MINUTES - PUBLIC - ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE (CELCC)
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Greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis – Action Climat Outaouais – Information and reflection
Claude Fortin, from Action Climat Outaouais, provides this presentation. The objective is to present the results of the greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis for information and reflection purposes.
François PH Lapointe joins the meeting at 3:40 p.m. Members are informed of the organization's recent actions. This analysis concerns the planned reduction targets. These are presented, as are the inventories and GHG reduction tools. The organization's perspectives and wishes are put forward. It is, among other things, desired that information concerning GHG inventories be more accessible to citizens.
Marc Bureau joins the meeting at 3:50 p.m. The chairing of the meeting is assumed by Mr. Bureau upon his arrival.
Discussion period
General comments
Thanks are extended to the presenter and the organization for their commitment. The chair recognizes the involvement of ACO members and takes a moment to thank Claude Fortin again for his commitment to the Commission. The latter emphasizes that ACO is available to continue its collaborations and contribute to discussions and initiatives, particularly regarding the building sector.
Climate Plan and climate test
The chair wishes for the Service to address the subject of the Climate Plan. The management reminds the Commission members that the Climate Plan team is mobilized and that certain steps have begun, including the analysis and proposal of impact assessment tools. It is explained that the conclusions and perspectives presented by ACO and those of the City of Gatineau align. One of the Service's priorities is the development of the "climate test," a decision-support and impact assessment tool. The application of such a tool is a priority for the City, although complex. Consultation among municipal teams and a period of familiarization with the tool are necessary. It is highlighted by a member that the "climate test" is an essential tool to allow City services to evaluate the consequences of their actions on climate change. The sooner it is in place, the better.
In light of the presentation, it is asked if the findings presented can have an impact on the prioritization of the Climate Plan? Will the work of the UQAC ecoconsulting chair be presented to the Commission members again? The Service explains that this study feeds into the prioritization of actions. A presentation regarding the prioritization of the Climate Plan and its balance sheet is planned for the CELCC meeting in June. It is also highlighted that GHG reduction is one of the 5 major organizational priorities of the City of Gatineau. Internal committees, including one concerning environmental protection and the fight against climate change, are in place. In 2025, the team's wish is to sharpen the environmental reflex of colleagues in all City services. The Service specifies that the "climate test" will allow for better awareness and support for certain decisions. This will require efforts from different municipal teams, including Asset Planning, Infrastructure and Projects, the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Service, etc. It will be a matter of exemplarity and regulatory modification, among others.
Transport sector
In connection with discussions regarding transport, the Service specifies that the impact of automobile travel will be analyzed. All actions allowing for the reduction of GHGs will be evaluated. Support for the implementation of energy transition projects such as the tramway is necessary. Reflection regarding a strategy for the electrification of transport is expected. In the context of the Climate Plan, the energy transition will have to be addressed more. Action Climat Outaouais specifies that one must focus on the notion of transport. The tramway is an excellent idea, but initiatives are needed in the meantime. It is explained that a challenge currently observed is linked to the fact that the Société de transports de l’Outaouais is not obtaining the desired electric buses on time. ACO specifies that public transport with diesel buses also produces greenhouse gases to be considered, even if it is a lesser evil.
Decarbonization of buildings
The Ecological Transition Service is studying as a whole the actions that can be undertaken to reduce the City's impact (municipal buildings, teams, and citizens) on GHGs. Work to upgrade the capture system at the Cook site is underway. The team wishes to propose impact assessment tools and other tools to promote the decarbonization of buildings. The Service recalls that an approach like that of Action Climat Outaouais allows for sensitizing and raising awareness among the population regarding GHGs. Efforts to develop the environmental reflex, improve, and reduce the impact in terms of GHGs will continue.
Jessy Desjardins leaves the meeting at 4:02 p.m. Quorum is maintained.
Working together
A member highlights the fact that although the process may seem long and irritating, it must be recognized that the City of Gatineau is equipping itself and putting in place means to achieve more results. The Service is young and already, several actions are underway. This organizational member emphasizes that it is important that the steps to positively influence other municipal teams continue. It is indicated that it is necessary to well understand where public opinion stands in relation to the subject. Criticisms in the public space should be issued with reservation so that they do not prevent the continuation of progress, commitments, and projects. The preservation of gains in terms of public discourse and the mobilization of the population are important.
