MINUTES – PUBLIC – TERRITORY AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CDTH)

Downtown Special Planning Program (PPU)

Louis-Michel Fournier, General Manager of L’Atelier Urbain, presented the vision and guidelines for updating the downtown Special Planning Program (PPU) to the Commission members. The projected document has undergone minor adjustments since its submission, as mentioned; the modified version will be retransmitted following the meeting.

Discussion Period

Parking and Minimum Thresholds Information was provided regarding the proposal to remove the requirement for a minimum parking threshold. The idea discussed is primarily to understand the impacts and consequences on needs and mobility. It was mentioned that it would be interesting to bring this discussion to the Commission eventually.

Soft and Gradual Densification Soft densification, particularly in already built-up single-family neighborhoods, was raised. The concern involves achieving densification objectives in these neighborhoods while ensuring coherence and consistency through the preservation of built heritage and the creation of an environment with greater (soft) graduated densification.

Universal Accessibility and Population Aging Universal accessibility within the territory targeted by the PPU is another concern. It is essential to understand the needs of all citizens, particularly those with disabilities and/or reduced mobility, as well as the needs related to the aging population. It was noted that the presentation focuses heavily on accessibility in terms of sustainable mobility. The comment is therefore more related to inclusion. The aging of the population creates a growing number of needs related to mobility. Alignment and connectivity must take into account the needs of all. Discussions regarding universal accessibility and the promotion of public and active transport must be considered. The evolution of citizens' needs throughout their life cycle must be considered.

Regarding the initial question of accessibility, the Chair explained that the Plan d’action municipal intégré - Familles, aînés et personnes handicapées of the City of Gatineau is one of the municipal programs deployed to highlight these needs and discussions. Additionally, it was brought to the members' attention that a specific program had already been put in place in the past for merchants, the process of which allowed for the evaluation and proposal of suggestions to improve the accessibility of facilities and access to the downtown area (Destination pour tous).

Active Transport and the Automobile Although prioritizing active transport is key, access to a vehicle may still be important and necessary in certain circumstances. Access to certain parking spaces is also necessary near local services and merchants for practical reasons and to promote inclusion.

Vision Statement The vision statement from the presentation: "(...) an exceptional Francophone territory in the heart of the national capital (...)" was well received. However, the terminology "in the heart of the downtown area of the île de Hull" seems confusing and ambiguous to some (île de Hull, downtown, and heart).

A Collective Legacy It was raised that it is very motivating to participate in imagining the downtown area, and the City, for the future. It is a collective legacy, a trace of one's reflections and passage, and a way to improve and not repeat certain mistakes of the past. Being able to create an inviting atmosphere, a particular "spirit," an indescribable feeling, is important.

Proximity and Attractiveness L’Atelier Urbain led members to reflect on the fact that cities with this type of downtown have invested heavily in it. Everything is there, nearby: the theater, trails or promenades, the public square, institutions, schools, etc. The tourist dynamic plays a big role. The circular dynamic allows citizens to contribute to promoting their downtown to other citizens, etc. The fundamental question of this PPU is therefore that of attractiveness raised by the members. Added to this exchange are elements responding to the need for attractiveness, among others, the importance and relevance of the cultural offer. The fact of having invested in a Place Laval is a source of pride. The creation of a sense of belonging and pride is also at the heart of the elements discussed. Regarding cultural attractions, it is mentioned that one of the challenges is that cultural facilities and offers are distant or off-center from the downtown area.

Health The discussion also addressed the theme of health and associated services. The theme of health seems to have escaped the discussions related to the downtown PPU. It was answered that this aspect is interesting and that discussions have taken place with the Regional Public Health Department, which has developed indicators and health impact measures. It could be possible to better highlight the links between environmental impacts and health. It is mentioned that the notion of providing momentum is indeed something for the teams to reflect on. This exchange is different from those that emerged during the initial public consultations. This element will be added to the reflections.

Optimization of Spaces The question of using existing spaces (e.g., federal buildings) should, if possible, be discussed and reflected upon by the teams to increase vitality. The number of "Airbnb" units in the downtown PPU territory is a subject of concern. The importance of deploying the affordable housing strategy was reiterated.

Urban Forestry Discussions took place regarding urban forestry in the downtown PPU territory. It was brought to the members' attention that Gatineau has an Urban Forestry Plan. The priorities are to plant a significant quantity of trees per year and to focus on identified sectors (10,000 trees per year). Comments were made, including the fact that there is too much asphalt and that there are several lots belonging to the NCC (National Capital Commission). The importance of having a clear procedure that allows for the integration of plantings (and their target) on each segment, and which would allow for the evaluation of the impact of the planting strategy within the framework of a PPU at the scale of a downtown area, was discussed.

Canadian Museum of History Another element discussed during this exchange period is the optimization of current built environments, such as the Canadian Museum of History, which seems to be underutilized for the quality of life in the downtown area.

Blue Zones and Green Zones Discussions also focused on recognizing what already exists at the territory level. The organization Vivre en Ville was named as an important actor that conducts research and can inspire certain practices.

Validation of Next Steps The schedule for the next steps was discussed to ensure that stakeholders, including Commission members, are invited to participate in them.

Recommendation CDTH-2024-02

The Land Development and Housing Commission, during its regular meeting on December 12, 2024, recommends to the Municipal Council:

• To support the vision and preliminary guidelines of the downtown Special Planning Program (PPU), so that these can serve as a basis for the further development of this PPU.

Proposed by Luc Gagné, Seconded by Anik Des Marais.

Vieux-Aylmer Special Planning Program (PPU)

Louis-Michel Fournier, General Manager of L’Atelier Urbain, and Louis Mazerolle, Project Manager for the same firm, presented the Vieux-Aylmer Special Planning Program (PPU) to the Commission members. A presentation of the Vieux-Aylmer PPU was made.

Discussion Period

Public Transit It was mentioned that the focus should be on "public transit." The tramway is an important project, however, for Vieux-Aylmer.

Aging Population Discussions surrounding the aging population living in the Vieux-Aylmer PPU territory took place. A question was raised as to whether the elderly were consulted as part of the process. The department indicated that the invitation to consultation exercises was made to target the general public. No specific activity in residences, for example, has been deployed to date. Thus, it is possible that when the Vieux-Aylmer PPU is released, seniors may raise the fact that they were not consulted directly. The department emphasizes that the discussions during the public consultation activities allowed for a good representation of all age groups and also people from an RPA (private seniors' residence).

Heritage An aspect raised during the discussions is related to built heritage. A reflection is needed to combine the heritage aspect, historical celebrations, and to connect everything to Vieux-Aylmer.

Viability of Certain Commercial Infrastructure A question was asked regarding the conservation and/or viability of certain existing spaces, such as the Galeries d’Aylmer.

Next Steps Other consultations are planned, and the adoption of the Vieux-Aylmer PPU would be in the fall of 2025. The Chair and the Commission members thanked L’Atelier Urbain for the presentation.

Recommendation CDTH 2024-03

The Land Development and Housing Commission, during its regular meeting on December 12, 2024, recommends to the Municipal Council:

• To support the vision and preliminary guidelines of the Vieux-Aylmer Special Planning Program (PPU) so that these can serve as a basis for the further development of this PPU.

Proposed by Daniel Gay, Seconded by Luc Gagné.