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

Public question period

Several members of the public are attending the meeting. Three people intervene during this public question period.

1- First intervention: Maurine Mikhail and Julie Bourque – virtual participation

The intervention concerns design requirements for bird safety in Gatineau. A visual presentation is made regarding birds colliding with windows. The presentation will be shared with members once received. Ms. Bourque explains that since 1970, a decline in bird populations has been observed. Between 16 and 42 million birds die annually because they collide with windows. Risks must be minimized. Windows have properties that are harmful to birds (transparency and reflection), which causes accidents during migration. Visual markers can reduce these risks. Several organizations have guidelines on this subject. It is hoped that the Ville de Gatineau will adopt rules as part of its Biodiversity Action Plan. It is possible to obtain a "Bird Friendly City" certification.

Exchanges or comments: The Service thanks Ms. Mikhail and Ms. Bourque for the presentation. It indicates that the Ville de Gatineau has taken actions in connection with the "Bird Friendly City" certification regarding measures to be taken to regulate these standards aimed at protecting migratory birds. A committee has been set up to evaluate the actions requested as part of the certification. The steps taken and implemented are detailed by the team. Clarifications are requested regarding grants or financial aid programs that could be obtained to support these initiatives. Validation will be done by the presenters. However, it is certainly advantageous to include this notion when planning infrastructure and to incorporate collision mitigation measures. It is also important to evaluate the risk level of buildings and prioritize them. The current urban planning regulations to protect birds are questioned. The Service will validate with the SUDD. The "Bird Friendly City" certification provides parameters to be implemented; this can be discussed at that time.

Lise Filiatrault joins the meeting at 3:16 p.m.

2- Second intervention: Jean-Marc Emery – in-person participation

The intervention concerns the same subject. As a member of the Club des ornithologues de l’Outaouais (COO), Mr. Emery highlights the progress and work accomplished by the teams over the last few years. The inventory of Ville de Gatineau buildings has been made accessible. Certain buildings have been identified, such as the Sports Centre, as posing a greater risk to birds. Concrete actions make a big difference. The Ville de Gatineau has the opportunity to become a model for other large cities. The community is ready and wants to get involved in the bird protection project.

For the moment, the team is working with partners to identify buildings where window markers must be installed quickly. When a city decides to act, results are seen quickly. Mr. Emery explains that Gatineau could be the first large city to be certified, which would allow for provincial and international reach. It would also be interesting to highlight Migratory Bird Day on May 10. A contest is in place to find the emblem bird for Gatineau. An invitation to participate in the COO AGM is extended to members. Congratulations are addressed to the STÉ team for the progress and collaboration.

Exchanges or comments: The chair thanks Mr. Emery and the Club des ornithologues de l’Outaouais for their work, expertise, and collaboration.

3- Third intervention: Marie-Claude Giasson – virtual participation

The intervention concerns the problem of European fire ants. Ms. Giasson wants to know if, as part of municipal interventions, simultaneous action will be taken on the contaminated land of citizens living in the affected area so that the actions and interventions support each other and are useful. Ms. Giasson wants the City to take into consideration the inactivity of its interventions in recent years and to be able to act with the targeted citizens, on their land, since their proximity to the City's land leads to cross-contamination. She explains that the overall cost is high for these citizens every summer who must treat their land.

Exchanges or comments: The Service explains that the current approach only provides for interventions on land owned by the City. It is emphasized that a collaborative approach between the Ville de Gatineau and private owners would be interesting, for example in terms of methodology that could allow for concerted actions. The Service specifies that communication will be carried out with citizens and the approach will be explained. A member of the Commission wants possible alternatives to be evaluated and for collaboration to be considered. For example, information (means to favor, for example) or training for affected citizens could perhaps be an avenue to explore. The Service adds that it is planned to communicate well with citizens affected by the problem. This year, it will be a pilot intervention project that will continue based on the results obtained.

Intervention plan regarding European fire ants (Myrmica rubra) – Information and discussion

The intervention plan regarding European fire ants is presented to the members of the Commission by Audrey-Anne Brûlé, ecological project coordinator at the Service de la transition écologique.

