PUBLIC – Minutes of the Gatineau City Council committee of the whole meeting held in the committee room of the Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 9:02 a.m., at which were present, Madam

2024-2025 Work Plan for the Public Safety Commission

Presentation by Councillor Olive Kamanyana, Chair, and Simon Fournier and Denis Doucet.

Presentation outline:

1. Commission mandate;
2. Composition;
3. Highlights of the 2024-2025 work plan.

A question and comment period took place. Councillor Jocelyn Blondin highlighted that a major issue seems to be missing, namely the need for a headquarters. He believes it is essential that this issue be added to the orientations to allow for discussions at this commission. Mr. Rousseau mentioned that this orientation could come from the council to the commission, and that the best vehicle will have to be identified by the council.

Councillor Edmond Leclerc asked why this issue was not added to the work plan, if that was the wish of the committee members. Ms. Kamanyana mentioned that the committee has not yet held its 1st meeting, which will take place on March 14. Mr. Leclerc believes that the headquarters issue should be handled by this committee. Councillor Bettyna Bélizaire asked if the issue of cybersecurity will be handled by the commission and clarifications were provided by Mr. Fournier. Ms. Kamanyana mentioned that the work plan could be modified during the year, considering the upcoming meetings of this new commission.

Tabling of the 2023 Report and Adoption of the 2024-2025 Work Plan for the Commission on Transportation, Sustainable Mobility, and Safety

Presentation by Councillor Olive Kamanyana, Chair, and Catherine Marchand.

Presentation outline:

1. Commission mandate;
2. Composition;
3. Highlights of the 2023 report;
4. Highlights of the 2024-2025 work plan.

A question and comment period took place. Clarifications were provided by Ms. Marchand regarding the commission's mandate, particularly for mobility studies, following a question from Councillor Anik Des Marais. She also provided information on the content of such a mobility study. Regarding the Plan directeur piste cyclable (Cycling Master Plan) which is set to end in 2025, Councillor Louis Sabourin reported on the difficulties experienced in the Limbour sector for cyclists. He asked how the citizen consultation for the next Master Plan will be conducted. Ms. Kamanyana mentioned that projects already planned have not been completed and that these already fill the order book. The Plan will therefore not be restarted from the beginning, but she confirmed that consultations will be carried out. Ms. Marchand also mentioned that needs will have to be reviewed to adjust priorities. Mr. Sabourin asked if the information is the same for the 4-season network. Verifications will be made for the Limbour sector as part of this project. Ms. Kamanyana mentioned the desire to do a lot versus budgetary capacities. Councillor Mike Duggan asked if the commission has data regarding the use of winter cycling corridors. Ms. Kamanyana confirmed that counts are being done and Ms. Marchand added that counts are done regularly to analyze the most used corridors.

Councillor Bettyna Bélizaire addressed a question regarding transitional measures that could be put in place while waiting for the various projects. She asked if these measures are part of the commission's work (slide 63); Ms. Marchand confirmed that they will be part of the opportunity study.

Tabling of the 2023 Report and Adoption of the 2024-2025 Work Plan for the Agricultural Advisory Committee

Presentation by Councillor Alicia Lacasse-Brunet, Chair, and Catherine Marchand.

Presentation outline:

1. Committee mandate;
2. Composition;
3. Highlights of the 2022-2023 report;
4. Highlights of the 2024-2025 work plan.

A question and comment period took place. Councillor Mike Duggan mentioned that lands zoned for agriculture are under a lot of pressure from urban sprawl, highlighting the importance of the PDZAA. He asked if the report will show positive examples of protected land. Ms. Lacasse-Brunet mentioned that the report will present results as part of the ARTERRE project, adding that the same actions will be reviewed and redefined to ensure objectives are met. Councillor Edmond Leclerc asked if agricultural zoning is in decline. Ms. Marchand mentioned that there has been no change to the agricultural territory for years. A request submitted to the CPTAQ had been refused; there has been no significant de-zoning, only partial de-zoning. Mr. Leclerc mentioned possible links with economic development. Councillor Anik Des Marais mentioned that the committee ensures the protection of agricultural territory and indeed believes that a link must be made with economic development. Councillor Steve Moran asked if it is possible to have more precision on the timeline for a permanent public market and the targeted location (slide 76). Ms. Lacasse-Brunet mentioned that a request was made to the TAO to have a business plan and identification of potential sites. A follow-up should be done in the spring or early summer at the municipal council regarding this file.

Tabling of the 2023 Report and Adoption of the 2024-2025 Work Plan for the Commission on Territory Development and Housing

Presentation by Councillor Mario Aubé and Catherine Marchand.

