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, December 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at which are present,

SOCIÉTÉ DE TRANSPORT DE L'OUTAOUAIS (STO)

Presentation by Mr. Patrick Leclerc and Mr. Richard Kouamé. Presentation plan:

1. 2025 Projection;
2. 2026 Budget forecasts:
   • Revenues;
   • Expenses;
3. Use of the balance of the Public Transit Emergency Assistance Program (PAUTC);
4. Debt service;
5. Three-year capital program (PTI).

A question and comment period is held. Questions are addressed by council members, with responses from STO representatives. A typo will be corrected on page 4 regarding the subsidy for adapted transport. The presentation method was revised by the STO, considering the change in the payment method of the Government of Quebec's contribution. Clarifications are given regarding the use of the motorists' contribution vs. service increases. The decision to improve services is highlighted, despite the difficult budgetary context. Details are given regarding these improvements. Line cancellations are now less frequent and explained notably by mechanical breakdowns. The one-time aid presented on page 8 will end in 2029, so there could be a shortfall in this regard. Furthermore, there is a projected 1% increase in the vehicle fleet, but it is hoped that the increase in services will demonstrate an impact on this in the coming years. There is a desire to modify modal transport. There was a major loss of revenue for the STO following the cancellation of government subsidies, explaining in part the change in legislation allowing municipalities to levy taxes on parking lots. It is important to be able to offer a public transit service in the territory, and the figures are interesting, particularly regarding on-demand transport. The choices made to offer this service are interesting. The investments presented in the 2026 budget would allow for responding to the return of federal civil servants to the office, with bonuses according to available resources. It would be interesting to improve public transit during peak hours in the east, while considering the return of vehicles afterward and the cost associated with these trips. Marie-Hélène Rivard leaves the meeting at 2:45 p.m. Alternatives have been considered to compensate for the end of the PAUTC envelope (page 9); discussions to this effect will be held with the Board of Directors. Concerns are raised regarding the increase in the municipal contribution. Councillor Edmond Leclerc thanks the municipal council, which allows the STO to increase the level of services for the benefit of citizens. He also highlights the difficulty of having no predictability regarding government subsidies to be received. An update on the Tramway project could be presented to the municipal council. Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette thanks the administrators and the STO administration. The municipal council believes in public transit; it is an essential service.