MINUTES – PUBLIC – COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION, SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY AND SAFETY – 3rd meeting – May 21, 2026 – 3:01 p.m. to 5:19 p.m.
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11.3. 6th Bridge in the East Project
Myriam Nadeau, supported by Pier-Adam Turcotte, tables a proposal for a recommendation to the Commission on the spot. Myriam Nadeau reads it as follows:
CONSIDERING THAT the municipal council will be called upon to take a position in favor or against the 6th bridge in the East by virtue of a notice of resolution to that effect tabled at the municipal council; CONSIDERING THAT there remain questions about the studies conducted to date and studies that are still awaited, including a needs study justifying such a project to meet mobility needs in the East of the City; CONSIDERING THAT the Commission on Transport, Sustainable Travel and Safety (the Commission) has the mandate to ensure a watch on the situation in the City of Gatineau in relation to transport, sustainable travel, and road safety with a view to submitting recommendations to the municipal council regarding the orientations to be given to actions and policies; CONSIDERING THAT the fields of competence of the Commission cover the planning of road transport networks, sustainable mobility networks (pedestrian and cycling networks) and the interface with collective transport networks, travel safety, parking, road traffic, the trucking plan, active transport, road signage, or any matter relating to other forms of transport; CONSIDERING THAT the 6th bridge project in the East of Gatineau will have major and direct impacts relating to the fields of competence of the Commission; CONSIDERING THAT it is in the interest of public debate that a recommendation from the Commission on the project can be submitted to the municipal council before its positioning in favor or against a 6th bridge in the East of Gatineau; CONSIDERING THAT it is imperative to align the work of the Commission with the decision-making calendar of the council to ensure the relevance and impact of the Commission's recommendations:
It is proposed and resolved:
- To invite the Commission de la Capitale nationale (CCN) to come and present the project to the members of the Commission within 30 days (by June 21, 2026), notably by reporting on the studies conducted to date and sharing all content disclosed to date to the various public advisory groups and allow members of the Commission to ask their questions;
- In the event that analyses have been made within the City of Gatineau regarding the impact of this project, notably on traffic, development plans, operations, and the costs it may or has generated for it, that these analyses be presented to the members of the Commission during this same meeting and to allow them to ask their questions;
- That it be recommended to the municipal council to defer any official position (favorable or unfavorable) concerning the 6th bridge project in the East until the Commission has completed this analysis process and transmitted its recommendation to the council; and
- That at the end of these presentations, and within a maximum period of 90 days following them, the Commission transmits its official recommendation to the municipal council so that the latter can make an informed decision based on evidence-based data.
The chair proposes two amendments to the read recommendation:
- Remove the reference to deadlines in the first point of the recommendation;
- Replace in the 2nd point of the recommendation the word "optique" with "éventualité".
Discussions focused on the relevance of obtaining more information before the Commission pronounces itself on the project. Members highlighted the importance of supporting any position on complete analyses and evidence-based data. Discussions also allowed for clarifying the scope of the recommendation, notably so that it aims to promote a better understanding of the project, without presuming a position. Adjustments to the wording were proposed to clarify its application.
At the end of the exchanges, a consensus is reached for the following amended recommendation:
Recommendation
The Commission on Transport, Sustainable Travel and Safety recommends to the municipal council:
CTDDS-2026-02
- To invite the Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) to come and present the project to the members of the Commission, notably by reporting on the studies conducted to date and sharing all content disclosed to date to the various public advisory groups and allow members of the Commission to ask their questions;
- In the event that analyses have been made within the City of Gatineau regarding the impact of this project, notably on traffic, development plans, operations, and the costs it may or has generated for it, that these analyses be presented to the members of the Commission during this same meeting and to allow them to ask their questions;
- That it be recommended to the municipal council to defer any official position (favorable or unfavorable) concerning the 6th bridge project in the East until the Commission has completed this analysis process and transmitted its recommendation to the council and;
- That at the end of these presentations, the Commission transmits its official recommendation to the municipal council so that the latter can make an informed decision based on evidence-based data.
