MINUTES - PUBLIC - ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE

5. Information items

5.1 Auditor General's report: Energy efficiency of municipal buildings

Members are informed of the main elements of the Auditor General's recommendations regarding the energy management of buildings. Some members question the possible contribution and role of the Commission. It is answered that the municipal administration must analyze everything before determining the next steps and that for the moment, the follow-ups are more administrative in nature. It is added that certain elements raised in the report are already present in the Commission's work plan and the Plan climat (Climate Plan) action plan. Some members reiterate the importance of proposing measures aimed at the decarbonization of residential sector buildings.

5.2 Ministry of the Environment announcement made on February 8, 2024

It is mentioned that the announcement from the Ministry of the Environment includes two components and that financial support could be granted to Cities and RCMs for:

• The development of their climate change action plan;
• The deployment of their climate change action plan. However, the terms remain to be determined.

5.3 Update on the process for the development of an urban nursery on the territory of the city of Gatineau

A summary of the information that was transmitted to members by email is provided. In short, in a context of fighting and adapting to climate change, the City of Gatineau, like many other cities, plans to implement several tree planting projects. It is added that the Gatineau municipal council has recommended granting a mandate for the realization of a feasibility study for a nursery project. The targeted feasibility study must analyze tree supply options to determine which would allow for the acquisition of quality trees, in sufficient quantity and at a good price. The option of an urban nursery must be analyzed to demonstrate if this option is technically feasible and economically viable. A progress report on the main steps taken, in collaboration with the CREDDO, is provided. It is also mentioned that the study for the establishment of a regional nursery will be carried out in partnership with the Kitigan Zibi Indigenous community.

6. 2024-2025 Commission work plan

The chair begins by reading the modifications made to the work plan regarding the urban forestry file, following comments from Lise Filiatrault received by email. The objective "Contribute to the identification of an option that will allow a stable supply for the City of quality trees, in sufficient quantity and at a good price" is replaced by "Ensure follow-up of the urban forestry plan." The objective above is added as a means.

It is asked what reasons justify the removal of the dates that had been added to the work plan in connection with the planning of subjects scheduled according to the sessions. It is answered that for the adoption of the work plan by the municipal council, this level of detail is not necessary. However, the planning tool prepared by the Department is maintained and will be shared with members.

Requested modification: Plan climat file: move the "Implementation of a monitoring committee" listed in the role of the Commission, as a "Means."

Members are informed that they will be invited to participate in the work of developing the Regional Plan for Wetlands and Hydric Environments and the Bylaw regarding Site Planning and Architectural Integration Programs (PIIA) listed in the work plan of the Commission for Land Development and Housing. It is suggested to add these two elements to the work plan of the Environment and Climate Change Commission.

The Commission recommends to the municipal council: CELCC-2024-01

• To adopt the 2024-2025 work plan of the Environment and Climate Change Commission.

It is proposed by Anik Des Marais, seconded by Marc Bureau, and resolved that this Commission recommends the adoption of the 2024-2025 work plan with the requested modifications.

Adopted unanimously

7. Presentation: Water quality report for Lac Beauchamp

Members are informed of a summary report on the water quality of Lac Beauchamp as well as the various actions taken since 2017. The actions aim to preserve this 213-hectare ecoterritory, to ensure biodiversity, regulate ecosystems, and guarantee a sustainable living environment. The next steps are also presented. In short, a citizen and partner consultation regarding the update of the Environmental Management Plan and the future conservation plan for Parc du Lac-Beauchamp is planned for March 2024. The Commission will be invited to participate and will be called upon to contribute to the updating of the plans.

Members thank Geneviève Michon for her presentation and the work done since 2017. Some members raise the importance of protecting the lake and the surrounding environment as well as questioning the various impacts. For example, it is essential to question the impacts of choices related to the development of the Rapidus and related to the use of the space which offers opportunities for leisure and relaxation. It is suggested to identify success measures that will promote the protection of this natural environment in order to facilitate informed decision-making.

8. Varia

8.1 Vehicle registration tax

Anik Des Marais mentions that the Finance Committee of the City of Gatineau has signaled its interest to the SAAQ to implement this tax in 2025. Analyses, notably on the amount of the tax, with a view to developing an implementation bylaw, will be carried out by the Finance Committee.

Inès Bosse-Thompson leaves the meeting at 5:39 p.m. The quorum is maintained.