MINUTES – PUBLIC – STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE (CELCC)
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2026 Work Plan of the Environment and Climate Change Commission – Presentation
Frédéric Vandal, director of the Service de transition écologique (STE), presents to the members the proposal for the 2026 work plan of the Commission, with a view to obtaining a recommendation. It is recalled that the proposed work plan covers only the year 2026. The current proposal takes into account organizational priorities, the continuity of certain priority files, the capacity of the teams as well as the subjects of interest identified for the Commission. A workshop with elected officials also took place. The plan presented is based on a planning of seven (7) meetings for the year 2026. Six (6) major files, as well as the objective of the Commission for each, are presented to the members:
- File 1: Ecological corridor – Green and blue network Objective of the Commission: Formulate orientations on the project of identifying the green and blue network, paying particular attention to the vision, benefits, issues, and impacts of the project. Role of the Commission: Analysis and orientation
- File 2: Electrification – Master plan for charging stations in Gatineau (public component) Objective of the Commission: Recommend the adoption of the Master plan for charging stations in Gatineau, public component. Role of the Commission: Recommendation
- File 3: Integrated report on ecological transition Objective of the Commission: Receive the report on actions carried out as part of the ecological transition in 2025 and recommend its filing to the municipal council. Role of the Commission: Recommendation
- File 4: Tree donation program Objective of the Commission: Participate in the revision and improvement of the municipal tree donation program by providing a broader perspective on its potential. Role of the Commission: Analysis and orientation
- File 5: Pesticides (Bylaw 955-2024) Objective of the Commission: Receive an update regarding regulatory application after one year. Role of the Commission: Information
- File 6: Energy consumption reduction plan for residences Objective of the Commission: Participate in the public consultation process and formulate orientations for the development of a plan to reduce energy consumption in residences, including energy-efficient measures and orientations on potential impacts (construction standards, cost of housing, etc.). Role of the Commission: Analysis and orientation
Exchange period
Priorities of the chair Following the presentation of the work plan, the chair informs the members of their priorities: namely the acceleration of efforts aimed at achieving the GHG reduction targets by 2030, maintaining these targets without pushing them back, encouraging the teams to this effect as well as their desire to reach a stage of structural projects and projects to be deployed. The chair also emphasizes the importance of integrating a renewable energy production component, notably in response to peak management issues, and continuing efforts in adaptation to climate change and protection of natural environments. The year 2026 constitutes a transition year, of an evolutionary nature, allowing to consolidate the foundations of the planned actions.
Integrated report A member comments favorably on the work plan and questions the integrated report provided for in file 3, wishing that it allows not only an assessment, but also concrete adjustments in the event of gaps in achieving the objectives. The management specifies that this approach is part of the usual procedures of the Department, the report serving to measure progress, identify gaps, and correct actions as needed. The chair emphasizes that this report will have to guide decisions in order to go faster, better, and further. The Department specifies that this is indeed part of good practices and that it is a usual procedure that is already part of their approach.
Tree donation program Regarding the tree donation program, members raise various concerns, notably regarding the selection of species, the spread of buckthorn, the ability of citizens to ensure the maintenance of the trees, the absence of data on the success rate of plantings as well as the mortality sometimes observed of the distributed trees. It is also mentioned that the absence of systematic follow-up regarding the donated trees does not currently allow for evaluating the real effectiveness of the program. The Department specifies that the choice of species is based on the Urban Forestry Plan and that buckthorn control measures are already planned, the preferred approach currently being control rather than eradication. It is also emphasized the importance of working in collaboration with the community, notably associations and community organizations, in order to support citizens in the planting and maintenance of trees. It is indicated that the comments formulated will be taken into account as part of the revision and improvement of the program, notably concerning the planning of planting activities, with a view to "right trees in the right places" and improvement of ecosystems. The chair recalls that the objective of the file aims precisely to improve the effectiveness and potential of the tree donation program, taking into account the issues raised by the members. A member highlights in this regard the interest in documenting more the real success of the initiatives, notably in connection with the observed mortality, in order to better evaluate the impact of the program. There is also talk of considering the program in light of the Urban Forestry Plan and the context of the reduction of federal programs, in order to measure the impacts and required adjustments.
