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, July 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m., at which were present, Madam

Notable items

1-7 #

Presentation of the new Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (SPAIP)

The City of Gatineau presented a revised Site Planning and Architectural Integration Program (SPAIP) to the committee. This strategic update aims to simplify the regulatory structure, improve predictability for residents and developers, and better align architectural standards with urban planning and land-use goals. The discussion covered environmental criteria, such as passive energy, and new regulations regarding the placement of air conditioning units.

Read full translation

Presentation of the new SPAIP

Contextualization;
Process;
Approach;
Contribution of the new PIIA;
New simplified structure;
Themes of objectives and criteria;
Timeline.

A question and comment period took place.

Councillor Louis Sabourin emphasized that this process was necessary and will be an added value for everyone. He noted that it is a strategic tool, better aligned with urban planning bylaws and land-use planning.

Councillor Caroline Murray wished to reassure citizens, mentioning that this revision will allow everyone to have more predictability.

Councillor Anik Des Marais thanked the SUDD (Urban Development Department) for including members of the CELCC and the CCU (Urban Planning Advisory Committee) in this revision. She also highlighted the consultation of developers and residents' associations. Regarding the consultation requirement, she asked about the status of this file following a resolution adopted by the council. On page 31, she mentioned that it would be useful to see the changes to the zoning bylaw and the administration bylaw during the next presentation. Ms. Des Marais appreciates the effort to consider passive energy. She addressed a question regarding air conditioning units on facades.

Regarding the consultation component for large-scale projects, Mr. Pilon mentioned that validations were carried out last spring. He summarized the moments when the municipal council can legally require consultations under the LAU (Loi sur l'aménagement et l'urbanisme). Research is underway to see how this approach could be implemented, other than through the LAU. He explained, however, that developers are asked to explain the consultative processes they wish to implement, even if not mandatory.

For the environmental component, Mr. Pilon mentioned the gains made in recent years. The criteria will be improved in the proposed version; Mr. Pilon provided a few examples. Regarding air conditioning equipment, Mr. Pilon explained the modifications made to the zoning bylaw (masking of visible units). This component will be strengthened within the PIIA revision.

Councillor Catherine Craig-St-Louis emphasized that the city is evolving and that it is desirable to better regulate changes. She thanked the teams for their work, with reference in particular to page 35.

End of the public plenary committee at 12:15 p.m.

governance zoning 25, rue Laurier PIIA urban planning zoning bylaw consultation architecture

All items