MINUTES - PUBLIC - ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE

Frédéric Vandal proceeds with the presentation of the Climate Plan Report, which aims for two objectives: • Outline the progress of the Climate Plan for the year 2024; • Present the actions planned for the year 2025.

The projects funded by the gouvernement du Québec envelope are the most advanced and those for which we have the most information. In the exchanges that follow, a question is asked regarding the alignment between our actions and the priorities in terms of GHG reduction, knowing that buildings and transport are the two largest emitters. Regarding buildings, additional measures will be implemented soon. The same applies to transport and mobility: the master plan for electrification provides for the installation of electric charging stations, the electrification of the City's vehicle fleet, etc. There is also a concerted effort that is necessary at the community level. The importance of distinguishing between corporate and collective efforts is also highlighted. The City seems to be casting a wide net in its GHG reduction efforts (for example by talking about sustainable food), while issues related, in particular, to planning are central. It seems there is a lack of leverage to be able to influence the community; we need structural measures to counter solo driving. However, the City is working to break down internal silos and the Service de transition écologique (STÉ) is involved in many projects, but those involving regulatory changes require more time. A question is asked as to whether there are actions planned in 2025 to improve the response to flood issues. It is specified that this is a file that is carried by the Service de l’urbanisme et du développement durable (SUDD), although the priorities related to this file are carried by all services. Additional staff have been hired to work on flood zones. More details can be provided. It is mentioned that the City is behind in the implementation of the Climate Plan and that it would be useful to carry out a more in-depth analysis. What are the short-term actions that are the most promising? What is the importance of outreach versus the implementation of the climate test which allows the climate to be factored into all decisions made by the City? Indeed, the climate test is a critical action. The City, however, has needs in terms of monitoring and evaluation, and despite the delay, we are not at the point of revising the targets. A greater contribution of human resources to the team is necessary. We must also not forget the importance of the climate change adaptation component. We know that many of the big actions come, or must come, from other services, the STÉ being a bit of the guardian and the 'cheerleader' of the Climate Plan. We need more information on industries, businesses, and institutions (ICI). We must look at how we can accelerate the implementation of certain actions. The upcoming launch of the Partenariat Climat Outaouais (Monday, October 28 at the UQO) is mentioned, inspired by a similar initiative in Montreal and which will bring together actors from the business community and the community. The partnership aims to promote strong commitments in favor of the climate and GHG reduction. This initiative should contribute to creating a missing link in the Climate Plan, namely the significant involvement of the community.

Break from 4:23 p.m. to 4:42 p.m.