Pesticides Regarding pesticides (file 5), a member highlights the coexistence observed between grass monocultures and wild meadows on the territory and questions the potential impacts of pesticides. He suggests that a census of grass monocultures could allow for better understanding of the use of pesticides. The Department indicates that the teams are already monitoring on the ground and that it will evaluate, with all reservations, with the Service de l’eau et des matières résiduelles, the relevance of optimizing existing monitoring tools.
Pause from 10:33 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. The discussion continues upon return from the break
Energy consumption In connection with energy consumption and the conversion of buildings (file 6), a question is asked about the real impact of the reduction of electrical consumption on GHGs, particularly for buildings already electrified, and inquires about the presence of a conversion component for older buildings. The Department specifies that a thermographic portrait, carried out in partnership with UQAM, is underway in order to identify priority sectors and guide interventions. The chair recalls that the reduction of GHGs also involves better management of energy and peak.
Master plan for charging stations Members express reservations regarding the relevance of the file, given the specific issues of the Outaouais, notably the energy peak and the technical nature of the subject. A member wonders if the Commission is used in the best possible way with this file. Some have difficulty seeing the type of contribution expected on this subject. The management of the Department specifies that the Master plan aims above all to analyze real needs, to adopt a decision-making framework, and not to compromise access to potential subsidies, while ultimately allowing to decide whether or not to deploy additional stations. The vice-chair emphasizes the importance of also integrating the tourism component and sustainable travel.
Role of the Commission and participation in major projects Members question the role of the Commission in the major structural projects of the City and emphasize the importance of having been invited to discuss the revision of the Schéma d’aménagement (SAD - Land Use Plan). It is notably suggested that the Commission have, from the angle of environmental issues, a right to speak equivalent to that of the Commission du développement du territoire et de l’habitation (CDTH), if possible, in this type of structural file. The exchanges also focus on the articulation between the work of the Commission and several related files, including the Climate Plan, the Climate Test, and climate change adaptation files, given their close links with the mandate of the CELCC. Members express the wish to better understand how to ensure adequate monitoring of the Climate Plan, which is considered a priority and requiring sustained attention. The administration specifies that the files are entered in the work plan of the lead commission, according to its own mandate, which differs from one commission to another. Inter-commission collaborations, however, allow the CELCC to take part in discussions surrounding subjects of common interest, notably the Schéma d’aménagement. It is mentioned that the work plans of the CELCC and the CDTH provide for a potential for collaboration, modulated according to the contribution sought for the current year in the progress of a file. In the case of the Schéma d’aménagement, the chair specifies that the CDTH is the lead on the file, but that collaborations between commissions are planned, subject to the stages and needs of the process. Clarifications are requested regarding the modalities of contribution of the CELCC, notably the possibility of looking into certain reports or assessments in support of the work.
Regarding the Climate Test, it is specified that the tool is being developed and that it will be subject to a test period in 2026 at the level of internal operations, given its technical aspects. For these reasons, it is not included in the work plan of the Commission for the current year. A member suggests removing the charging station file in order to integrate the major file of the revision of the Schéma d’aménagement (OGAT), considering the strategic importance of this project and its direct links with the mandate of the CELCC. This proposal is accompanied by a reminder regarding the importance for the Commission to participate actively in this process. This proposal is not retained since the file is carried by the CDTH and the STE wishes the contribution of the CELCC on the question of charging stations in 2026. Finally, it is proposed to add an information point to the agenda of the next meetings in order to ensure follow-up of inter-commission collaborations and the progress of structural files.
Proposal for improvement to the work plan
The Department proposes an improvement for clarification, namely to improve, as additional information, the wording of the objective related to file 4 "Tree donation program" by adding, in its description "and its effectiveness":
Objective: Participate in the revision and improvement of the municipal tree donation program by providing a broader perspective on its potential and its effectiveness.
It is proposed by Simon Nadeau Seconded by Benoit Delage
Recommendation CELCC-2026-01 The Commission de l’environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques (CELCC), during its regular meeting of February 13, 2026, recommends to the municipal council:
To adopt the 2026 work plan of the Commission de l’environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques as modified.
It is proposed by Jean Lessard Seconded by Benoit Delage
Adopted
Lise Filiatrault leaves the meeting at 11:09 a.m. The quorum is maintained.