Presentation outline:

1. Commission mandate;
2. Composition;
3. Highlights of the 2023 report;
4. Highlights of the 2024-2025 work plan.

A question and comment period took place. Councillor Edmond Leclerc asked, regarding the PPU (Special Planning Programs), if the city center one will be done before Vieux-Buckingham, which does not appear in the work plan. He asked how prioritization is done. Ms. Marchand replied that the city center PPU has a deadline in 2025 and must therefore be updated. In the order book, only one new one can be carried out, but Ms. Marchand cannot answer why the Vieux-Aylmer PPU was prioritized over Vieux-Buckingham. Mr. Leclerc would like the Vieux-Buckingham PPU to be put back into the action plan and he will discuss it with the chair, considering that this file was current before his election. Councillor Gilles Chagnon added that the PPU for Aylmer was part of the concordance plan. Ms. Marchand mentioned that the PPU is identified in the urban plan, without a completion date since it does not appear in the scheme. Councillor Steve Moran also believes that the Buckingham PPU must be put back on the table. For the city center, considering the complex issues, he would like more details on the timeline and asks if the consultation for the Guertin site will be included in the work. Regarding the timeline, to the extent that contracts can be awarded, Ms. Marchand reported on the work that will be carried out in the first stages, particularly in terms of consultation. Councillor Mike Duggan addressed a question regarding the boulevard Gréber and rue de la Savane sector and would like the inclusion of certain housing projects. He asked if this commission handles this type of project. Ms. Marchand mentioned that real estate projects must go through the SUDD and not the commission, if they fall within the current regulatory framework. Councillor Olive Kamanyana mentioned that it would be interesting for major projects to go through this commission. Councillor Anik Des Marais added that this commission meets a minimum number of times per year and that the work plan is thin considering the major issues present in the City. She also believes that certain development projects should be included in this plan.

Tabling of the 2022-2023 Report and Adoption of the 2024-2025 Work Plan for the Commission des loisirs, des sports et du développement communautaire

Presentation by Councillor Bettyna Bélizaire, Chair, and Mr. Sébastien Vallée.

Presentation outline:

1. Commission mandate;
2. Composition;
3. Highlights of the 2022-2023 report;
4. Highlights of the 2024-2025 work plan.

A question and comment period took place.

Councillor Steven Boivin asked a question regarding outdoor skating rinks vs. climate change and the timeline for evaluating this file. Mr. Vallée mentioned that a presentation is planned for a future commission meeting on this file. The team wishes to propose a revision of the winter service offer. Mr. Vallée highlighted that there are certain issues with awarded contracts and that gradual phases will be presented. Councillor Gilles Chagnon mentioned that his sector could previously benefit from the Plan d’investissement communautaire (PIC) for the implementation of new infrastructure, but that the objectives have changed in recent years. He added that projects are now directed towards the PIVM, but that the PIVM is mainly aimed at large projects. He asked if amounts could not be identified for the implementation of, for example, parks in new developments. Mr. Vallée provided information on the criteria of the various programs and added that the weighting grid could be reviewed by the commission.

Tabling of the 2022-2023 Report and Adoption of the 2024-2025 Work Plan for the Toponymy Committee

Presentation by Councillor Gilles Chagnon, Chair, and Ms. Sonia Blouin.

Presentation outline:

1. Committee mandate;
2. Composition;
3. Highlights of the 2022-2023 report;
4. Highlights of the 2024-2025 work plan.

A question and comment period took place.

Councillor Mike Duggan asked if the commemorative program will be included in the commission's work and if a return to the city council is planned. Mr. Chagnon took note of the request and would like to ensure a good reception from the council should this file return.

Councillor Edmond Leclerc highlighted that a committee member had raised various proposals for the work plan and asked if the proposal for the implementation of a registry of female toponyms could be included. Mr. Chagnon mentioned that several recommendations were specific and represented tools rather than work plan actions. The proposals presented could return during future meetings. Ms. Blouin added that women's names are systematically included in research and that this is a priority for the committee. Councillor Leclerc believes that the proposed measure was distinct, to propose an additional tool, according to the discussions heard.

On page 166, Councillor Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent asked why the name of the Riviera library will be reviewed and if she will be involved in the process. Ms. Blouin mentioned that the objective is to have a commemorative name, and that the request comes from the library team. The process is not yet established, but the elected officials and organizations concerned will be consulted. Councillor Mario Aubé asked if there will also be plaques for Vieux-Masson, as for the Aylmer and Buckingham sectors. Ms. Blouin confirmed that this work is part of the 2024-2025 work plan. Regarding the Robert-Guertin site, Mr. Aubé asked if the name could be reused following its demolition. Ms. Blouin mentioned that the name will have to be de-officialized to be used elsewhere. Councillor Steve Moran asked if there is communication with other institutions in the region, particularly regarding school names. For the question of schools, it is a responsibility of the CSS (School Service Centres), often through an internal competition. There is no consultation mechanism in place. Ms. Blouin mentioned, however, that there is a link with the Commission de toponymie du Québec.

Councillor Carolin Murray would have liked to see clearer objectives in the work plan regarding parity, particularly regarding targets to be reached. Mr. Chagnon confirmed that this is one of the committee's missions. Ms. Blouin added that a project on the situation will be presented. A balance is required between commemoration and highlighting women and cultural communities. A question was addressed by Councillor Mike Duggan regarding English designations. Councillor Steven Boivin highlighted that this is the only commission where a vote was requested on the work plan and questioned the lack of unanimity. He understands the explanations presented, however, adding that a consensus would be desired.