MINUTES – PUBLIC – Seniors Commission – 2nd meeting – April 4, 2024 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

4. Public question period

No questions were addressed to the Commission.

The Chair informs the members that following a citizen's request regarding the possibility of reserving parking spaces for elderly people with reduced mobility near businesses and municipal public buildings, various municipal departments addressed by this question analyzed the request. The conclusion is as follows: there is no law that allows for the regulation of adding this type of parking near businesses. The only mandatory parking spaces are those reserved for disabled persons. The City therefore cannot impose such a request on businesses or organizations.

It is added that some businesses identify courtesy spaces, for example for families or pregnant women, but only out of civic-mindedness. However, a request to reserve parking spaces could be made directly to the merchants. A follow-up will be done with the requester to inform them of the decision.

It is added that a response is expected from the Service des infrastructures regarding the possibility that the organization could take charge of installing a wheelchair lift in the basement of the bibliothèque Lucien Lalonde, as requested at the meeting of November 16, 2023.

5. Presentation: 'Profite de l’été' programming and communication activities

The objective is to inform members of the 'Profite de l’été' programming and the targeted activities planned with partners for seniors. The steps taken and those to come are presented, as are the actions to encourage the participation of seniors in 2024 summer activities. This concerted approach aims to develop and improve programming based on the specific needs of participants and to offer programming near the seniors' places of residence, such as: CHSLDs, private seniors' residences, and intermediate residences.

Members are informed of the tools and promotional steps to encourage seniors' participation and are invited to make suggestions. The launch is scheduled for May 23, 2024. It is added that other summer activities of the City will also be launched at the same time. An assessment will be carried out in the fall of 2024 with the contribution of the partners involved, and the whole will be presented to the Commission.

It is suggested to offer activities at the cabane en bois rond (log cabin), which is already frequented by many seniors. Gisèle Bisson will forward the programming to the members of the Académie des retraités de l’Outaouais, which has more than 2,000 members.

Adam B. Mongodin joins the meeting at 9:44 a.m.

It is suggested to transmit the programming to golden age clubs, community action centers, the Table des aînés de Gatineau, in private seniors' residences and in CHSLDs, as well as to elected officials so that they can promote it in their neighborhood newsletters. It is replied that a communication network has been developed and updated for a year and that the Service des communications supports the departments in strategies and the development of promotional tools. Posters and programming leaflets have been developed, and several partners will be invited to display and distribute them following the launch. In addition, steps are underway to hire people who will be part of a brigade that will go out to meet the population to solicit their participation in the activities.

Stéphanie Legault suggests involving street workers who could also contribute to the promotion. Jean Lessard suggests informing and working in collaboration with elected officials to see how they can also contribute to improving the programming, considering that many, through their discretionary budget, already support local initiatives.

The members salute and congratulate the presenters and the people involved in this inspiring and innovative approach. The partnership approach with the community is highlighted.

6. Presentation: Highlights of the 2023 impact report for the 211 service in Gatineau and communication and community mobilization strategies

The objectives are to present the highlights of the impact report of the 211 service in Gatineau, produced by the Centre de Référence du Grand Montréal (CRGM), as well as to present the mobilization strategy for community partners. Two information and mobilization sessions in partnership with the Centre de Référence du Grand Montréal (CRGM) will be held in person on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The targeted objectives are to allow the various community partners to become well acquainted with the 211 Service, to encourage them to use the Web platform, which is also a needs analysis tool, and to promote its use among citizens.

Members ask clarifying questions regarding the use and attendance rate of 211. Suggestions related to promotion are made. The presenters thank the members for their comments and will take them into account in the next steps and procedures. Stéphanie Legault asks if a representative of 811 could be present and see how to integrate a component of this service into this event. The link to the platform will be transmitted to the members, and they are invited to consult it and promote it in their respective networks.

It is mentioned that elected officials will not be available to participate in the information sessions scheduled for May 23, as they will be present at the UMQ (Union des municipalités du Québec) congress. A third virtual session will also be organized subsequently for people who will not have had the chance to participate.

Break 10:21 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.

7. Presentation: 'Marchons ensemble pour lutter contre la maltraitance envers nos aînés' by the CISSSO

The presentation begins with a summary portrait of elder abuse in the Outaouais. Members are informed of the following information elements:

• Loi visant à lutter contre la maltraitance envers les aînés et toute autre personne majeure en situation de vulnérabilité (Act to combat maltreatment of seniors and any other vulnerable adult) L-6.3 and the definition of maltreatment. • Mission, mandates, and members of the Table régionale pour contrer la maltraitance envers les aînés de l’Outaouais. • Implementation of the LAMAA line in May 2023 in the Outaouais. • Objectives and audiences targeted by the event 'Marchons ensemble pour lutter contre la maltraitance envers les aînés'.

Jocelyn Blondin leaves the meeting at 10:45 a.m. Quorum is lost.

The event will take place on June 15, on the date of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The location remains to be confirmed. Chantal Desjardins ends her presentation by asking for the Commission's support for the project.

The members thank and congratulate the presenters for their presentation and the initiative to organize a walk to fight maltreatment. The members agree that it is important to raise awareness about maltreatment and to offer support and accompaniment to victims as well as to people who witness it. It is mentioned that a communication plan is being drafted and it will include information and awareness tools that will be distributed to participants on June 15.

Mathieu Paquette leaves the meeting at 11:09 a.m.

In short, the members of the Seniors' Commission present wish to support the event, 'Marchons ensemble pour lutter contre la maltraitance envers les aînés', scheduled for June 15, 2024, and encourage citizens, elected officials, and organizations to participate. Considering that quorum is not reached, a request for support will be sent by email to the members of the Commission so that it can support this request.

Adam B. Mongodin and Chantal Desjardins leave the meeting at 11:18 a.m.

10. Varia

Members are informed that the Ville de Gatineau has obtained confirmation of financial assistance of $100,000 from the Programme d’infrastructures municipales pour les aînés (PRIMA) of the Government of Quebec. This financial assistance aims to contribute to the improvement of the living conditions of seniors and their loved ones as well as to the active aging of the community within the framework of the Municipalité amie des aînés (MADA) approach. The project submitted by the Service des loisirs, des sports et du développement des communautés aims to develop spaces and infrastructure at Parc central to better meet the needs of seniors.