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 Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at which were present, Ms.
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Follow-up on recommendations from the working committee on updating the framework for citizen participation in municipal affairs
Recommendations
CP-SIC-2025-006 Adopt the draft Public Participation Policy to replace the Cadre de référence en matière de participation des citoyens aux affaires municipales.
CP-SIC-2025-007 Mandate the administration to undertake the necessary steps to modify the Charte de la Ville de Gatineau (City of Gatineau Charter) for the purpose of creating a public participation office.
CP-SIC-2025-008 Mandate the administration to present the financial framework for the Public Participation Office as part of the 2026 budget study.
CP-SIC-2025-009 Mandate the administration to prepare the documents required to implement the Gatineau Public Participation Office.
CP-SIC-2025-010 Mandate the administration to develop documents for the implementation of the citizen initiative right in public consultation.
CP-SIC-2025-011 Mandate the administration to study the possibility of creating sector assemblies based on the model of the conseils de quartier (neighborhood councils) of the City of Quebec and the neighborhood assembly project of the City of Laval.
CP-SIC-2025-012 Mandate the administration to propose the mandate and an organizational structure for the internal expertise hub for public participation within the Service de l'interaction citoyenne (Citizen Interaction Department).
Discussion Summary
Councillors discussed the proposed shift toward a more formal public participation structure. While some expressed concerns about the potential impact on existing trust in municipal processes, others argued that a formal office would provide neutrality and credibility, especially when dealing with developers. The Mayor emphasized the need to adapt democratic tools to reach all citizens, including those with lower literacy levels, and noted that an independent office would help mediate between developers and the public.
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Lac-Beauchamp Park Conservation Plan
Recommendations
CELCC-2025-01 The Environment and Climate Change Commission recommends that the municipal council adopt the orientations, objectives, and actions of the Plan de conservation du parc du Lac-Beauchamp 2025-2029.
CP-2025-STE-01 Adopt the Plan de conservation du parc du Lac-Beauchamp, 2025-2029.
CP-2025-STE-02 Approve the 2025 to 2029 financial framework, which will be generated following the financial exercises carried out to reprioritize the operating budgets of the Plan d'action de la biodiversité (Biodiversity Action Plan) and the Plan de gestion de l'eau (Water Management Plan).
Discussion Summary
During the public session, councillors raised questions regarding land acquisition, public consultation reports, and the long-term status of permanent activities at the park. City staff clarified that the conservation plan serves as a set of guidelines rather than a prohibition on activities. Discussions also covered the ecological health of the lake, with staff noting that the lake is a natural body of water without an external water supply, and that various solutions for its preservation are being analyzed. Councillors emphasized the importance of integrating public transit and cycling access to the park and ensuring that conservation targets are aligned with the city's broader recreational planning.