MINUTES - PUBLIC - ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE (CELCC)

Public question period

Several members of the public are attending this meeting. A 30-minute period is granted for public questions, as per statute. Interventions are limited to 3 minutes to give everyone a chance to speak.

1- First intervention: Daniel Roch – in-person participation. Environmental consultant, specialized in autonomous sanitary installations, representing the organization Enviro-Step Technologies inc. and registered as a lobbyist. The intervention concerns the regulation of tertiary septic installations with UV radiation disinfection. The history, context, and current status of autonomous sanitary installations are briefly presented. An explanation of the systems and a presentation of their advantages are provided. Since 2028, upon the lifting of a moratorium on this subject, more than 450 municipalities have agreed to regulate the use of UV on their territory to allow their citizens to have a choice rather than a single option for disinfection. This solution is described as effective, more compact, and less invasive by the presenter for the future and the environment. The question asked is: how can we (the industry) help the City of Gatineau move forward on this file and offer choices to citizens? A detailed presentation will be sent by Mr. Roch following the meeting.

Exchanges or comments: The Service de la transition écologique (Ecological Transition Department) explains that the request has been forwarded to the Service de l’eau et des matières résiduelles (Water and Residual Materials Department), responsible for the application of the bylaw on the evacuation and treatment of wastewater from isolated residences in Gatineau. A response after analysis may be provided regarding the steps and procedures, in due course.

2- Second intervention: Boris Lamontagne – virtual participation. Member of the public who designed his house with environmental and energy efficiency concerns. The intervention concerns greywater heat recovery technology as an alternative to explore to pursue the City's objectives in terms of sustainable development and innovation. A description of this solution, its context, and the possibilities for its application are presented to the members. The intervention aims to raise awareness and identify one or more ways to encourage developers to offer more energy-efficient homes. A presentation is shared on screen and in the chat and will be sent to members following the meeting.

Exchanges or comments: The Department takes note of this alternative proposal, particularly in relation to the development of an energy plan. The Chair thanks Mr. Lamontagne for his intervention.

3- Third intervention: François Lévesque – virtual participation. Member of the group Gatineau sans pesticides (GSP). The intervention concerns the application of Règlement 955-2024 adopted at the City Council meeting on April 16, 2024. Gatineau sans pesticides (GSP) thanks the commission for the efforts made in the pesticide file regarding the application of this bylaw. Two questions are addressed: 1- How many people will be assigned in the field for the implementation of the bylaw and when will they be operational? 2- Where does the City stand in terms of awareness and education for citizens regarding pesticides and the new regulation? A document detailing both parts of the question was submitted to the City by GSP and will be shared with the Commission members.

Exchanges or comments: The Department explains that a staffing process for technicians is underway in anticipation of the bylaw's application in the spring. The communication strategy for the bylaw is very varied. It includes web updates, press releases, radio and web advertisements, and alignment with the Je fais ma part campaign. The STÉ has also implemented, with the Public Works Department, a pilot project for the development of 10 non-traditional lawn sites. Awareness door hangers were distributed to citizens near these sites. In 2025, the strategy will continue. The focus is on communicating choices and proposing alternatives to insecticides so that a shift is taken, among others, by contractors. The strategy is integrated into the Biodiversity Action Plan concerning pollinators and monarchs. Informative links are shared by the department and will be sent along with the list of the 10 identified sites.

4- Fourth intervention: Claire Charron – virtual participation. Member of the group Gatineau sans pesticides (GSP). The intervention concerns the application of Règlement 955-2024. Ms. Charron wishes to learn more about the type (profile/training) of employees who will be responsible for inspections, awareness, and education for citizens. She mentions being surprised to learn that this team would be attached to the residual materials management team.

Exchanges or comments: The Department explains that the Water and Residual Materials Department already has a structure in place for environmental control and the application of the nuisance bylaw, this choice being operational and strategic. A follow-up will be done with the concerned department regarding the question about the training of inspectors. The staffing process is underway.

