AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE – MINUTES – 117th meeting / Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

a) Decision of the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) regarding Golf Le Sorcier The request aimed to add rental units on the golf course property. It was refused by the CPTAQ under section 61.1 of the Loi sur la protection du territoire et des activités agricoles (Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities). It is unknown if the applicant will file a new request.

b) Use of firearms for hunting activities Regulatory changes are announced to allow the use of firearms for hunting activities in agricultural zones within the bylaw on peace and good order (règlement sur la paix et le bon ordre). This bylaw is available on the City's website and is accessible by typing "chasse" (hunting) in the search bar. The regulatory changes were largely inspired by a neighboring MRC. Members are asked what relevant information could be added to the page dedicated to the use of firearms for hunting in agricultural zones. The same request was sent to the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA).

Questions, answers, and comments were formulated, concerning among other things: • Federal and provincial regulations require obtaining authorization from a property owner to hunt on their property. This requirement was therefore not included in the municipal regulation; • The objective of the regulatory changes was to allow the use of firearms according to the frameworks dictated by higher levels of government; • It is proposed to state on the page that the objective of this new municipal regulation is to protect crops; • It is proposed to add a link to the page of the ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, which manages hunting activities; • If there are issues, it is not the Gatineau police who will intervene, but the game wardens (garde-chasses); • Requirements have been added to the municipal regulation, notably concerning minimum distances to be respected from a street or a building; • The regulatory changes apply to the entire agricultural territory.

This item was discussed in a closed session.