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, October 15, 2024, at 11 a.m., with the following in attendance,

Public Committee of the Whole Meeting – October 15, 2024

Location: Committee Room, Maison du citoyen, 25, rue Laurier, Gatineau.

Agenda Items

1. Context and objectives;
2. Participatory approach: Themes and activities;
3. Participatory approach: Results;
4. Case study;
5. Phase 3 of the work;
6. Next steps.

A question and comment period was held.

Councillor Jean Lessard mentioned that recordings of the activities held should be made available for later comments. Mr. Bardin confirmed that it can indeed be beneficial to have this type of open meeting.

Councillor Daniel Champagne asked how citizen expectations are reconciled with the urban planning plan, for which consultations have already taken place. On page 19, Mr. Champagne highlighted the importance of identified impartiality. Conversely, citizen trust must be preserved by implementing mechanisms to maintain independence and credibility. Mr. Bardin mentioned that there is real independence and the appearance of independence, providing explanations. Regarding the issue of citizen participation at a higher level, Mr. Bardin mentioned that the Service de l’interaction citoyenne (Citizen Interaction Department) is aware of the challenges and that good communication is important. He gave the example of the City of Montréal, which carries out activities in the community. The sphere of influence must be clearly identified to strengthen credibility.

Councillor Mike Duggan expressed his anticipation for the next steps, considering the importance of this file.

Councillor Denis Girouard highlighted the quality of the work performed. He mentioned that skepticism (page 11) is indeed felt on the ground, with people feeling they are not being consulted. Mr. Girouard questioned what actions will be implemented and within what timeframe. Mr. Bardin mentioned that skepticism was only mentioned a few times. He highlighted the efforts made by the City, noting that improvements must be made to communications.

Councillor Steve Moran thanked the committee for the work performed. He proposed that the objective of citizen participation be clarified by the committee to encourage citizen involvement. He mentioned that a comment often heard is that people are consulted too late in the process, without involving them in defining the problem or the subject being discussed. Mr. Bardin provided explanations on the criteria identified for choosing the right time.

Regarding real estate development projects, Councillor Anik Des Marais highlighted that they have been the subject of several discussions within the committee, as people often did not participate in the meetings on the schéma d’aménagement (land use plan). She recalled the course on the ABCs of urban planning offered to inform people about the processes.

Councillor Louis Sabourin highlighted the opportunity elected officials have to participate in committees/commissions, allowing them to provide their input. He believes that one should not rely solely on social media to disseminate information. Mr. Sabourin added that not every file is subject to consultation, and that sometimes the dissemination of information is sufficient. Regarding consultation timelines, he gave the example of a situation he experienced as an elected official.

Councillor Steven Boivin wished to thank the volunteer members of the committee as well as the elected officials who participated in the process. He highlighted that the City is in constant improvement and evolution and that cultural changes are important. Mr. Boivin appreciates meetings with citizens in various forms. He mentioned that upstream consultation is desired, but that the committee also highlighted the importance of knowing citizens' opinions post-project. He summarized that it is important to believe in citizen participation and that the work performed will provide the necessary tools.

Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette thanked the committee members, the INM (Institut du Nouveau Monde), and the Service de l’interaction citoyenne. She returned to the two avenues of reflection presented on page 25, and clarifications were provided by Mr. Bardin. The Mayor highlighted the aspect of neutrality for both proposed options as well as the importance of involving citizens who wish to participate.

Public Committee of the Whole adjourned at 12:02 p.m.

Me Véronique Denis City Clerk Office of the City Clerk