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Public question period
Six (6) members of the public are attending the meeting. Three (3) people intervene during the public question period.
1- First question: Chantal Pelletier, citizen – Gatineau sans pesticides (GSP) – in-person participation
The intervention is on behalf of Gatineau sans pesticides and aims to revisit the recommendations previously formulated by GSP regarding the management of aesthetic pesticides. It is notably recalled that in November 2023, GSP had asked the Commission, and recommended to the municipal council, to adopt a bylaw based on the precautionary principle (based on low-impact pesticides and biopesticides). It is mentioned that this principle already applies to CPE (childcare center) and daycare courses where the only permitted pesticides are those containing the active ingredients mentioned in Schedule 2 of the Code de gestion des pesticides (Pesticide Management Code) of the Government of Quebec. It is indicated that the municipal council had instead adopted a bylaw, in April 2024, based on a list of prohibited products, still leaving room for the use of harmful products that are not yet on the list of prohibited products. As an example, dicamba, a herbicide widely used in agricultural settings and frequently applied to lawns in Gatineau. For GSP, this approach of a bylaw based on prohibited products makes the inspection and control work more complex. It is mentioned that a bylaw based on authorized active products would offer the City and citizens a simplified reference framework. The question asked to the CELCC is as follows: Is the Commission willing to continue the work of protecting health and biodiversity on the territory of Gatineau in order to recommend an amendment to the bylaw, notably by favoring a list of authorized products (low-impact pesticides and biopesticides), whose safety has been demonstrated rather than a list of prohibited products? Ms. Pelletier concludes by mentioning that GSP would be happy to contribute to the change to be made to the bylaw.
Exchanges or comments The Department thanks Ms. Pelletier for her intervention. The Department indicates that the concerns raised are known and important, as this subject often returns to the Commission. It is specified that steps have been initiated, among others at the Commission in recent years with the approval of the pesticide management bylaw. It is explained that the 2026 work plan of the CELCC provides for the presentation of a report on the first year of application of the pesticide bylaw, which also includes the regulatory amendment process. These elements had been discussed in the Commission in 2024-2025. Furthermore, the Department specifies that an agreement with the Conseil scientifique de la Ville de Gatineau (Scientific Council of the City of Gatineau), in partnership with the UQO, is underway to study this question, notably that of a "white list" approach and all the steps underway regarding the possibilities in compliance with the Quebec legal framework. The chair emphasizes having the intention to work with the teams, looking at what is possible to do, according to the provincial framework, with all reservations.
2- Second question: Sophie Vivier, citizen – Gatineau sans pesticides (GSP) – in-person participation
The intervention concerns the concern of Gatineau sans pesticides regarding the presence of pesticides in drinking water in Gatineau. It is indicated that although the City prohibits glyphosate on lawns, this product continues to be used on agricultural land. Glyphosate and all other pesticides, through runoff, end up in waterways and the different substances can interact with each other and have dangerous consequences ("cocktail effect"). It is mentioned that to have a more accurate picture of the quantity of pesticides in drinking water, the analyses should take into account the total concentration of pesticides and not just individual products. Although in Gatineau, the concentrations of pesticides in drinking water are in compliance with the standards in force in Quebec, it is emphasized that the acceptable quantities of pesticides are still twenty times higher than those tolerated in the countries of the European Union. In addition to representing a danger to the environment and biodiversity, pesticides accumulate in our bodies and can cause, in particular, hormonal imbalances, Parkinson's disease, and cancers. It is also recalled that the drinking water quality bylaw requires that the drinking water of municipalities with more than five thousand inhabitants be tested four times a year, for the presence of certain pesticides, and this everywhere in Quebec. However, according to the agricultural, industrial, and environmental particularities of each territory, there may be different risks. Let us recall that agricultural land represents forty percent of the territory of Gatineau. The question asked is as follows: is the Commission ready to support a revision of drinking water analysis methods, notably by lowering detection thresholds; by expanding the list of pesticides analyzed, in order to better reflect the realities of the Gatineau territory?