Proposed by Myriam Nadeau Supported by Pier-Adam Turcotte Adopted
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Public question period
Mr. Martin Sarault raises the absence of a direct, safe, and continuous cycling link between the Aylmer sector and the interprovincial bridges. He mentions that current routes are either unsafe or longer and less efficient, and that the corridor has discontinuities. He proposes that the Commission analyze the feasibility of a structuring cycling axis.
In response, the chair indicates that this issue is part of the cycling master plan, while specifying that certain projects were linked to the tramway. She mentions that options could be evaluated and proposed to follow up with the citizen to better understand the targeted route.
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2025-2026 Snow Removal Report – Presentation
It is mentioned that this report will be presented to the municipal council shortly in a more detailed version. Marie-Jo Bastien presents the report on winter operations for information purposes. The presentation begins with a context of the scale of snow removal operations in Gatineau, including the maintenance of a vast road network, sidewalks, and cycling links, as well as the significant mobilization of human resources and equipment.
A portrait of the weather conditions for the 2025-2026 season is then drawn, highlighting several significant events, including episodes of freezing rain and issues related to salt supply. Comparative data from recent seasons, including the number of significant events and the service levels achieved for the snow removal of streets, sidewalks, and paths, are also presented.
It is highlighted that the season was characterized by more demanding conditions than average, particularly due to a high quantity of snow and freezing rain as well as a significant number of days of precipitation. These conditions led to high demand on teams and equipment, while freeze-thaw cycles complicated operations, particularly for sidewalks and active transport links.
Regarding performance, the service level for street snow removal was achieved in approximately 80% of cases, despite some difficulties at the beginning and end of the season. The service level for sidewalk snow removal was achieved in 98.5% of cases, for a total of 17 recorded events. The winter cycling network for its part almost entirely reached the service levels, reflecting the improvements made, notably through the addition of resources and equipment.
Finally, the presentation highlights the main challenges encountered, including operational fatigue, freezing rain episodes, and salt supply challenges, while emphasizing the adaptation efforts and the generally positive results obtained during the season.
Discussion
Following the presentation, members highlighted the intensity of the winter season and suggested better highlighting the high number of days of precipitation to contextualize the challenges encountered. Discussions focused on the management of offenses related to snow dumping, snow removal delays for the cycling network, as well as snow storage constraints, particularly in restricted sectors. Concerns were also expressed regarding accessibility, particularly for bus stops and people with reduced mobility, noting ongoing discussions with the Société de transports de l’Outaouais to improve coordination. Finally, questions were raised regarding certain operational practices, including snow blowing and the management of snow piles. The administration specified that these interventions depend notably on space constraints, safety, and the presence of obstacles.
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Winter Cycling Network – Presentation
Nadine Lafond presented, for information purposes, the main findings of the 2025-2026 winter cycling network as well as projects under analysis for the 2026-2027 season. She highlights the addition of approximately 13 km of new links, contributing to the expansion of the network, and recalls the different types of facilities, whose maintenance varies according to their configuration. Usage data demonstrates a maintenance of winter use of the network, with a retention rate of cyclists comparable to provincial averages. The comments received are generally positive regarding the level of service achieved. However, some issues persist, particularly for bike lanes, whose accessibility varies depending on the space available and snow storage.
Technical constraints, such as width, slopes, drainage, and certain structures, also influence the addition of new links. Finally, the projects under study for the next season are presented, including potential links as well as pilot projects aimed at testing new facilities, with a perspective of continuous improvement of the network.
Discussions
Following the presentation, members welcomed the additions to the network, while raising concerns related to safety and accessibility, particularly regarding winter bike lanes. Discussions focused on issues of snow storage, parking, and available space. Suggestions were made to better integrate winter needs into the design of infrastructure and to improve maintenance methods, notably through preventive approaches and an adaptation of service levels. Finally, some specific issues were raised for analysis. The administration recalled that interventions depend on technical constraints and resources, and that pilot projects are underway to test new approaches.
