PUBLIC – Minutes of the City of Gatineau Committee of the Whole meeting held in the committee room of the Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., at which were present, Ms.
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Economic Development Governance
Introduction by Mr. Edmond Leclerc. Presentation by Ms. Lyne Savaria, Ms. Isabelle Veilleux, and Mr. Pierre Fortin, consultant from RCGT.
Presentation plan:
- Context and methodology of the process;
- Summary of findings;
- Scenarios and recommendations;
- Recommendations of the Economic Development Commission (CDE);
- Appendix – Implementation schedule.
RECOMMENDATIONS: CDE-2024-03
The CDE recommends that the council adopt, regarding the economic development structure, Scenario B – Optimized mixed model following the analysis of the City's economic development governance.
A question and comment period took place. Councillor Edmond Leclerc wished to highlight, as chair of the Economic Development Commission, having observed the numerous actors operating in this environment. He believes the Commission's recommendation is wise regarding the proposed repatriation of certain competencies in the proposed model. He added that new elements are being added to the current structure, which will have impacts on the Commission's deliverables. The reform will need to be formatted before the adoption of an Action Plan. Regarding commercial development, it appears in the proposed model.
Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette highlighted the importance of today's presentation and the work done by the Economic Development Commission. She mentioned that in 2014, the government abolished the CLDs (Local Development Centres), with options for cities. She explained that the mandate given to the consultant was notably to analyze what was done elsewhere and to evaluate the findings. A culture of economic development must be developed. She would like to know how this can be achieved with the contribution of the Bureau of Economic Development (BDÉ).
Mr. Pierre Fortin bridged the gap with other cities that have made the shift toward economic development. He explained that some of the City's advantages are also disadvantageous, considering the standard of living in Gatineau. The BDÉ must be a catalyst in the field, in line with the City's values. The vision for economic development must belong to the City. If the BDÉ has real influence on leadership, it is easier to work in collaboration internally when a project is on the table. We must give ourselves the means to do so to create wealth.
The Mayor retained the notion of leadership of influence and stated she is in agreement with the proposed Option B. Councillor Bettyna Bélizaire is delighted with the presentation and thanked the team for the work done. The presentation discusses structure and governance, but she wishes to summarize it by mentioning that all actors in the economic development ecosystem must work in the same direction. What is presented today meets these expectations. We must be able to support a strong culture of development. Ms. Bélizaire asked how the City will be able to measure the success of this new model. Mr. Fortin proposed looking at it under real economic development indicators. The structure and governance will be facilitators to create wealth in the territory.
Mr. Leclerc mentioned that continuous evaluation is a practice that is emerging more and more, adding that a review of the model could be done periodically to establish accountability. Councillor Daniel Champagne also believes that accountability is fundamental. He also expressed a concern about the fragility of the structures. He asked if the commitments made by the current council could have weakened the structures in place. Regarding future fragility, he questioned the partnership envisaged with the CDROL.
To the first question, Mr. Fortin mentioned that he did not perform an analysis to see if the focus placed on one item could have weakened others. Regarding the collaboration with the CDROL, Ms. Isabelle Veilleux provided details on the various actions that could be implemented, adding that there is already cohesion between ID Gatineau and the CDROL. She mentioned an action that could be strengthened. Mr. Champagne believes that the message must be clear regarding the orientations that will be taken by the council for businesses.
In response to Councillor Marc Bureau, Mr. Leclerc confirmed that the Bureau of Economic Development will remain in place, but that it is desired to have a true Economic Development Department model. Regarding the findings, Councillor Denis Girouard noted a change in the administrative and political leadership of the City. Regarding level 3, he asked if it is worrying. Mr. Fortin mentioned that there is a healthy economy in the City's territory, but that more can be done. As for the changes in management, it may have caused erosion, but we want to bring back coherence in actions. Mr. Girouard asked why actions were not taken before. Mr. Fortin recalled that the mandate was given to him last May and that actions are proposed following the findings made.
