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, September 10, 2024, at 9:03 a.m., at which the following were present,
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CP20240910-P2 STUDY OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE MEASURES PROPOSED IN THE 2023-2032 LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN
Introduction by Councillor Anik Des Marais. Presentation by Messrs. Pierre-Emmanuel Paradis and Philippe Gougeon, consultants from the firm APPECO.
Presentation plan:
- Mandate;
- Methodology;
- Literature review;
- Results and observations;
- Opinion on forecasts.
A question and comment period took place. Councillor Daniel Champagne highlighted the importance of the results presented, which will guide elected officials in the political choices made or to be made. He hopes that the provincial government will be attentive to the information presented today, to reiterate that municipal taxation no longer works and that new means must be put in place to finance municipalities.
Regarding the results – observations, Mr. Champagne sees incentives for developers in the event of the implementation of an inclusion bylaw vs. a development charges bylaw. Mr. Champagne also asked how to respond to the availability of subsidies, in addition to the exclusion on charges, for developers not building social and affordable housing. Mr. Emmanuel Paradis explained that the analysis only reports on a possible analysis, without recommendations regarding the measures to be applied. Mr. Philippe Gougeon added that reduced construction costs for affordable housing will favor their construction (more chance of profitability). We see in the literature that to be effective, measures must not be alone.
Councillor Marc Bureau mentioned that the UMQ (Union des municipalités du Québec), at the time, had no appetite for development charges. He asked, if we were to move toward such a bylaw, if the City of Gatineau could go into all the fields provided for in Ontario. Mr. Christian Tanguay mentioned that presentations will be made in the coming weeks regarding the possible framework for development charges. Mr. Bureau also mentioned that charges are more expensive in Ontario when moving away from the city center. Mr. Gougeon mentioned that provincial regulations allow for modulation.
Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette returned to Mr. Champagne's comment to the effect that the impact of the registration tax is zero. She wishes to clarify that the direct impact is zero, but that there will be an impact on behavior since the public transit offer will be improved. Eco-fiscality makes it possible to respond to various issues, considering that financial resources are not transferred to municipalities despite growth and new areas of jurisdiction devolved. She added that development has a cost and asked who should bear the costs. She finds the idea of modulating development charges interesting, which can be a tool for affordability.
Regarding the parking tax, Councillor Edmond Leclerc referred to the presentation which mentions that much higher parking taxes would be needed to induce real changes in behavior. He gave the example of the Buckingham sector where businesses are leaving small arteries in favor of larger parking spaces. He believes that businesses that can benefit from these spaces should be made to pay.
Councillor Louis Sabourin addressed a question regarding the housing tax and its link to affordability. Councillor Denis Girouard returned to the registration tax, mentioning that he was against it. He would like to have the presenters' point of view. Mr. Gougeon mentioned that the results of the study focus on the impact of a decision and not on the use of the sums.
Mr. Champagne mentioned that the zero effect mentioned earlier for the registration tax is for the citizen. He added that the sums granted in this way by the City will contribute to the STO (Société de transport de l'Outaouais) coffers and that this is a first step demonstrating the City's desire to put in place eco-fiscal measures to eventually change behaviors.
Councillor Jocelyn Blondin confirmed the City Council's choice to increase public transit. He added that the registration tax will help achieve the objectives, adding that there will be an improvement in services as early as 2025, with a positive impact on the entire population. Mr. Girouard returned to the lack of behavioral changes mentioned by the consultants via the registration tax.
Councillor Steven Boivin returned to the information presented, to the effect that the City Council knows that the tax will not have an impact on behaviors, that what could have an impact will be its use. He added that the $10M is currently missing to offer the current service and that the STO wishes to offer a quality service. A $90 tax will allow for improved services, the government having given this power to municipalities rather than paying them funding. Mr. Girouard mentioned that he believes the tax has an impact on citizens and would have preferred that the $10M be granted for City services.
The Mayor thanked the consultants, the Finance Committee, and the administration for the work done. She returned to the consultants' comments regarding the need to reflect on various forms of eco-fiscal measures. The public plenary committee ended at 11:55 a.m.
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- Present the approach for creating a specific support program for residents' associations;
- Present the program proposal;
- Present the validation process and the results allowing for the proposal of the new program;
- Next steps.
Councillor Bettyna Bélizaire took her seat at 9:13 a.m. during the presentation.
A question and comment period took place. Councillor Louis Sabourin noted that modulating financial aid based on the size of the organization is a good idea. He also asked if the City encourages the grouping of neighboring sectors. He further asked if a citizen can be represented by more than one association. Mr. Sabourin also questioned whether a minimum number of citizens is required to create a new association or if mergers are encouraged.
Ms. Marie-Noële St-Pierre confirmed that there is indeed a desire for complete coverage and that associations are working toward this, particularly through sponsorship by member associations of the collective. It would also be difficult for a citizen to be represented by two associations since the City does not want duplication. Ms. St-Pierre mentioned that the minimum number required to be a recognized association is 500 citizens. Work is being done with smaller associations to encourage them to expand or merge.
Mr. Sabourin mentioned that the Gatineau sector is represented by large associations following several mergers. He asked for the City's opinion on this. Ms. St-Pierre mentioned that the City works with dynamic groups that meet the needs of the neighborhoods. There are therefore no limits on the number of citizens, and the autonomy of the associations is respected.
Councillor Anik Des Marais expressed her delight with the presentation and mentioned that the simplification of administrative processes is appreciated. She also highlighted the consultation process carried out and the flexibility of the framework presented.
Referring to pages 6 and 1, Councillor Jocelyn Blondin asked how associations that attract citizens from outside their neighborhood when organizing activities will be considered. He gave the example of associations present in smaller territories that organize large activities. Mr. Blondin also asked if the map presented on page 7 is complete (division). Mr. Sébastien Vallée confirmed that the map will be reviewed and corrections will be made if required.
Regarding funding, Ms. St-Pierre mentioned that previous requests have been evaluated and that the proposed terms will meet the needs of each. Alternatives will be presented to two associations that could be exceptions. Mr. Boivin highlighted that the mission of residents' associations is different. He referred to page 11 where criteria are presented, mentioning that it is more about funding for events. Ms. St-Pierre provided details on the projects that could be funded. Mr. Boivin asked why the amounts were divided, and Ms. St-Pierre explained that a pro forma form will be provided to associations to facilitate the submission of requests.
Councillor Mario Aubé took his seat at 9:37 a.m. Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette thanked the administration for the work done, recalling the activities offered by the associations and their benefits. The recommendations will be presented to the City Council on September 24 for adoption. The public plenary committee was suspended at 9:40 a.m.