The progress, actions taken, and upcoming interventions at the boisé d’Andromède are presented. The projected document having undergone minor adjustments, the modified version will be sent to members.

Exchange period

General comments: The Service specifies that the deployment of such a large-scale plan to control this invasive species is a unique approach in Quebec. The goal is to intervene to act on the removal of this species from the problematic area. One cannot eradicate the fire ant; it is a matter of controlling it.

Recognition and control: Some exterminators can identify the ant, while others cannot. The characteristics distinguishing it are minimal.

A concern is expressed regarding the problem also experienced by citizens neighboring this wooded area. It is emphasized again that not treating the problem in its entirety amounts to moving it. The Service explains that one cannot eradicate the ant; they are trying to control it through the proposed intervention plan. A reflection as part of the Urban Forestry Plan will take place regarding this intervention. The objective of intervening on a 10 m strip will allow limiting the progression of European fire ants towards private land.

Accompaniment and support for affected citizens: Some members emphasize that the municipality should also explore ways to support or accompany citizens in the sector in their efforts. This is a concern shared by many. Comparisons are made with ragweed and blue-green algae; limited interventions do not allow for eradication. One of the concerns concerns the cost of treatments for private land. The question of budgets is raised.

Cross-contamination and extent: A member asks if it is possible that cross-contamination has occurred, for example, during trips of soil or sand near houses. The Service explains that it is possible that cross-contamination has indeed occurred. There are several hypotheses regarding the arrival of the species, but nothing is confirmed. It is possible that it is related to the construction of the sector. A watch is kept in connection with invasive species, but specific inventories are required to determine its presence. It is possible that it is found elsewhere, but currently it has only been traced in the Aylmer sector. Its presence will also be monitored through requests. Awareness will help determine its extent.

Vulnerability of ecosystems: Members note that the means deployed are impressive. This also demonstrates the vulnerability of ecosystems. We must prevent and work with other municipal teams, including the SUDD, to protect the natural environments we have, in order to minimize risks. Altered environments are conducive to the prosperity of these ants. We also want to know if replanting is planned as part of the pilot project. The Service explains that as part of the planned intervention, this year, it is planned that the soil will remain as is. A reflection is underway to evaluate the feasibility of integrating aromatic plants without recreating an environment conducive to the fire ant, in the 10 m zone where the intervention will take place.

Communication and reporting: The chair gives the floor to Marie-Claude Giasson, a citizen, who explains that the signs installed are difficult to locate in the Park. It is emphasized that citizens know little about the request process applicable in connection with this species. Many do not know that they must report it. We reiterate the importance of communicating well with the citizens and residents' associations concerned.

It is also brought to the attention of the Service that the problem can amplify and one should not rely on the number of requests to determine its extent. The discussion focuses on the importance of raising awareness and informing citizens about this species, and its necessary reporting by a request to 311. The Service had already planned communications to this effect and takes note of their importance. A watch will also be observed in other sectors of the City.

Control methods: The possibility of mechanical movement of soils is proposed by Ms. Giasson and will be studied by the teams regarding its feasibility. There are certain issues with frozen soils. Removing vegetation and installing tarps will allow for warming and drying the soils, making the habitat more hostile. A return will be made regarding this option. It is a delicate balance so as not to harm other species. The Service explains that the interventions will be done in the context of a pilot project since no city is intervening in this way with this species in Quebec. There are no examples of success currently and the treatment is done based on university research that will guide the approach. The cooperation of citizens is all the more necessary in order to see the impact of the interventions. Follow-ups will be done with citizens and elected officials of the affected districts during the summer.

Non-use of pesticides: A member emphasizes that the non-use of pesticides in the first proposals for the control of fire ants reflects the discussions and positions of last year discussed at the CELCC. The Service explains that this option was indeed not favored and that it is generally not authorized in humid environments. The Ville de Gatineau wishes to be exemplary during its interventions.

Pause from 4:33 p.m. to 4:48 p.m.