The vice-chair thanks the organization Action Climat Outaouais for the presentation and the clarity of their report. It is noted that the current plan is good, but that it will have to be subject to continuous improvement. It is true that awareness strategies should be relaunched with the public and citizens should be involved.
Building sector
Clarifications are requested from Action Climat Outaouais regarding their recommendations for the building sector. ACO specifies that its components must be analyzed. For new buildings and those that will follow, it is important to prohibit fossil energy. The organization explains that the existing building must be revalued and a look taken at the sub-sectors. It could be interesting to align with the grant programs of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). A reference to the book Valoriser les bâtiments existants co-authored by Écobâtiment is made by the presenter. The reflection must broaden and include orientations concerning reduction sites.
Real estate portfolio
Work surrounding the development of an inventory of buildings in the real estate portfolio has been underway since January. This exercise will allow for better targeting of the sectors with the most issues. This work is linked to Bill C-41. The Service explains that a person has been hired to characterize climate hazards and heat loss through aerial thermography. They evaluate the issues and identify potential solutions based on this data.
Sources and increase in GHGs
A member wonders where the main sources of GHG emissions presented come from. Which are the most problematic? It is specified that the analysis was not that deep. It is noted in particular that fuel sales having decreased, it would be interesting to see where the increase in GHGs comes from. A return to the members will be made on this subject by Action Climat Outaouais. A member highlights that heat pumps could have had an impact on natural gas. A partnership between Hydro-Québec and Gazifère would possibly allow access to a global picture. It is mentioned that grants seem less popular; it would be necessary to understand why.
Benoît Delage leaves the meeting at 4:30 p.m. Quorum is maintained.
Break from 4:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
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Success stories / Environment and ecological transition
Members are invited to share news or a success story regarding the topics addressed in the Commission. This is a moment to highlight initiatives, projects, or provide a positive perspective on current events.
Webinar – David Suzuki Foundation
A member indicates having attended a webinar by the David Suzuki Foundation, which focused on a tool related to green infrastructure from the organization Habitat. In-depth analyses took place in 5 major Canadian cities, including Gatineau. Alexandre Dumas, coordinator of urban forestry at the STÉ (Ecological Transition Service), was a panelist on this occasion. The tool is very interesting and allows for the identification of natural assets on the territory. Another member who attended finds this tool very promising. It is noted that this project links the needs of citizens with the natural environment. The following link, shared in the meeting's Teams chat, allows for a better understanding of the project: https://www.habitat-nature.com/nosprojets/fds-infrastructures-naturelles. The platform to access interactive maps dedicated to the analyzed cities can be consulted at: https://habitatanalyste.shinyapps.io/FDS_CarteInt_GAT/.
Structure of the Ecological Transition Service (STÉ)
The management of the STÉ indicates that the reorganization of its service structure was approved at the last city council meeting. This decision will allow for doubling the team's staff and creating a new section. This decision supports the deployment and execution of the Service's work while enhancing the support offered to other municipal teams. This announcement is a transformative decision that will have a leverage effect.
No Mow May
It is requested that the Service share some information regarding the actions planned for the month of "No Mow May," commonly known as the "dandelion challenge." The Service explains that in addition to the adoption of the bylaw regarding pesticides, certain actions have been put in place to favor pollinators. The "No Mow May" project is one of them. Public communications will take place. There will be drop-off sites, and certain parks will not be mowed in May. The list of identified parks can be shared. Showcases of alternative lawns will also be put forward. Furthermore, the Service informs members that National Pollinator Week will be highlighted in June. As part of this, citizens will be able to obtain seeds from the City via service centers. The City is continuing its efforts to obtain "Bee City," "Bird Friendly," and "Monarch Friendly" certifications. Among the various planned actions, there will notably be a collection of knowledge about bees in Gatineau and support from an entomologist in this context.
Big Cleanup
Questions are addressed regarding the big cleanup activity. The Service management specifies that the format will be revitalized this year. Information will follow at the appropriate time. This subject will be discussed at the CELCC in May 2025.
Regional role of CREDDO
CREDDO indicates that it plays a leading role in ecological connectivity (regional leader). The organization has also received funding from the ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation (MAMH) to support the Outaouais territories. Funding was also obtained regarding invasive exotic plants (including buckthorn) in order to provide the region with an action plan. It is recalled that in connection with the call for projects for protected areas on public land that was launched in the fall by the ministère de l’Environnement, CREDDO has the responsibility for regional consultation. The date of October 17 is targeted for the organization of an activity related to these projects.