5- Fifth intervention: Monique Pellerin – in-person participation. Member of the group Gatineau sans pesticides (GSP). The intervention concerns Dicamba, in relation to Règlement 955-2024. Ms. Pellerin explains that the current authorization to use Dicamba in Gatineau is a global health issue. The description of this broad-spectrum herbicide, widely used in agricultural zones, is presented. A brief presentation of this pesticide, its mode of action, and its significant impacts on population health and the environment takes place. A revision of the bylaw is requested so that only biopesticides and low-impact pesticides are used and applied in Gatineau to protect flora and fauna. A document will be shared with the commission members.

Exchanges or comments: The Chair acknowledges the work of the GSP group. The department will take into consideration the information shared and the desired approaches. No timeline is specified; however, as adjustments to the bylaw are already desired, this proposal will be analyzed in a timely manner. An elected member specifies that the discussion on pesticides scheduled for May 1st at the CELCC could be a time to address this issue. A reflection regarding the 'white list' is desired. The Department takes note of this comment, the whole being operational.

Success stories / Environment and ecological transition - Information

Members are invited to share news regarding the environment to highlight some initiatives and projects or to provide a positive look at current events. The Chair highlights the adoption of the latest municipal budget funding very good measures for the environment. The STÉ specifies that this budget will allow for the deployment of various climate actions allowing for the consolidation and expansion of the Department, the enhancement and implementation of consulting expertise in support of municipal services. The implementation of monitoring and tracking tools for the municipal apparatus will allow for action and the continuation of efforts for the ecological transition, the fight against, adaptation to, and resilience to climate change, the reduction of GHGs, and the valorization and protection of the environment. This budget thus favors the achievement of the objectives of all the department's action plans.

Action Climat Outaouais highlights that they are preparing their 4th annual observer report in relation to the Climate Plan and have been working on the analysis of GHG inventories since 2009. The CREDDO highlights the influence work initiated over the last year with various partners to review the fact of having minimum residential and commercial parking standards; this having been discussed during the budget study. The associated economic and environmental impact has been demonstrated, including the reduction of GHGs. The issue of imposing car-sharing is also being studied by the CREDDO.

In November 2024, the Government of Quebec announced that it would regulate to remove fossil fuel gas from the new and existing building sector by 2040. This news confirms the orientations, decisions, and the City's desire to engage in steps in this direction. A positive change is the arrival of the "more greedy blue bin," a novelty regarding recycling in Quebec. This change is facilitating for everyone. The department mentions that the Détritus application and that of the Government of Quebec are interconnected and coherent.

Progress report on the Water Management Plan (PGE) – Information and discussion

The progress report on the Water Management Plan (PGE) is presented to the Commission members by Geneviève Michon, ecological project coordinator at the Service de la transition écologique. Michael Pruneau, also an ecological project coordinator, is present to support the presenter. The projected document having been subject to minor adjustments, the modified version will be sent to the members.

Exchange period

Coherence: PRMHH, blue and green network Clarifications are requested regarding the progress and ongoing steps concerning the Regional Plan for Wetlands and Hydrological Areas (PRMHH) as well as the blue and green network. It is explained that the lead department is Urban Planning and Sustainable Development (SUDD) and that it involves the ecological transition department in its steps, among other things through internal consultation. The steps are underway, the PRMHH being a provincial requirement. Several actions of the PGE and the STÉ Biodiversity Action Plan are linked to the blue and green network. Collaboration and joint analysis of the files allow for distinguishing relevant elements, improving the steps, and strategically planning the whole.

Guide – Watercourses A question is asked regarding the policy for the maintenance and development of watercourses. This guide is an internal tool for establishing municipal responsibilities on this subject. It allows for responding to requests and distinguishing watercourses from ditches.

Greenhouse gases (GHG) A question is noted regarding the feasibility of supporting the eventual implementation of factory greenhouse gas recovery projects.

Stormwater and Green Fund Clarifications are provided to the effect that the Green Fund should include the "citizen" component in relation to stormwater (e.g., incentives). However, regarding the "corporate" component, analyses and steps are underway for optimal stormwater management. A presentation of the success stories of municipal steps to this effect would be of interest.

Septic tanks It would be of interest to explore the change of bylaw regarding septic tanks within the framework of the Water Management Plan.