Exchanges or comments The Department thanks Ms. Vivier for her intervention. It is specified that the question is complex and falls directly under the Service de l’eau et des matières résiduelles (Water and Residual Materials Department), responsible for the plants and drinking water analyses. The question was actually transmitted very recently to this Department. It is mentioned that Gatineau has an accredited scientific laboratory, one of the only ones in western Quebec. The standards applied are those determined at the provincial level, which limits the municipal room for maneuver. Elements of answers (feedback) will be sent to you in the coming weeks when the Department has had the opportunity to analyze the question.
3 – Third question: Jean-Marc Emery, citizen – Club des ornithologues de l’Outaouais
The intervention concerns the "Bird Friendly City" certification. Mr. Emery highlights Gatineau's obtaining of the "Bird Friendly City" certification from Nature Canada. Congratulations are addressed for the collective work of the City, organizations, and partners. It is recalled that this certification constitutes an important step, but not an end. Other related issues are recalled: the impact of pesticides on birds; collisions with glass; stray cats; the importance of maintaining and improving the actions undertaken. Mr. Emery wonders why the certification has not yet been announced publicly, and when the City plans to officially promote it?
Exchanges or comments The chair thanks Mr. Emery for his intervention. It is confirmed that the certification is officially obtained. It is specified that the official signing must be carried out by the Minister of the Environment and that the City wishes to organize an official event bringing together the mayor and the minister. The delays are linked to the coordination of schedules between the different parties. A public announcement and a press release will follow the holding of this event.
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Review of Fall 2025 – Information item
Frédéric Vandal, director of the Service de transition écologique, presents a review of the main work, progress, and steps taken in the fall of 2025, for information purposes.
Human resources and organizational capacity
The staffing process initiated during the year continued in the fall. The first positive results of this process are already observable, both in terms of internal capacity and support for the structural projects of the service. The strengthening of the teams allows for better handling of strategic mandates, notably in the environment, climate adaptation, and biodiversity.
Funding and government grants
Grant applications have been submitted or prepared to the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH), notably as part of: the Sustainable Water Management Program; the Drinking Water Source Protection Plan, including steps related to the deployment and securing of water sources. It is specified that in the fall, certain environmental programs were temporarily put on pause, which is perceived positively, since it allows for consolidating projects and submitting applications for structural financial agreements shortly.
Support for partners
Sustained efforts have been devoted to supporting environmental partner organizations, notably the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais (CREDDO); Enviro Éduc-Action and MOBI-O. This support is part of a logic of regional collaboration and strengthening of the complementary missions carried out by these organizations.
Biodiversity and Indigenous communities
Significant progress has been made as part of the regional biodiversity action plan, in collaboration with Kitigan Zibi. The objective sought is the obtaining of a decree from the provincial government, in order to allow going further in the implementation of the action plan and consolidating measures for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity.
Conservation and natural environments
An important step has been taken with the advancement of the conservation plan for lac Beauchamp, recognized as a major ecological lung of the east of the territory. This progress is described as a beautiful structural step for the protection of urban natural environments.
Recognition
The City has obtained the "Bird Friendly City" certification, which constitutes an important recognition of the efforts deployed in terms of biodiversity and developments favorable to avian fauna.
Training
Training and knowledge-sharing activities were carried out. The example of the Climate Summit is explained. This activity allowed for exchanges with the City of Ottawa and the NCC; a sharing of expertise in terms of strategic planning; better alignment between different municipal plans related to climate change. These exchanges contributed to initiating several priority steps for the continuation of the service's work.
Exchange period
Green Fund A member asked for clarifications on the progress of the Green Fund, a file that was presented last fall in commission. The Department replied that different scenarios are currently under study; the person responsible for the file being on leave, certain deadlines will be adjusted. The intention remains, however, to submit a scenario to the Municipal Council and to launch new subsidy programs later.
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Establishment of quorum and opening of the meeting
The chair notes the quorum and opens the meeting in a hybrid and public format at 9:00 a.m. This is the first meeting of the year, marking the resumption of the work of committees and commissions since the municipal elections. Seven (7) meetings are scheduled for 2026. Today's meeting will focus in particular on the presentation of the proposed work plan for the Commission de l’environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques (Environment and Climate Change Commission) for 2026. The chair specifies that the meeting will be recorded for delayed viewing on the City's website. It is indicated that a roundtable will be proposed shortly to introduce everyone, while highlighting the arrival of Mr. Jean Lessard as vice-chair of the Commission.