Decarbonization
The chair highlights that political steps are underway regarding the decarbonization of buildings, among others, with the Union des municipalités du Québec.
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Scientific Council of the City of Gatineau and files related to the CELCC mandate – Information
This presentation is provided by Frédéric Vandal, director of the Ecological Transition Service (STÉ). The objective is to present the Scientific Council and the files related to the CELCC mandate for information purposes. This body is composed of participants with varied profiles, including partners from the university environment.
Discussion period
General comments
This presentation is of great interest to the CELCC members. The City of Gatineau is a pioneer. The expertise and composition of the Scientific Council are varied, complementary, and relevant. Congratulations are extended to the City for the creation of the Council and its quality composition. A member raises that there are no climatologists among the participants and that it would be relevant to reflect on this. It is explained that initially, the desire was for the file holders to be attached to the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), although they could refer to colleagues and experts from other universities and in connection with their networks.
Scientific data
The example of the conference on green infrastructure to which the City recently contributed in urban forestry is highlighted as a good example of the use of scientific data helping in decision-making. The choice of the Scientific Council's themes is strategic, coherent, and transversal with the work in progress. Scientific data helps in making the best decisions. A suggestion is made to the effect that the platform used and presented during the webinar could be used by the PFU (Urban Forestry Plan) team, in concert with the Scientific Council. This tool would allow for targeting in socio-economic terms. The Service indicates that this very interesting tool is already used by the team; the tools were used to prioritize the steps of this plan, and the use of scientific data is at the heart of the Service's various plans. A member highlights that the management, protection, and pooling of data is necessary and that a regional discourse should take place. This is noted.
Benoît Delage joins the meeting virtually at 5:15 p.m.
Collaboration and access to information
Members suggest developing more systematic methods of collaboration and partnership with UQO researchers and students in the STÉ and CELCC files. The Service specifies that one of the mandates of the Scientific Council is to develop a method for sharing strategic, scientific, and digital data. A member highlights that it will perhaps be more difficult to deploy certain elements of the Council's mandates in partnership, although the mandates chosen in connection with the STÉ are very relevant. One of the intentions of the Scientific Council was precisely to bring institutions closer together to work better together. It is asked if there are intellectual property issues in sharing these with the public and if publications are planned. This question is noted. There is also questioning about the public dimension of the Scientific Council's work. The Service specifies having the intention of being able to share the results of the various mandates with citizens. It is mentioned that a developer's guide is also being developed with the collaboration of the municipal teams of the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Service so that ecological studies respect certain requirements and criteria. The climate test is also another element of data analysis to take into consideration. The collection of data, the sharing of it, and the processing of information are important in order to give more public access to it for the benefit of all. An effort is made to align the various existing data.
A concern is expressed regarding possible duplication between the work of the Scientific Council and that of the community. Consultation is desired, particularly regarding biodiversity and connectivity. It is also highlighted that certain mandates should have a regional scope and that collaboration should be proposed to other MRCs. It would also be interesting to consider collaborations with CÉGEP students.
Mandates
The democratic aspect of the granted mandates is questioned. Clarifications are requested regarding the nomination process and the continuity of the work. The STÉ specifies that the mandates are not exclusive and that partnership is desired. The composition is called to be enhanced according to the themes and expertise sought. The selection of the initial mandates was done mutually, and the issues are medium and long-term. It is specified that the UQO chose which researchers were initially associated with the Scientific Council. It is therefore a designation by the university institution.
Next steps
The Service recalls the steps prior to the agreements concerning the mandates to be developed (5 years). The next steps are presented: determine priorities, specific mandates, and determine how to equip the teams (interns and professors). It is specified that the service carrying the theme is responsible for the file with the Scientific Council.
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Pesticide Bylaw, golf component – Information and reflection
Louise Tremblay, head of service at the STÉ, presents this information point concerning the Pesticide Bylaw, golf component. A context is provided. It is recalled that the bylaw, adopted by the city council in April 2024, is already 1 year old. It was put in place with various requirements, including some specifically in connection with golf courses: • That golf courses provide the City with their pesticide reduction plan; • That golf courses undertake a process for obtaining Audubon certification by 2027.
