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 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at which were present,
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Meeting Context
PUBLIC – Minutes of the Gatineau City Council plenary committee meeting held in the committee room of the Maison du citoyen, 25, rue Laurier, Gatineau, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at which the following were present:
- Contextualization;
- Public Participation Office;
- Citizen Initiative Right;
- Digital Public Participation Platform;
- Citizen Assemblies Pilot Project;
- Recommendations.
A question and comment period took place. The project is viewed favorably, considering the desired mobilization of many citizens who wish to improve their communities. It will be important to clearly define roles and responsibilities, particularly with committees and commissions, to properly guide citizens. This will serve as an additional tool, with committees and commissions focusing on thematic subjects. The minimum age of 15 is interesting; however, a question was asked regarding the reflection behind establishing this criterion, and explanations were provided. There is also a desire to know how diversity will be included in this entire citizen participation process; clarifications were presented regarding the desired model. Discussions took place regarding the financial impact of the project.
PLENARY COMMITTEE – Public – Session of September 29, 2026, Page 2 of 2
The objective of representativeness (east-west) on the coordination committee was clarified, considering that there are not associations in all districts. Explanations were provided regarding the candidate selection process that will be implemented (pages 43 and following). Councillor Bettyna Bélizaire joined the meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Regarding proximity to the citizen, a question was asked as to why political power is not decentralized by borough and why citizen assemblies are being proposed. It was explained that this proposal follows the work of the Public Participation Policy and that these are prioritized actions. Regarding the transparency of the process, a question was raised concerning the participation of council members. One of the proposed changes is to bring City experts into the field to have a dialogue of proximity. Regarding the role of the elected official, it is desired to better equip them to better understand the diversity of their environment. Ultimately, the decision rests with the municipal council. Citizen adherence to various projects is greater when they can get involved. Reference was also made to the Auditor General's report, which noted that public consultation structures needed to be put in place. The proposed participatory governance actions will allow the City to be more transparent.
Furthermore, it is desired that a process be put in place for the handling of ordinary petitions. Analyses are underway to integrate new mechanisms into the Régie interne (Internal Regulations). An example of a petition was presented (Tramway), and a question was asked about how this file could be handled. It was explained how a process could be carried out once the threshold is reached. It was mentioned that consultation allows for better decisions to be made in order to save time and money. It is therefore desired to put in place tools to encourage the holding of these public participation activities.
End of the public plenary committee at 10:17 a.m.
Me Véronique Denis City Clerk City Clerk's Office