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, March 25, 2025, at 10:07 a.m., at which the following were present, Ms.

Recommendations

The Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department (Service de l'urbanisme et du développement durable - SUDD) recommends the following actions:

• Authorize the SUDD to ensure the continuity of funding already granted and to identify new sources of funding, if necessary, to continue work related to integrated flood zone planning;
• Initiate the development of the flood adaptation plan for the territory of the City of Gatineau;
• Establish and coordinate the Gatineau ADAP-Inondations committee;
• Create, within the SUDD, a professional position dedicated to managing flood-related issues.

Discussion Summary

A question and comment period took place. Councillor Caroline Murray confirmed that today's presentation is for information purposes only and that the recommendations will return to Council.

Councillor Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent emphasized the importance of involving citizens in the consultation process. She asked about the next steps before 2027-2028 and whether mapping would be required before the work is carried out. It was noted that mapping is not the City's responsibility and that authorizations are required prior to publication. Ms. Lyne Savaria explained that the committee's objective is to continue work until the new mapping is adopted by the Ministry of the Environment, noting that expertise is shared and various actors will collaborate.

Mr. Guillaume Durand confirmed that the transitional regime is applicable and that work will be done according to current regulations. Councillor Mike Duggan highlighted the challenge of accessing up-to-date mapping data, noting that current maps do not reflect all the data desired by property owners. He inquired about the best way for owners to obtain current data and asked if the committee's composition would be known at the next council meeting. Mr. Durand noted that the dissemination of maps remains sensitive until a guide is approved to avoid confusion.

Councillor Jean Lessard asked how permit decisions are made while maps are not yet adopted. Ms. Guylaine Déziel reiterated that the Ministry's transitional regime is in place and the City must apply current standards.

Councillor Mario Aubé asked about the final decision-making authority and which maps are used for decisions. Ms. Savaria confirmed that the final decision-making base belongs to the City, which must integrate government-adopted maps into its land use plan.

Councillor Alicia Lacasse-Brunet asked if researchers from a flood-dedicated organization could join the committee. Ms. Déziel confirmed that a census of partners is underway to ensure all expertise is utilized. Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette thanked the teams and noted that the City has received the first branch of the Réseau inondations InterSectoriel du Québec (RIISQ), whose expertise could be leveraged.