MINUTES – PUBLIC – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (EDC) – 1st session – February 5, 2026 – 12:31 p.m. to 1:31 p.m.

An information document presenting the progress of items from previous meetings was sent in advance with the public meeting documentation. Isabelle Veilleux, Director of the Economic Development Service (SDÉ), presents this statutory information item. The Service highlights three specific files. Economic development governance: It is recalled that this file was handled by the Economic Development Commission in 2025. Since then, it has moved toward the implementation of a new economic development structure, which was approved by the municipal council at its meeting on October 2, 2025. The deployment of this structure is underway and incorporates new responsibilities entrusted to the Economic Development Service (SDÉ), particularly regarding the development of priority sectors. The current stage corresponds to the deployment of phase I, namely change management and the staffing of new positions. Commercial development policy: It is recalled that this file, already handled by the Commission, was adopted by the municipal council in October 2025. The council then mandated the administration to review certain elements of the support framework and to finalize the Support Framework for Commercial Hubs and associated programs. The file will be presented again to the Commission during the year. Support fund for non-profits (OBNL) supporting entrepreneurship: This Fund supports economic projects aligned with the City's priorities. During the last call for projects, 11 projects were submitted, of which 8 were recommended by the selection committee and approved by the municipal council on December 18, for a total of $346,152. The memoranda of understanding are currently being signed to initiate the projects.

Isabelle Veilleux, Director of the Economic Development Service (SDÉ), presents the proposed 2026 work plan of the Commission to the members for recommendation. The Chair specifies that, in accordance with the statutes and regulations, the Commission usually adopts an action plan covering a two-year period. However, following the start of the new mandate, it was agreed that the work plan would be for one year for 2026. It is indicated that this is a proposal intended to be collectively improved to gather comments and suggestions from members. The objective is to recommend the work plan during this meeting so that it can be forwarded to the municipal council in March. The Service management recalls that the identified files take into account the prioritization exercises carried out, strategic alignment, and the priorities established in the value chains. This work began last fall to identify the structural elements to which the Commission would be called upon to contribute. The submitted proposal stems from this preparatory work. The Chair also informs members that the elected officials held a retreat, during which collaborations between commissions were desired, thus opening the door to possible joint work. File 1: Industrial Development Strategy. Objective: Contribute to the development of the industrial strategy by validating and improving the positioning, vision, strategic orientations, and, if applicable, the action plan to achieve the vision. Role: Analysis and orientation. File 2: Support Framework for Commercial Hubs. Objective: Analyze the support framework for commercial hubs and its programs and formulate recommendations for its adoption to ensure its relevance and alignment with the needs of the community and Gatineau's commercial development objectives. Role: Recommendation. File 3: Development of priority sectors. Objective: Analyze and guide the strategy and roadmap for the development of priority sectors in Gatineau. Role: Analysis and orientation. File 4: Monitoring of economic development opportunities. Objective: Stay alert to opportunities that may arise to promote the economic development of the territory. Role: Analysis and orientation. File 5: Intervention framework for territorial vitality (linked to the Territorial Development Agreement of the Regions and Rurality Fund). Objective: Contribute to the development and validation of the Intervention Framework. Role: Recommendation. [Discussion on energy transition, hospital site at Asticou, and strategic planning]. Proposed modification to the work plan: Action 1 – File 4 'Monitoring of economic development opportunities': Ensure monitoring of opportunity files and issues in economic development, particularly economic development in the East. Proposed by Timmy Jutras, seconded by Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent. Adopted. Recommendation CDÉ-2026-01: The Economic Development Commission (CDÉ), during its regular meeting of February 5, 2026, recommends to the municipal council: To adopt the 2026 work plan of the Economic Development Commission as amended. Proposed by Jacqueline Frenette, seconded by Geneviève Latulippe. Adopted.

The Intervention Framework for the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) is presented by Véronique Martin, Project Coordinator at the Economic Development Service (SDÉ), for recommendation. The presentation aims to expose the preliminary version of the Intervention Framework for Territorial Vitality and to gather comments and exchanges from members, with a view to formulating a recommendation for its subsequent adoption by the municipal council. A status report is presented, as well as intervention priorities, planned actions, and main deadlines. The Service explains that the FRR Intervention Framework constitutes a strategic planning document that each regional county municipality (MRC) or city must adopt and transmit to the Government of Quebec as part of a financial support agreement aimed at implementing its development priorities. The City of Gatineau benefits from a three-year agreement, from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028, for the implementation of the FRR. One of the conditions of this agreement is the development of an Intervention Framework for Territorial Vitality. It is also recalled that the FRR is a government program administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH), acting as a financial lever to support the development and vitality of territories. The Intervention Framework must, in particular, identify the issues of the territory and establish action priorities to promote the economic, cultural, social, and environmental vitality of the City. Adoption of the Framework by the municipal council is scheduled for mid-March 2026 for implementation starting in the spring of 2026. Among the intervention priorities: 1. Support the creation of wealth and value and sustainable benefits; 2. Strengthen the City's leadership; 3. Increase organizational culture in economic development; 4. Improve Gatineau's performance and competitiveness; 5. Strengthen Gatineau's reach and positioning. [Discussion on leadership, ID Gatineau's role, sustainable mobility, agriculture, and territorial marketing]. Recommendation CDÉ-2026-02: The Economic Development Commission (CDÉ), during its regular meeting of February 5, 2026, recommends to the municipal council: To adopt the Intervention Framework for Territorial Vitality in order to comply with the agreement concluded under the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR). Proposed by André Landry, seconded by Geneviève Latulippe.