Awareness Awareness efforts towards citizens are acknowledged. It is important to well inform the citizens who are at the heart of these action plans.

Eco-winter streets pilot project A question is asked regarding the next steps for the wider deployment of this pilot project for spreading other than salt on certain streets in winter. The Department responds that the report will be presented within the framework of the snow removal report, at the end of the season, since the project is still ongoing. A sampling of watercourses will be done by the STÉ. A follow-up of requests to 311 and a follow-up regarding safety issues is done.

PGE Report The Department explains that the PGE is available on the City of Gatineau website; its report will be published shortly. Facilitating access to documents on the City's site (referencing) would be desired.

Agricultural zones It is mentioned that several measures of the PGE affect the agricultural zone. A request is made to the team to be able to participate in due course in a meeting of the Agricultural Advisory Committee to facilitate alignment and the transversality of subjects.

Connections A clarification is requested regarding the new bylaws on connections. These are reversed connections. The STÉ mentions having been informed that a new bylaw on this subject should take place, subject to reservations.

Lac-Beauchamp We are looking to know if the various ecological corridors around Lac-Beauchamp park will be treated in the PGE. The STÉ responds that within the framework of the conservation plan, the measures are linked to the park. However, it is noted and in the interest of the park to eventually have a view of the adjacent (private) lands.

Alternative to watering Clarifications are requested regarding the means and best practices to establish to reduce the use of clean water for watering vegetable gardens and community gardens. The Department explains that different alternatives and methods can be communicated and encouraged, including the collection of rainwater in barrels (1-2 barrels), the use of mulch to keep it less dry, for example.

Retention basins The possibility of exploring other uses for retention basins is a very interesting measure within the framework of the PGE and the possibility of contributing to it would be interesting. A comment is made regarding the City's openness to supporting projects or concepts of collaborative water management, for example, the implementation of sponge parks. More integrated management with the neighborhood is desired and new approaches and opportunities could be explored. The Department is open to new ideas and takes note of them. Feasibility is to be validated.

Urban swimming Water being an extraordinary attraction for humans in an urban environment, a question is asked to know the interest and feasibility of developing other swimming spaces (shore development) in the city even if the PGE wishes to reduce the human impact on watercourses. Would the redevelopment of swimming spaces, use of watercourses in an urban environment, for example downtown, be considered? This reflection is necessary. Some actions are already underway in relation to this, for example by improving the site at Parc Moussette to make it more attractive and pleasant. Many riparian lands belong to the NCC. No municipal orientation has currently been taken at this level. Accessibility to natural environments is planned in the biodiversity action plan and will be reflected upon. A return will be made to the commission during the deployment of this orientation.

Progress report on the Urban Forestry Plan (PFU) – Information and discussion

The progress report on the Urban Forestry Plan (PFU) is presented by Alexandre Dumas, urban forestry coordinator, and Simon Landry, ecological project coordinator, from the Service de la transition écologique. The projected document having been subject to minor adjustments since its sending, the modified version will be retransmitted to the members.

Exchange period

General comments A thank you is addressed to the Department for the excellent quality follow-ups. Congratulations are also addressed regarding the project for the protection of young trees during lawn mowing. This measure, whose results are positive, is considered excellent. The City has shown listening and collaboration and this project demonstrates that public participation in the commission is beneficial and important. The PFU team explains that for this project, several requests for congratulations to 311 were addressed. A member of the CELCC congratulates the PFU team for their legendary work! The vision and professionalism of the team are highlighted. Ariane Hamel leaves the meeting at 5:39 p.m. Quorum is maintained. Ariane Hamel joins the meeting at 5:41 p.m.

Coherence between the biodiversity plan and the PFU The aspect of connectivity and coherence between the biodiversity and urban forestry plans, particularly at the level of ecological corridors and in particular with urban planning regulations for major projects, is discussed. The Department explains that the articulation of the plans and the alignment are worked on in close collaboration with the various teams including the SUDD. Working committees and means of communication are planned (e.g., for the OGATS, the bylaw on the PIIA, etc.). The Department also explains that a process to acquire data to improve their ability to know the territory well is underway with the Infoterritoire (SUDD). Different mechanisms also allow for connectivity are planned including land acquisition strategies, restoration, acquisition of new tools, etc.