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Adoption of the agenda
A request is made to modify the order of the presentation of the Work Plan, in order to move item 7 of the agenda to item 6.
It is proposed by Lise Filiatrault Seconded by Benoit Delage And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda of this meeting with the proposed modification.
Adopted
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Declaration of conflict of interest
No conflicts of interest are declared following the reading of the subjects on the agenda.
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Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the September 11, 2025 meeting
The minutes of the meeting of September 11, 2025, are filed and available on the City's website for the members. No follow-up is required.
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Roundtable and success stories: Environment and ecological transition
A roundtable is held to allow the members of the Commission to introduce themselves. The members are then invited to share news or a success story related to the subjects treated by the Commission. This moment aims to promote initiatives, projects, and collaborations, as well as to take a positive look at environmental and climate news.
Organizational strengthening
The Ecological Transition Department highlights significant progress in human resources, notably the staffing of several positions. This process contributes to strengthening the Department's capacity for action and supporting the implementation of structural plans and projects.
Regional mobilization and Climate Summit
The Climate Summit held in October 2025 (1st edition) is highlighted and is described as a beautiful event marked by strong public participation; a real effervescence in the exchanges and presentations. The Summit is part of a dynamic of the Partenariat climat Outaouais, promoting regional consultation and the sharing of expertise.
Intersectoral links and governance
The importance of the link between the Comité consultatif agricole (Agricultural Advisory Committee) and the CELCC is highlighted and will be facilitated by the fact that the vice-chair of the CELCC is an elected member of both bodies.
Collaborations
It is also indicated that the recognition of collaborations between commissions is a success, that the integration of a logic of interconnection, notably by the presence of common chairs and vice-chairs, is positive. Better transversal governance is particularly relevant for environmental issues.
Regional perspective and external recognition
A member highlights having observed a marked evolution in the City's posture, notably an increase in municipal capacity in the environment, an approach more focused on consultation and working together. The example of the Climate Summit is mentioned as a collective work zone, allowing to seek the best of partners. It is also highlighted the obtaining of the Guy-Chartrand prize, awarded by Trajectoire Québec to the CREDDO for the car-sharing project, recognized for its contribution to sustainable mobility.
Research, social issues
A member shares their interest in social issues related to flooding, particularly in Gatineau. The participation of a member in an international conference held last November regarding socio-ecological transition and community development is highlighted. There is also talk of the final stages of the Fund. It is highlighted that the actors seem committed in the same direction.
Citizen follow-up and accountability
The mission of Action Climat Gatineau is recalled: to follow and analyze climate plans at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels; to ensure that climate commitments are well taken into account for the region. It indicates that an annual report is being finalized, including successes and elements to improve, and that it will be published shortly, with a notice transmitted to the Commission.
Sustainable mobility and long-term vision
A member highlights as a success the announcement of the high-speed train, Alto, which is coming to the region and which will have an effect on mobility in Gatineau, estimating that there is a favorable situation for sustainable mobility in the region. The location of the station could have a significant impact. It would be interesting to explore the possibility that the Commission could eventually pronounce itself on the importance that the station be positioned in downtown Ottawa rather than on the periphery. The whole will allow to better connect the future tramway and future investments in public transport. It is highlighted that this project could facilitate detaching more quickly from hyper-dependence on the automobile.
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9.1 Follow-up of recommendations, if applicable
It is explained that the Miscellaneous point now allows for following up on the recommendations of the Commission that are transmitted to the MC, if applicable. No follow-up is to be done in this first 2026 meeting. At the request of the chair, a statutory follow-up point will be included on the agenda in order to present, for information purposes, the progress of certain files as well as watch elements, during the next meetings.
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Next meeting
It is indicated that the next meeting of the Commission de l’environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques will be held on March 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
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Adjournment of the public meeting
It is proposed by Benoit Delage Seconded by Jean Lessard And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the meeting at 11:14 a.m.
Adopted
DISTRIBUTION: To the members of this Commission, to the resource persons, to the members of the municipal council, and to the clerk
CHAIR RACHEL M. DESLAURIERS
SECRETARY JOSÉE MARCIL