PUBLIC – Minutes of the Gatineau City Council meeting of the whole held in the committee room of the Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at which were present, Mr.

Recommendations

CACLP-2024-03

Support the modernization project of the Alphonse-Desjardins auditorium at the Cégep de l’Outaouais.

CP-ACL-2024-12

Defer the approval of an annual financial contribution of $120,000 for the years 2025 to 2034 inclusive to support the modernization of the Alphonse-Desjardins auditorium at the Cégep de l’Outaouais. These enhancements must be provided for within the service improvement budgets.

Discussion Summary

A question and comment period was held. Councillor Gilles Chagnon expressed support for the project, noting it is a positive partnership. Regarding the financial structure, he asked whether other partnerships would be in the form of donations, service agreements, or sponsorships. Ms. Sonia Blouin provided clarifications. Mr. Chagnon asked if a response is required before the 2025 budget review. Ms. Blouin mentioned that the loan will be taken out by the Cégep de l’Outaouais, with a financial contribution of $120,000/year for 10 years from the City of Gatineau. A prompt response is desired.

Councillor Edmond Leclerc asked if there is more local data regarding cultural offerings and the saturation level of this sector to determine if this is the most pressing need. Ms. Blouin explained that these are different halls and time slots compared to La Basoche and Théâtre de l’Île. Regarding the memorandum of understanding, Mr. Leclerc asked for details on the approval of programming, which Ms. Blouin clarified in relation to the role of the Maison de la Culture as a presenter.

Councillor Mario Aubé asked about the difference in ticket sales between Gatineau and Victoriaville. Ms. Blouin noted that Victoriaville may reach a wider audience as a central city, adding that Gatineau has the potential to repatriate citizens currently going to Ottawa. She noted that Gatineau needs access to another major hall, as the Maison de la Culture must turn down 80 show offers per year. Mr. Aubé asked for data on the origin of ticket buyers, which Ms. Blouin confirmed could be extracted via postal codes.

Mayor Daniel Champagne noted that the proposed partnership confirms the important role of the Maison de la Culture. In response to the Mayor, Ms. Blouin noted that the partnership will begin in 2026, but programming must be planned starting in 2025, with funding required at that time.

Councillor Isabelle N. Miron clarified that the Cégep de l’Outaouais will be the project manager for programming, though the Maison de la Culture will still play a role. She recalled the objectives of the Politique culturelle and requested that Council provide its endorsement as soon as possible.

Councillor Mike Duggan asked about the consequences of the City not participating. Ms. Blouin mentioned that the financial structure and the project would likely need to be reviewed. Mr. Yess Gacem noted that the administration's usual approach is to defer such decisions to the budget review, though Council could mandate the administration to find a funding source as soon as possible. Mr. Simon Rousseau added that a first report on 2025 budget requests will be presented in the coming weeks.

Councillor Steven Boivin added that the venue is well-known to artists and represents an opportunity. He mentioned that the north of the city has needs and noted that the City's requirements must be clearly defined in the partnership agreement. The matter will return during the budget review unless otherwise advised by Council.

Recommendations

1. Revise the price of municipal land served by municipal infrastructure (sewer and water) located in specialized economic spaces according to the proposed fee schedule;
2. Adopt the policy for the sale of municipal land located in specialized economic spaces to provide the City of Gatineau with clear practices and rules for applicants.

Discussion Summary

Councillor Edmond Leclerc introduced the item, and Ms. Isabelle Veilleux presented. The objectives are to inform Council on the global reflection regarding the development of specialized economic spaces (business and industrial parks) and to recommend a price revision for municipal land and the adoption of a sale policy.

Councillor Mike Duggan asked how the fee schedule was established. Ms. Veilleux mentioned that the methodology was proposed by a firm of chartered appraisers. Mr. Leclerc added that the firm's report could be added as an attachment.

Councillor Alicia Lacasse-Brunet noted that low prices are sometimes desired to limit speculation but expressed concern that some land could not be marketed due to low prices. Ms. Veilleux explained that developers often cite difficulty in developing under current costs. Strategies used in other cities are being considered.

Regarding the Pink sector, Councillor Anik Des Marais mentioned that the proposed cost seems low. Ms. Veilleux noted that residual land in that sector is burdened by conditions. Councillor Steve Moran questioned whether it would be better to have a price per lot rather than a flat rate. Regarding the ruisseau de la Brasserie industrial park, Ms. Veilleux explained that it was not identified as an industrial zone in the master plan (schéma).

Mayor Daniel Champagne emphasized the importance of distinguishing between available industrial land and land suitable for social and affordable housing. Ms. Veilleux confirmed that a return to Council will occur following ongoing reflections on a real estate strategy. Mayor Champagne asked about flexibility in attracting certain types of businesses, and Ms. Veilleux clarified the role of the economic development office.

Councillor Mario Aubé asked about the saturation of the Aéroparc and the potential to service currently unserviced land. Ms. Veilleux confirmed that servicing could be fast-tracked if requested. Regarding agricultural land expansion, Ms. Veilleux explained the associated conditions. Mr. Aubé asked if the City has resources to attract major players; Ms. Veilleux mentioned that ID Gatineau is the City's partner for attraction.

Members agreed with the recommendations for inclusion in the July 9, 2024, municipal council meeting.