Mr. Simon Rousseau highlighted that the proposal made is very structuring. Administratively, we are aligning the ecosystem. Everyone is very committed and working very hard, but we must now identify the priorities for the City. There is a lot of wealth and competent people in the ecosystem; we now want to align the troops. There can be several indicators in economic development; we must identify the niche desired for the City. The objectives must be clear and precise so that everyone can work in the same direction. The mandate must be clear and the consolidation of leadership must be confirmed. Resources will need to be added to consolidate the Economic Development Department to allow for an important shift. Change management will need to be put in place, considering in particular the repatriation of certain resources working at ID Gatineau. We want to equip ourselves with a new Economic Development Department, with an ID Gatineau arm well aligned with the City's priorities.
In response to Mr. Girouard, the Mayor highlighted the importance of working on a commercial development strategy. She mentioned that it is essential to have alignment and coherence between the City's vision and that of ID Gatineau. Decisions for economic development must be made at the council level for subsequent implementation. The council must identify its orientations in terms of economic development. ID Gatineau has a strong and attentive general management; the potential to work in collaboration is present. The recommendation will be included in the next municipal council meeting.
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2023 Annual Water Management Report
- Current situation;
- Desired situation;
- Recommendation.
RECOMMENDATIONS: CP-EMR-2024-011
Accept the filing of the 2023 annual report on water management.
A question and comment period took place. Councillor Edmond Leclerc mentioned that the MAMH (Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation) certification is usually filed as an attachment. Ms. Chantal Marcotte confirmed that this certification could be forwarded to the elected officials. Councillor Mike Duggan asked a question regarding ICI (Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional sectors) on page 11. He asked if data is available regarding the challenges faced by non-profit organizations (OBNL) concerning water meters. Ms. Marcotte will verify this.
On page 12, Councillor Gilles Chagnon asked about the distinction in the process between issuing a courtesy notice and a formal notice of violation (constat). Ms. Marcotte provided explanations, noting that a constat is issued if the citizen is caught in the act. Notices, on the other hand, are sent following complaints. As the watering bylaw has been in effect for a long time, there is zero tolerance for the misuse of drinking water. Ms. Marcotte explained the operation of schedules and the work of employees assigned to enforcing this bylaw.
On page 15, Mr. Chagnon congratulated the administration for the analyses carried out, which led to the boil-water advisory. He asked if the reduction in watering will have an impact on stagnant water. Ms. Marcotte mentioned that the reduction in water usage will force teams to work differently, with explanations. He added that tests must be perfect for several consecutive days when bacteria are found. This reduction must therefore be taken into account in the work performed.
Councillor Marc Bureau congratulated the teams on the results presented. He asked if more could be done regarding water leaks. Verifications will be made at the Public Works Department to determine the results versus the costs incurred. Mr. Nicolas Grignon-Lemieux mentioned that preventive efforts are maintained, even without an obligation. Breakages are mainly in cast iron pipes, and preventive maintenance is carried out. There is also field monitoring. The City is a pioneer in leak detection. For the revision of the bylaw, a presentation is scheduled for January 2025 for the results of the analysis and proposals. Adoption is expected in March to allow for a subsequent communication campaign.
Councillor Louis Sabourin asked if it is possible to identify specific addresses that are over-consuming, allowing for the targeting of certain sectors. He also asked if the City has data on water usage for swimming pools versus watering. Regarding water leaks related to cast iron, Mr. Sabourin requested details on the quantity. For pools and watering, Ms. Marcotte mentioned that mechanical night watering is an extreme use, greater than the peak at dinner time. For pools, it is minor. Regarding over-consumption, Ms. Marcotte explained the possibilities offered by their verification system.
Councillor Alicia Lacasse-Brunet is satisfied with the results, noting that the City is ahead of other Quebec cities. She highlighted the desire of elected officials to do better, despite these excellent results. The recommendation will be included in the next municipal council meeting.