The Service specifies that representatives of the golf courses were met last year to discuss the reduction of pesticides. Great receptivity was felt on this issue. The Service also had exchanges with the Association des clubs de golfs du Québec regarding certification. The latter informed that there should be a pilot project for an environmental certification in Quebec this year. There are still discussions for the possibilities of alignment on this subject. Recently, the National Allied Golf Associations of Canada was also met by the Service regarding the obligation concerning Audubon certification for 2027. Other environmental certifications exist and analyses are underway. The City of Montreal has updated its bylaw on the use of pesticides on golf courses and has restricted their use. Certain products are allowed during a certain period. Even if the context is different, Gatineau is following what is happening. The link to the bylaw will be transmitted to the members.
A request was formulated more broadly regarding the Pesticide Bylaw to make additions or modifications (e.g., dicamba). An analysis and validations for regulatory application will be studied. Proposals will be made by the next application year. Communication actions will be deployed. A letter will be sent to the golf courses reminding them of the requirements. Radio messages will also begin shortly (April-May) to sensitize citizens to restrict the use of pesticides. Social networks will also broadcast information and the website will be updated. Door hangers will also be distributed and citizen initiatives will take place. Monitoring during the summer will be done in a spirit of continuous improvement. The Service also highlights that some golf courses in Gatineau already have Audubon certification. There is an openness on the part of owners and users to work together on it.
Discussion period
General comments
Thanks are extended to the Ecological Transition Service.
Promotion and certification
It is suggested to approach residents' associations and neighborhood associations to support awareness and information efforts during the various events organized in the spring and autumn in the communities. Considering the ongoing analyses of other types of possible certifications, it is asked if the 2027 requirement is still in force. The Service explains that yes, there is no regulatory modification currently. However, the analysis will possibly allow for offering choices, even if the certification remains.
Montreal project
A question is addressed to the Service to know if the City of Gatineau intends to put in place a project similar to Montreal's? For the moment, it is not in the short-term plans. Gatineau has a border reality with Ottawa to take into account. Before deploying a similar bylaw, an analysis must be done to understand the context. It is asked if a summary of the meeting with the golf owners is available, which is not the case.
Awareness
The website contains a lot of information; it would be desirable that a popularization be reflected upon to facilitate the appropriation of terms by citizens. Also, it is mentioned that the website could be more precise regarding the responsibility of the citizen who hires a promoter who does not respect the regulations. The verifications are ensured by the environmental control team. It is also mentioned that one must be careful with brand names of products in relation to their content.
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Quorum check and opening of the meeting
In the absence of Marc Bureau, Anik Des Marais chairs the meeting. Quorum is established and the meeting is opened in a hybrid and public format at 3:01 p.m. The meeting is being recorded.
The departure of two members of the Commission is noted: Claude Fortin, organizational member from Action Climat Outaouais (ACO), and Inès Bosse-Thompson, citizen member. A thank you is extended to them, highlighting their commitment and participation in the work of the CELCC.
Jessy Desjardins joins the meeting virtually at 3:05 p.m. During this session, the chair also welcomes two new members: François PH Lapointe, organizational member from Action Climat Outaouais, and Simon Nadeau, citizen member. A word of welcome is extended to them, and a round-table introduction is held.
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Adoption of the agenda
No items are proposed under Varia.
It is proposed by Alicia Lacasse-Brunet Supported by Benoît Delage And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda as presented.
Adopted
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Declaration of conflict of interest
No member declares a conflict of interest in relation to the items on the agenda.
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Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the public meeting of February 20, 2025
[The minutes], having been previously read by the members, are filed and available on the City's website. No follow-up is required.
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Public question period
No interventions take place during the public question period.
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Varia
No items are added to the Varia.
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Next meeting
Members have been notified of the calendar of upcoming meetings, the next of which is scheduled for May 22, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.
Members are invited to participate in the Expanded Consultative Commission of the Commission for Territorial Development and Housing (CDTH) which will take place next Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 3 p.m. The subject discussed is the PRMHH: regional plan for wetlands and water bodies, a subject of great interest for the CELCC. Another meeting concerning this subject will be added in June, to deal with the question of the action plan.
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Adjournment of the meeting
It is proposed by Anik Des Marais Supported by Simon Nadeau And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 p.m.
Adopted
DISTRIBUTION: To the members of this Commission, to the resource persons, to the members of the city council, and to the Clerk
CHAIR SECRETARY MARC BUREAU JOSÉE MARCIL