Lac-Beauchamp Park Conservation Plan – Consultation and orientation

The Conservation Plan for parc du Lac-Beauchamp is presented by Geneviève Michon, ecological project coordinator at the Service de la transition écologique. Ms. Michon is accompanied by Amélie Larcher, an intern at the STÉ who is attending the CELCC meeting and will be involved in the team's various projects. The presentation takes the form of a consultation activity with CELCC members and will allow the Service to be guided as part of the proposed plan. The presenter explains that the consultation report can be shared once it is available and completed. The projected document having also undergone minor adjustments since its sending will be transmitted to members.

Exchange period

General comments: Members thank the presenter and highlight the interest and importance of developing a conservation plan upstream as proposed even if certain data are not yet known (current species, sensitive environments, species at status, etc.). The vision is appreciated.

An orientation regarding the position of the CELCC on this subject may take place at another stage eventually. Environmental protection remains the guideline for many.

Alicia Lacasse-Brunet leaves the meeting at 5:11 p.m. The quorum is maintained. Alicia Lacasse-Brunet joins the meeting at 5:13 p.m.

Private land and Lac-Beauchamp: Members are surprised to note that parc du Lac-Beauchamp does not belong entirely to the Ville de Gatineau. The importance of being bold in the targets to allow for the protection of this space, as a whole, is highlighted. The STÉ explains that since nearly half of the land does not belong to us (the city owns 60% of the land in parc du Lac-Beauchamp), there was no question initially of land acquisition, but rather of obtaining the necessary data for the territory concerned.

Vocation of parc du Lac-Beauchamp: The councillor for the Lac-Beauchamp district wants to know the vocation of parc du Lac-Beauchamp. He questions the City's vision on this subject. This park being very frequented by walkers, for outdoor activities and many others, it would be necessary to be able to know what can be done, among other things in terms of activities, trails, and their maintenance. The example of disc golf is put forward. The Service explains that the Conservation Plan is part of the Master Plan for recreational and sports infrastructure. The identification of its vocation will be discussed during subsequent stages, with the Service des loisirs, des sports et du développement des communautés (SLSDC). For the moment, it was important to put in place the steps for developing the Conservation Plan first. The Service takes the example of disc golf to explain that currently, the wait for decisions on vocation is due first to the fact of developing the Conservation Plan to guide teams and organizations on the type of projects or activities possible. The STE, in the targeted example, therefore asked the organization to wait for the result of ecological studies before a decision could be made with full knowledge of the facts to allow or not this type of activity in this important ecological territory in Gatineau. In the meantime, the Service has proposed other alternative sites more favorable, from an environmental perspective, to the organization and the SLSDC. This example demonstrates the importance of working together to ensure the sustainability of activities in the park. Without prejudice, the study should be available in 2025.

Concerted vision, connectivity, and conservation: A concerted vision is required between the STÉ and SLSDC teams. An inter-commission would be interesting on the subject, when it returns. The vice-chair wonders if the CELCC could eventually recommend prioritizing conservation rather than leisure. The STÉ explains that a return to members will be made in Commission and that an orientation or recommendation can be discussed, based on the analysis that will have been made.

A balance is to be found between protection, conservation, and use of the park. A member emphasizes that a natural environment is also beneficial for overall health, having benefits for the soul and health. Promoting its benefits to the population would be desired to better make known its existence and importance.

The CREDDO wishes to contribute to the reflections concerning the connectivity of parc du Lac-Beauchamp, a priority axis which is the basis of everything. Emphasizing the aspects of orientation 3 is raised, especially connectivity and the protection of Lac-Beauchamp. Clarifications are requested to clarify the place reserved for land restoration. The Service explains that restoration has an important place, but that first, it is necessary to obtain the necessary data to establish priorities, including the restoration of land based on their importance. Data related to the forest inventory will be included. To the question of whether the City can use the Fonds de protection de l’environnement et du domaine hydrique (FPEDHE) for government water environments to support initiatives in this park, the STÉ confirms that yes, only for restoration. The Funds for Gatineau are also reserved for the city's territory. The chair suggests checking what the National Capital Commission does in terms of their expertise in conservation.