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School Streets – Presentation
Olivier Viger Beaudin presents the progress status of the school streets file, both for temporary and permanent initiatives. The pilot project for temporary school streets, carried out in partnership with schools and organizations, has yielded positive results, particularly in terms of participation and social acceptability. Improvements have been made to internal processes to simplify the processing of requests. The concept of permanent school streets is then presented, including different types of facilities aimed at securing school surroundings and promoting active travel. A process underway, in collaboration with the Centre d’écologie urbaine, is also exposed, notably for the école du Lac-des-Fées, including the realization steps and potential timelines. Finally, the next steps focus on the development of detailed concepts, the holding of consultations, and the progressive implementation of facilities, with the objective of eventually deploying this type of initiative in other schools.
Discussions
Discussions focused on the implementation modalities of school streets, notably the constraints related to resources and police presence, which limit the deployment of temporary initiatives. Discussions also took place concerning the financing and delays associated with permanent facilities. Members highlighted the importance of integrating these measures into a global mobility planning and street repair projects. Questions were also raised regarding the potential for implementation in other schools, analysis criteria, and the use of transitional facilities. Finally, concerns were expressed regarding the conditions favoring active travel, notably the safety of bicycle travel, as well as the need to ensure better coordination and an evolution of practices in the longer term.
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Detailed 2022 Origin-Destination Survey – Presentation
Nadine Lafond presented, for information purposes, some results of the 2022 Origin-Destination Survey for the territory of the City of Gatineau. The data demonstrates an increase in motorization, the number of vehicles having grown faster than the population. A decrease in public transit was observed, while active modes, notably walking and cycling, experienced a significant rise. The share of the automobile remains stable, however. Important differences were noted according to sectors, with denser environments favoring active travel more. The results are influenced by the context of the pandemic, notably telework. It was mentioned that this data serves to guide transportation planning and that the next survey is planned for 2027.
Discussions
Following the presentation, discussions focused on the interpretation of the results, notably the impact of the pandemic context and telework on travel habits. Questions were raised concerning the dissemination delays of the data as well as their use in transportation planning. It was specified that this data constitutes an essential input for flow analysis and travel models. Members also suggested deepening the analysis by cross-referencing this data with investments in active and collective transport in order to evaluate their impacts. Finally, discussions focused on the complementarity of these results with other sources used by the City to guide its decisions regarding mobility.
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Quorum check and opening of the meeting
The chair notes the quorum and opens the public meeting at 3:01 p.m. The public meeting will be recorded and available on the City's website.
The chair highlights the end of the mandate, as of April 16, 2026, of Cybelle Morin and Joël-Éric Olinga Mebada. She thanks them for their commitment and their contribution to the work of the Commission. It is also mentioned that a process is underway to fill the vacant positions.
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Adoption of the agenda
A modification is requested regarding the proposed agenda. The items "Bike Month" and the "6th Bridge in the East" project will be added to the Miscellaneous section.
It is proposed by Catherine Craig-St-Louis Supported by Émilie Rachiele-Tremblay And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda as modified.
Adopted
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Declaration of conflict of interest
No conflict of interest is declared upon reading the subjects listed on the agenda.
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Filing of the minutes of the 2nd meeting held on April 16, 2026
The chair indicates that the minutes of April 16, 2026, are being finalized following the comments received and will be transmitted later for formal filing. The same applies to the minutes of the in-camera session, which will be sent by email once finalized.
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Follow-ups – General files
No items are added to this point.
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11.1. Follow-up on recommendations, if any
No follow-up was reported.
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11.2. Bike Month
The chair shared information related to Bike Month, including various activities and the City's participation in several events. She also mentioned the publication of the État du vélo by Vélo Québec, in which the City of Gatineau is highlighted.
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Date of the next meeting: September 24, 2026
The next meeting will take place on September 24, 2026.
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Adjournment of the meeting
It is proposed by Catherine Craig St-Louis Supported by Isabelle N. Miron And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the meeting at 5:19 p.m.
Adopted