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Biodiversity Action Plan
Introduction by Councillor Marc Bureau. Presentation by Mr. Frédéric Vandal, Ms. Lyne Savaria, and Ms. Louise Tremblay. The objective of the presentation is to endorse the Statement of Principle and the 2024-2028 Biodiversity Action Plan.
Presentation plan:
- Current situation;
- Desired situation;
- Recommendation.
Recommendation of the Environment and Climate Change Commission (CELCC).
CELCC-2024-3
Recommend the Biodiversity Statement of Principle and the orientations, objectives, and actions of its 2024-2028 action plan. The CELCC would like to review the action plan 6 months after its approval for discussion on the schedule and targets.
RECOMMENDATIONS: CP-STÉ-2024-01
Adopt the Statement of Principle on biodiversity and the 2024-2028 Biodiversity Action Plan.
CP-STÉ-2024-02
- Adopt the Statement of Principle on biodiversity.
- Adopt the 2024-2028 Biodiversity Action Plan.
- Request approval for the use of the initiative in connection with the climate plan for the operating budget proposed in the 2024-2028 Biodiversity Plan and the funding of the 3 necessary positions.
A question and comment period took place. Councillor Mike Duggan appreciated the work presented. He asked if maps are available to identify which environments should be preserved. Mr. Frédéric Vandal mentioned that information is available in the planning program (schéma d’aménagement), but that characterization work will be carried out in the field.
Councillor Catherine Craig-St-Louis asked for details on the distinctions between the attachments and the plan presented. Mr. Vandal confirmed that the two documents speak to each other, and that there may only be distinctions in the nomenclature. For everything related to orientation 1, in the action sheets, Ms. Craig-St-Louis mentioned the notion of developing the territory with coherence. Urban planning tools are essential for this, citing certain examples. The networking is very important; it is reassuring to see it written. It will be interesting to involve the Ecological Transition Department in the various projects in order to offer a complete and encompassing response. Environment and urban planning must work together to offer quality living environments. Mr. Vandal confirmed the efforts of cohesion and transversality with the SUDD (Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department).
Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette also thanked the CELCC. She highlighted that we are arriving at an interesting finding for the 28% of protected natural environments. For the remaining 2%, she wonders if it is not mainly private land, particularly ecological corridors. Cities now have tools to protect environments on private land; she would like to know what strategies will be put in place. Regarding the corridors, Mr. Vandal confirmed that the Department knows their potential and that it is possible to perform a complete analysis. The game plan is to have a portrait of these corridors to identify priorities, taking into account connectivity. We wish to intervene, either through regulatory changes or acquisitions, when there are opportunities.
Ms. Louise Tremblay added that potential land could be identified to create potential corridors, which could include land to be restored. The first step is to identify where the potential is and then create the connectivities to have an idea of the mapping. There will be two choices for creating the corridors: acquisition or restoration. The Mayor invited the city to be proactive and to identify the natural environments that we do not wish to destroy.
Regarding the recommendation, Councillor Edmond Leclerc addressed a concern about the wording of the 2nd sentence. He asked if it should not rather be in the form of a mandate given to the commission. Councillor Marc Bureau confirmed that it could rather take the form of a recommendation. Mr. Leclerc and Mr. Bureau agreed to add this sentence to the recommendation.
Councillor Denis Girouard highlighted the difficulty for organizations to obtain help from services for seasonal cleanups. He asked what the opportunities would be in this regard. He also asked if the signage is up to date regarding the information disseminated. For the big cleanup, Mr. Vandal confirmed that the Department received a mandate from the council to propose a revision of the project. The strategy will therefore be reviewed, and a follow-up will be done with the council. Regarding signage, Ms. Tremblay mentioned that some actions planned in the Plan are less obvious, but that it is desired to implement an educational component, with examples.
The recommendations will be included in the next municipal council meeting, with the proposed modification.