MINUTES – PUBLIC – SENIORS COMMISSION (CA) – 2nd session – March 27, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Public question period

A few members of the public are attending the meeting.

Intervention by Ms. Anne-Marie Rieu, citizen – Comité consultatif citoyens des personnes aînées de Gatineau (CCC-PAG)

The intervention concerns the issue of residual materials. After participating in the public consultation regarding eco-gestures, Ms. Rieu explains that she noticed that the quantity of bins and containers provided by the City to owners of residential buildings is insufficient to encourage citizens to better manage their residual materials (number of bins and size). The importance of properly raising awareness and informing (or training) the public, including tenants of apartment buildings and seniors, is recalled.

Exchanges or comments: The Chair thanks Ms. Rieu for her question. The Service specifies that it is still possible to register other suggestions or comments as part of the eco-gestures questionnaire. Ms. Rieu mentions that she also submitted a request to 311. The Chair invites Ms. Rieu to gather tenants around a common request on this issue. Together, with the owner, steps to obtain more bins could be taken. The SLSDC also suggests the use and promotion of the D-Tritus application, an awareness tool that can be used to properly inform citizens regarding residual materials. The Chair mentions that a pilot project should eventually take place to encourage owners of large buildings to recycle and compost more. It is up to the owner to request additional bins. It is specified that it is possible to make a request, among other things via 311, to be accompanied for information and awareness purposes. It is noted that the regulations will, with all reservations, eventually be tightened.

Chantal Lalonde joins the meeting at 9:09 a.m.

Presentation – Special Planning Programs for the city centre and Vieux-Aylmer: participatory urban planning processes – Information and consultation

This presentation is provided by Zachary Mathurin, Project Coordinator, and Christine Gonthier-Gignac, Head of Service, both from the Territory Planning and Development team, at the Urban Planning and Territory Development Service (SUDD). A context is presented to the members. During the presentation of the revision of the Special Planning Programs (PPU) for the city centre and Vieux-Aylmer to the Territory Development and Housing Commission (CDTH), the members requested that the Seniors' Commission and the Youth Commission be informed of the process and consulted on the subject. In-person public consultations have already taken place in the targeted sectors regarding the two PPUs. For the moment, an online consultation is underway until March 30. Members are invited to participate and disseminate the information in their networks. The presenters emphasize the importance of the planning document being as inclusive as possible, hence the exchanges during this meeting. Open house sessions are also planned for the summer of 2025. Adoption of the PPUs is envisaged for the fall of 2025. A question to facilitate exchanges is asked: how can we meet the concerns of seniors over the next 15 years?

Period of exchanges General comments Thanks are addressed to the presenters.

Access to transport A member emphasizes that travel must be facilitated. The issue of transport is essential for seniors. One must also take into consideration parking and the means to get to the sectors targeted by the PPUs. The management of travel also concerns sidewalks (width, safety, quantity). It is noted that arriving at the city centre is difficult. One must also think about the people who accompany seniors and who are looking to park nearby. The layout of spaces and the identification of these is necessary. It should be noted that if the walking distance is too great from point A to point B, some seniors will have to bring a wheelchair or a mobility aid, such as a walker. One must ensure that the places that generate travel are able to accommodate these people and their needs.

Accessible promenade (trail) and other amenities. The importance of having access to a place to walk, accessible, peaceful, and beautiful is sought. A citizen member specifies that it must be explained to partners such as the NCC. A walking path or a multi-functional path is appreciated. Getting there on foot is an advantage. One must think about accessibility to get there and visit it while having amenities to sit or walk along it. The example given is the Ruisseau de la Brasserie. To this example, another member explains the importance of access to a refreshment stand, a dock, curb cuts for universal access, etc.

The Service explains that the layout of the territory and cities can have a very pronounced influence on how people move. It is added that vegetation is also an element encouraging the presence of people. The installation of amenities or comfort equipment (toilets) is identified, in sufficient quantity and at a reasonable distance (every 3-5 km). Access to benches along the paths or walking routes to rest is to be planned. In this regard, the Chair mentions that it is sometimes difficult to add them, among other things due to snow removal in winter and repairs to be planned. The SUDD specifies that one must think about public spaces in winter and summer. The maintenance cost is to be planned.

Jocelyn Blondin leaves the meeting at 11:50 a.m. The quorum is maintained.

Presentation – Highlights of the evolution of the implementation of the 211 service in Gatineau and 2025 communication strategy – Information and discussion

The highlights of the 211 service as well as an overview of the communication strategy are presented by Stéphanie Ayotte, Director of Social Development for Centraide Outaouais, and Christelle Desforges, Coordinator - PDC - SLSDC. It is recalled that 211 in Gatineau is an information and referral service that directs citizens to local socio-community services according to their needs. This service is free, confidential, accessible 7 days a week, and now 24 hours a day. It is also accessible at 211.qc.ca and offered in more than 200 languages. In 2025, the main messages communicated will be:

• Because sooner or later, we all need a helping hand!
• In Gatineau, 211 is there to connect you to the service you need.

The communication strategy will target vulnerable people, seniors, and school staff to reach vulnerable families more.

Period of exchanges General comments Thanks are addressed. A member points out that during a reflection day, their organization was able to see the impact of 211 and its importance for the community. Information tools in paper format remain essential memory aids for seniors. Members are invited to send their comments to the Committees and Commissions team by email following the meeting.