PUBLIC – Minutes of the Gatineau City Council committee of the whole meeting held in the committee room at the Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., at which were present, Ms.

Presentation of the 2025-2026 Snow Removal Operations Report and Follow-up on the Winter Viability Policy

1. Present the report on the 2025-2026 snow removal operations.
2. Follow up on the implementation work of the Politique de viabilité hivernale (Winter Viability Policy):
   • Service level for sidewalks and paths;
   • Bike path routes;
   • Eco-winter street pilot project.

Presentation Plan:

1. Contextualization;
2. 2025-2026 Snow removal operations report;
3. Follow-up on the implementation of the Politique de viabilité hivernale;
4. Recommendations.

RECOMMENDATION: CP-TP-2026-01 Accept the filing of the winter operations report – 2025-2026 Season.

A question and comment period took place. The teams were thanked for the work performed. A question was raised regarding the reasons justifying the awarding of external contracts. The City mostly owns equipment used year-round; contracts are awarded for specific actions. Clarifications were provided regarding equipment breakdowns and the time slots available to repair them during the winter period.

Regarding the number of requests, their fluctuation is indeed linked to weather conditions. Regarding snow blowing in certain sectors, a question was raised about the possibility of performing the work alternately on different sides of the streets. Such operations have been carried out in the past. The goal is to be able to widen the streets to facilitate travel. Regarding issues related to temperature variations (page 13), a question was raised about the reflections currently underway in this regard. There are several freeze-thaw cycles; the addition of tracked vehicles (chenillettes) has allowed for improvements in response to this issue.

Many citizens use CCN (National Capital Commission) links to travel, and requests have been made for their snow removal. Negotiations are underway, and an agreement should be reached in this matter. Regarding environmental issues, examples of municipal best practices were presented. The City of Gatineau is on the lookout for new developments, and the administration participates in various inter-municipal meetings. User safety must take precedence in the choice of the solution selected. A significant improvement was noted in snow removal over the last two years. It is important to continue to communicate well the impact of climate change on snow removal operations, particularly with reference to the data included on page 15.

There are currently 18 snow-blowing teams, including two that are exclusively dedicated to these operations. These are therefore the same resources that work on snow blowing and snow removal. For the re-evaluation of streets, requests must be made via a service request before the fall. A challenge remains for gravel roads, as de-icing agents must be added to the spreading. A balance must therefore be found so that these sections remain safe. Regarding 90-degree roads, it is explained that right turns must be favored for the sake of efficiency and safety, particularly to limit reversing maneuvers. Some changes may have been noted in sectors following the change of suppliers. Reminders may be made in the event of specific issues. Specific examples in various sectors were raised by councillors; verifications and follow-ups will be carried out.

A follow-up was conducted regarding the equipment available for grading. There would be an issue with offering two levels of service and imposing the acquisition of new equipment by contractors. It is also interesting to remind citizens that a plan exists for snow blowing on banks vs. snow collection operations; these operations are planned. A question was raised regarding the notices issued, and some information was provided. It was confirmed that it is to the City's advantage to clearly communicate the details of the various snow removal operations. In all sectors, residences are located near the streets. Attempts are made to favor the snow removal of commercial arteries at night, but the teams are limited compared to the size of the territory.

Regarding improvised parking lots on the edges of the City's non-cleared bike paths, a question was raised regarding the interventions carried out for this purpose as well as the reason for the lack of snow removal. The choice of cleared sections was explained. Regarding the costs related to the patrol, a lot of awareness and reminders are carried out before the issuance of notices. Citizen satisfaction is on the rise, despite winters that are more difficult for the teams due to climate change. The last attendance of Monsieur Yvon Desjardins at the plenary committee was noted, as his retirement is announced soon. He was thanked for his 34 years of service to the City of Gatineau, his work having always been appreciated by the teams.