law enforcement with medical needs, and the importance of inter-agency collaboration with the CISSSO.

The city is reallocating $5 million in funding dedicated to homelessness assistance. This is a significant financial decision aimed at addressing homelessness support services.

The City is reallocating $3.5 million from its homelessness assistance reserve to fund professional and municipal services for the Morin Street project and the Guertin encampment. This funding is necessary to support ongoing homelessness initiatives and infrastructure repairs, reflecting the City's evolving response to the homelessness crisis.

An informational update on the city's current efforts and strategies to address homelessness.

The commission received an update on winter measures for the homeless, including the opening of the Village Transition site on December 20, 2024, and the continued operation of warming centers in Hull and Gatineau. The City is finalizing a management framework for makeshift camps, and mental health support teams from the CISSSO will be deployed to various service locations.

This item acknowledges the formal tabling of documents regarding housing initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness. These documents were provided to council members for review in accordance with municipal regulations.

The City is granting a 10-year, rent-free emphyteutic lease to the non-profit organization Transition Québec for a portion of the Robert-Guertin Arena site. This land will host a transitional housing village consisting of converted shipping containers to provide shelter for up to 100 people experiencing homelessness. This decision formalizes the land use and repeals previous resolutions regarding the site.

The City is granting a long-term lease (emphyteutic lease) to the non-profit organization Transition Québec to establish a temporary housing village for up to 100 homeless individuals at the Robert-Guertin Arena site. This project aims to address the urgent homelessness crisis in Gatineau by providing transitional housing using converted shipping containers. The lease is granted for 10 years at no cost, and the City is repealing previous resolutions to consolidate the project's authorization.

The City is providing $1.5 million in funding to Transition Québec to support the implementation of the Village Transition project. This funding comes from the City's $5 million homelessness aid reserve. The agreement outlines the partnership for 2024-2025 and ensures financial accountability in line with provincial legislation.

A presentation providing an update on the current state of homelessness in Gatineau to inform future policy decisions.

The committee reviews the results and outcomes of the city's social development and homelessness initiatives from the previous three-year period.

The committee discusses and makes a recommendation regarding the proposed strategy for addressing homelessness and social development over the next five years.

The committee recommends that Council authorize the 'Nuit des sans-abri' (Night of the Homeless) event at Parc Sainte-Bernadette on October 18, 2024. The approval includes a temporary exemption from municipal noise and public order bylaws to allow the event to run until 1:00 AM, with cleanup until 2:00 AM.

The committee ratified a $133,000 contract and authorized an additional $145,915 for Réhabex to provide security and portable toilet management for the homeless population at the Guertin site. These services are essential due to the increase in homelessness and are funded until November 15, 2024.

The City of Gatineau is supporting the 'Transition Québec' organization by providing a letter of intent to loan approximately 8,000 m² of land at the Robert-Guertin Arena site for a transitional housing village. The village will use converted shipping containers to house up to 100 people experiencing homelessness, with a formal loan agreement expected by November 30, 2024.

The City is purchasing the property at 81, rue Morin for $450,000 to consolidate its land holdings near the Aréna Guertin site and the Gîte Ami. The City plans to demolish the existing rooming house building to support ongoing social services and homelessness initiatives in the area.

The City is creating a temporary 24-month position for a Project Director, Integrated Housing and Homelessness Strategy, with a budget of $347,391. Geneviève D’amours is appointed to this position on an interim basis.

The City is lending a portion of the Aréna Robert-Guertin parking lot to the non-profit organization 'Transition Québec' for six months. This land will be used to set up a transitional housing village made of converted shipping containers for people experiencing homelessness. The loan is free of charge and renewable until necessary permits are obtained.

The city is updating its emergency housing assistance bylaws to align with new provincial funding and program requirements from the Société d'habitation du Québec. This procedural step introduces the amendment to ensure local services remain compliant with the new PHTARL framework.

The city is creating an interim project director position for a 24-month term to manage the Integrated Housing and Homelessness Strategy, addressing the city's increased workload in these sectors.

Council authorized the $450,000 purchase of the property at 81, rue Morin, currently used as a rooming house. The city plans to demolish the building to consolidate its land holdings in the area, which includes the Guertin Arena site and the Gîte Ami shelter, to support ongoing social services and homelessness initiatives.

Mayor Daniel Champagne gave notice of motion for a future bylaw amendment (877-1-2024) to align the city's emergency aid services for homeless households with the new provincial Temporary Housing and Housing Search Assistance Program (PHTARL).

Council authorized the creation of a 24-month temporary project director position for the Integrated Housing and Homelessness Strategy. Geneviève D’amours was appointed to this role, with a total expenditure of $347,391 funded through the 2024 contingency budget and future homelessness action plans.

Council approved a six-month, renewable land loan to the non-profit organization Transition Québec to establish a transitional housing village for homeless individuals at the former Robert-Guertin Arena site. The loan is provided free of charge to address the urgent homelessness crisis in Gatineau.

Information regarding upcoming forums on immigration and social development will be shared with commission members via email.

Miscellaneous items, specifically a 'vox pop' discussion regarding the Summit on Homelessness and Social Development.

A recurring update regarding the city's efforts and strategies to address homelessness in Gatineau.

This item authorizes the creation of a working committee to organize the 2024 Summit on Social Development and Homelessness, a key initiative to address housing and social support challenges in the city.

The committee receives a status update regarding the city's ongoing efforts and strategies to address homelessness.

The committee receives an update on current homelessness initiatives and discusses the process for renewing the city's Social Development and Homelessness Action Plan. This is a key strategic item for addressing housing and social support needs in Gatineau.

The city is awarding a $10,000 grant to support the services provided by La Marmite à Joe as part of the Itinérance Zéro (Zero Homelessness) initiative in the Versant district.

The city is awarding a $12,000 grant to support the services provided by La Marmite à Joe as part of the Itinérance Zéro (Zero Homelessness) initiative in the Lac-Beauchamp district.

The committee approved a $10,000 grant from Councillor Daniel Champagne's discretionary budget to Itinérance Zéro to support the continued operation of 'La Marmite à Joe', which provides meals, clothing, and warmth to vulnerable populations.

The committee approved a $12,000 grant from Councillor Denis Girouard's discretionary budget to Itinérance Zéro to support the continued operation of 'La Marmite à Joe' in the Lac-Beauchamp district.

Elected officials provided updates on upcoming forums and summits, including the Living Together Forum and the homelessness summit, and noted an upcoming municipal council meeting.

The committee discusses several youth-related initiatives, including a focus group project, the relaunch of the student council network, a recruitment campaign, and a recognition of the homelessness summit.