Tree protection and behavior change: In relation to major development projects by developers, we question whether a behavior change has been observed in favor of tree protection. The STÉ explains that this is a culture change and that we are advancing on this subject. In regulatory requirements, it is often necessary to submit a development and/or protection plan. The Department remains in support with the SUDD since it does not act directly with developers. The teams are working to better equip themselves and verify that the proposals transmitted by the department to developers are subject to serious considerations.

Follow-up measure in relation to tree felling: A comment concerns the appreciation of making the follow-up measures regarding tree felling and planting well known to citizens. Planting actions are important just like those aiming to protect what already exists. The Department explains that more awareness is planned. For example, in relation to illegal tree felling, work is initiated to modify the regulation so that the amounts of fines are increased, as much for citizens as for legal persons, who have a duty to set an example. In relation to illegal tree cutting, a question is asked. What are the main reasons that hold citizens back from quickly replanting a tree in the front yard? What are the obstacles? The PFU team explains that there are so many different reasons. The majority of citizens understand the importance of trees and no one questions that. The perceived individual nuisance overshadows all other advantages. Since it is difficult to convince these citizens, a more rigorous application of the regulation is necessary (by step).

Nursery: The CREDDO mentions that the idea of a nursery in Gatineau was basically a beautiful idea for several reasons: diversification of supply sources, development of expertise, research, etc. Even if the project did not take place this year, it is brought to the attention of the members that the Kitigan Zibi community also has a similar objective and is currently developing a greenhouse project. This opportunity is to be explored with them to evaluate if certain species that are dear to them could be planned in the planting planning in Gatineau. The development of a business relationship on this subject could be interesting. A reflection and links are to be created.

Front yard planting We are also looking to know if it was possible to expand, in 2025, the measures to facilitate front yard planting to residents' associations, which could support the City to this effect. The Department explains that it is possible and desirable to facilitate citizen planting projects. Furthermore, the department mentions being open to collaboration projects.

Tree inventory: Now that the tree inventory is known, a question is addressed to know if it is possible to increase the canopy in new street works. How can we integrate into projects to help transversality? Does an acquired right exist to not have trees in the front yard? The STÉ explains that no acquired right exists in the matter.

Street-side trees A reflection is made in relation to street-side trees. Concerning the 1,280 km of streets where data exists in Gatineau, the 158,000 trees planted, we are looking to know if the trees are mainly on the street or on private land. The comment highlights certain figures: in Gatineau on average one tree/15 m street-side. In comparison, in Montreal, there is about 1 tree/8 m street-side. In Gatineau, to get there, it would be necessary to double the number of street-side trees to know the same type of neighborhood where it is good to walk (about 160,000 additional trees to plant). A question is asked to know if in Gatineau, the technique of adding trees in sidewalk projections is possible, like in Montreal. For Gatineau, the PFU team responds that this concept is of interest and that other statistical details could be presented in 2026 during the progress report, among other things to determine where the places are where planting is possible. Demineralization must be taken into account.

Walkability Another element of reflection brought is interconnectivity, urban connection, and the walkability of a neighborhood. When we plan projects, are we able to maintain a logic in the layout of streets (e.g., grid, organized without losing the urban fabric)? The Department notes this suggestion and the questions even if it is not in their fields of competence directly.

Other questions or comments: Congratulations are transmitted for the pilot project in all districts. A suggestion to add soil so as not to damage the roots is proposed. In relation to the City's choice to tax large parking lots to redevelop or demineralize, an interrogation is issued to know if it is part of the PFU's objectives to participate in these discussions to increase the canopy. A comment is made in relation to agricultural environments, for whom the issues are not the same as in the urban environment. The STÉ is invited to meet the Agricultural Advisory Committee to exchange. A note is taken to this effect. A thank you is issued regarding the distribution of potted trees. The service confirms that it would be possible to display more the communities where the distribution is privileged using a map, but that it is preferable to communicate in a targeted, geographical way.