PUBLIC – Minutes of the meeting of the Gatineau City Council Committee of the Whole held in the committee room of the Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at which are present, Ms.

Presentation on Combating Incivility Toward Municipal Employees

The objectives of the presentation were:

1. To outline the committee's work;
2. To present a concerted and achievable action plan;
3. To engage elected officials in actively supporting employees in the face of incivility.

Presentation Plan:

1. Current situation;
2. Desired situation;
3. Presentation of the action plan;
4. Next steps.

A question and comment period followed. Councillor Steven Boivin noted that council members also experience incivility and that all must speak with one voice to convey the message. Councillor Steve Moran appreciated that this issue is being addressed head-on, stating that it is important to speak about incivility and fight against these situations, for which there must be no tolerance. He emphasized that employees deserve a workplace free from harassment, intimidation, and incivility, and that as public actors, elected officials have a responsibility to provide such an environment. Improving services and processes will help support employees.

Councillor Mike Duggan mentioned that staff are the City's most important asset. He asked if the CANU (City service center) is primarily targeted by incivility. Mr. Thibault confirmed that many situations occur at the CANU, as it is the City's gateway, citing examples related to waste collection. Mr. Duggan noted that there is sometimes a gray area where frustrations exist, but certain behaviors are unjustified. He asked if these issues could be identified. Mr. Thibault confirmed that the fifth component of the plan aims primarily to improve services rendered to limit frustrations. Solutions and mechanisms will be implemented to support frontline employees, and these topics are being discussed at the governance committee.

Councillor Daniel Champagne mentioned that the current global political context seems to justify such behaviors. He believes elected officials must lead by example and noted that he has blocked several people on social media. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between a difficult client and a situation of incivility or intimidation. He requested that indicators be put in place to allow for adjustments as needed.

Councillor Marc Bureau supported the next steps and emphasized the importance of supporting employees. He asked if follow-ups are conducted with uncivil citizens. Mr. Thibault mentioned that the current issue involves siloed management and the goal is to propose a uniform mechanism. Work is underway with the Legal Affairs Department to allow for uniform application across all City departments.

Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette shared an anecdote regarding a meeting held at the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) on toxic climates. She mentioned that this is a complex issue with no simple solutions. While people feel anger and distress, there is a way to express things respectfully. She invited elected officials to lead by example by not tolerating the intolerable and by showing kindness. She agreed with the next steps.

Councillor Louis Sabourin suggested that training should also be available to elected officials upon taking office. Councillor Mario Aubé highlighted the importance of understanding what needs to be changed and noted that deficient policies and communications can generate frustration. Mr. Thibault mentioned that a bylaw is under study to better protect employees. Ms. Leclerc added that the application of the bylaw will be a measure of last resort, with other actions applied beforehand.

Councillor Denis Girouard suggested that more training should be offered to 311 employees, who are under enormous pressure. Councillor Anik Des Marais pre-announced the Politique de consultation citoyenne (Citizen Consultation Policy) presentation scheduled for February 25. Mr. Boivin concluded by emphasizing that respect is the foundation of everything and confirmed the council's support for the presented actions.

Amendment to the Bylaw Regarding the Use of Potable Water for Watering Purposes

Introduction by Mr. Simon Comtois. Presentation by Ms. Chantal Marcotte, accompanied by Mr. Jim Domtinet.

The objective of the presentation is:

• To present the comparative study carried out in connection with resolution number CM-2024-325, adopted during the municipal council meeting of April 16, 2024, mandating the administration to amend Règlement numéro 482-2009 for the 2025 season;
• To endorse the recommendation to amend Règlement numéro 482-2009 concerning the use of potable water.

Presentation Plan:

1. Current situation;
2. Scenarios;
3. Impacts – Issues;
4. Communications – Information;
5. Success factors;
6. Recommendations.

Recommendations: CP-EMR-2025-003

Authorize the Water and Residual Materials Department to amend Règlement numéro 482-2009 concerning the use of potable water throughout the territory of the City of Gatineau with option 2:

• Addition and modification of definitions;
• Tightening of watering schedules.

A question and comment period followed. Councillor Mike Duggan asked about the use of rainwater and supported option 2, pending the installation of water meters. Ms. Marcotte confirmed that the bylaw only concerns the use of municipal tap water and provided details on fines.

Councillor Alicia Lacasse-Brunet asked for clarification on manual watering and the definition of "grass." She questioned the need for watering vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Ms. Marcotte mentioned that manual watering rules have not changed (only prohibited on Mondays). Two time slots for mechanical watering are proposed, but manual watering may continue.

Councillor Gilles Chagnon asked for details on the backflow prevention device. He noted that many Aylmer citizens have irrigation systems due to white grub issues. Councillor Louis Sabourin explained how backflow preventers work. Councillor Jean Lessard requested confirmation that there will be tolerance in the application of the bylaw during the first year. Councillor Jocelyn Blondin suggested removing mechanical watering without a timer to prevent waste.

Councillor Anik Des Marais asked about the production costs of potable water and potential savings. Ms. Marcotte noted that many Quebecers perceive water as free, which is not the case given treatment and infrastructure costs. Councillor Mario Aubé asked why Gatineau does not have water meters and questioned the proposed ban on timers. Ms. Marcotte explained the Stratégie d’économie d’eau potable (Potable Water Conservation Strategy), noting that residential water meters are not common in Quebec.

Councillor Marc Bureau thanked the administration for their work, which responds to action 18 of the Plan de gestion de l’eau (Water Management Plan). He noted that the proposed bylaw will allow for a reduction in night watering. Councillor Steven Boivin confirmed that the notice of motion will be presented at the next municipal council meeting.