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 16, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., at which were present

Presentation by the UMQ Presidency

Introduction by Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette. Presentation by Mr. Guillaume Tremblay, President of the UMQ, and Mr. Nicolas Descroix, Director of Policies, UMQ.

A question and comment period took place. Exchanges occurred between the elected officials and the UMQ representatives, particularly regarding regional economic development and municipal infrastructure. The specific reality of the City of Gatineau was also raised, an element that must be taken into account in the recommendations that may eventually be formulated by the UMQ. The challenges are significant for municipalities.

Discussion Highlights

• Public Transit: The subject of public transit was addressed, and an overview of the decisions made by the municipal council was presented, confirming the importance placed on this file in Gatineau. It is important that the provincial government also move in this direction.
• Innovation: The UMQ wishes to demonstrate innovation, and elected officials are invited to send them any ideas for initiatives in this regard.
• Homelessness: Issues related to homelessness were also named; additional resources and levers will be required. The UMQ could be an important partner in this file; a committee on homelessness has, in fact, been created. The Government of Quebec must be able to name homelessness as a priority, as this reality is catching up with the entire province.
• Infrastructure Funding: Concerns were raised regarding the lack of funding for leisure and sports infrastructure. The sums available are insufficient to meet maintenance and replacement needs. These facilities are required to allow citizens to remain active. There have been gains with the TVQ (Quebec Sales Tax) point, but responsibilities are increasing for municipalities, and needs are therefore growing. The support of the provincial government is therefore essential.
• Funding Processes: Regarding provincial and federal fund transfers, it is desired to be able to lighten the processes to obtain them and to revise the deadlines for applying for them. Furthermore, there are needs for the upgrading and maintenance of facilities, and not only for building new infrastructure.

In conclusion, Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette reiterated that the responsibilities of municipalities are growing and that their infrastructure is aging. She thanked Mr. Guillaume Tremblay for his visit, as well as the UMQ representatives.

Public plenary committee ended at 2:10 p.m.