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, September 2, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at which were present,

Presentation of the Regional Plan for Wetlands and Water Bodies (PRMHH)

1. Contextualization;
2. The process;
3. Conservation commitment;
4. Conservation strategy + action plan;
5. Timeline.

A question and comment period took place. Councillor Louis Sabourin mentioned that the plan is not merely theoretical and that concrete actions will be integrated into the SAD (Schema d'aménagement et de développement), summarizing its main points. Councillor Anik Des Marais highlighted the work completed. She asked what the next steps would be following the submission to the Ministry of the Environment. Mr. Lachance explained how protection will be applied to private lands. Regarding regulatory tools, the PIIA (Plan d'implantation et d'intégration architecturale) will support the process. The Ministry of the Environment will need to consult the City more frequently before issuing certificates. Ms. Des Marais also requested details on the prioritization of files to allow for a better understanding of our territory. Mr. Lachance confirmed that this is the intent, noting that one of the issues is the pressure exerted on the City, providing explanations and examples. The "knowledge" component will allow for better planning and predictability. Ms. Des Marais expressed a desire for the knowledge of environments in upcoming real estate developments to be prioritized.

Councillor Caroline Murray mentioned that the City's wetlands will be protected in forêt Boucher and asked why the same protection will not be applied in forêt Deschênes. Mr. Lachance mentioned that verifications will be made to this effect and that corrections could be made, if required, following a zoning change. In response to another question from Ms. Murray, Mr. Lachance explained the potential legal issues regarding natural environments in the broad sense that have an ecological impact. Regarding forêt Deschênes, Mr. Vandal mentioned that work is underway to clarify the status of the various lands.

Councillor Catherine Craig-St-Louis raised an item related to item 8.2 of the action plan, mentioning that it might be interesting to add the Citizen Interaction Service to various actions, in addition to the Communications Service. Regarding the elements presented on page 30, Councillor Edmond Leclerc mentioned that the Buckingham sector is the only one where there is no protection commitment. He questioned why the rivière du Lièvre watershed was not prioritized. Mr. Lachance provided details on the targeted protections, following certain legal elements and the existing zoning.

Councillor Marc Bureau requested more details on the completion timeline for certain actions (e.g., 7.3 – feasibility study). Mr. Lachance explained that the City's action plans are normally over five years and that the PRMHH has a duration of 10 years. He mentioned the criteria used to establish the timelines, particularly regarding the availability of resources. Mr. Bureau asked if the departments now have access to all required data. Mr. Lachance mentioned that knowledge will follow within the framework of the various actions.

Ms. Lacasse-Brunet appreciated the upcoming follow-ups regarding the presented plan. The action plan is a unique feature of Gatineau, not mandatory, which will allow us to better meet the City's objectives and allow for the submission of grant applications. Mr. Lachance clarified that the action plan is mandatory, not optional, and confirmed that grants could be available. The work could eventually lead to a Natural Environment Management Plan.

Mr. Sabourin asked how external organizations could receive grants. Mr. Vandal explained how grants can be requested/awarded, noting variations from one program to another. Municipal participation is usually required.

Councillor Anik Des Marais addressed a question regarding the Allumetières sector, concerning prioritization. Mr. Vandal mentioned that there is significant planning work in the west, considering the Tramway project. He added that discussions are taking place between the various departments concerned.

Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette thanked the teams who worked on the presented plan. She wished to validate that the adoption of the PRMHH will allow for the granting of status to 93% of the City's wetlands. Mr. Lachance confirmed this element, with certain clarifications. In response to another question from the Mayor, Mr. Lachance mentioned that the adoption of the PRMHH will allow access to various sources of funding. The Mayor welcomed the process, considering the knowledge acquired. The City's teams will be made aware of the issues. The file will be submitted to the next City Council meeting for adoption.