MINUTES – PUBLIC – ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE (CELCC)
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Master Plan for Public and Residential Charging – Presentation
The Plan directeur de recharge publique et résidentielle (Master Plan) is presented by Yvan Blayo, ecological project coordinator for the City's Service de transition écologique (STÉ). The objectives are to present the situation regarding all transport electrification projects carried out by the City of Gatineau and to present the progress status for the implementation of a master plan for public and residential charging for the City of Gatineau. The presentation is for analysis and guidance.
A central question guides the process: how to ensure equitable access to electric charging for all Gatineau residents, regardless of the type of housing. A context setting, a current situation report, a summary of identified issues, a list of regulatory recommendations, an implementation framework, and next steps are presented.
It is recalled that the starting point of the Master Plan is the Plan climat (Climate Plan), adopted in 2021, in which the subject of transport electrification was identified as a priority, specifically priority project no. 5. This project includes three components: the electrification of the municipal fleet; the development of the public charging station network; and the development of a global strategy for transport electrification. The presentation focuses more specifically on this third component.
Subsidies obtained since 2022 in connection with electrification are also presented, as well as more structuring projects carried out or financed with the support of partners, notably Hydro-Québec and the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).
Following phase I of the work, it is observed that Gatineau is following the provincial trend, which requires rigorous planning now. The current distribution of charging stations is, however, unequal across the territory: the neighborhoods where the needs are greatest are often those that have the fewest stations. There are currently 240 active public charging ports, mostly slow charging. The city owns 43 charging stations. These stations are mainly concentrated in commercial sectors and high-traffic areas. The existing network mainly meets a commercial logic, whereas the Master Plan proposes an approach focused more on territorial equity.
The federal and provincial framework is then presented. According to trends, Gatineau could have approximately 61,000 electric vehicles by 2030, and the availability of local infrastructure will be decisive in ensuring the resilience of the network. Funding programs are currently accessible, but for a limited period, notably: the Programme d’infrastructure pour les véhicules à émission zéro (PIVEZ) and the Hydro-Québec 4,500 stations program. The window of opportunity is described as active.
Three issues are identified: equitable access to charging; adaptation to new realities in terms of electric mobility; and municipal levers for action. Significant regulatory adjustments are envisaged, notably the integration of specific guidelines for charging infrastructure in planning documents and municipal policies, the updating of bylaws governing the development of stations, the increase in the number of stations in residential and non-residential uses, and the promotion of sharing electrical installations in shared parking areas.
The vision, indicators, and targets of the strategy are then presented. The prioritization mechanisms for charging infrastructure deployment zones and the method for determining the number of stations to be installed over the coming years are explained.
In conclusion, it is specified that the work presented is analytical in nature, having made it possible to establish the portrait, the issues, and the foundations of the Master Plan. The next phase will focus on action, namely the validation and planning of regulatory adjustments, the development of decision-support tools, and, ultimately, the adoption of the Master Plan. The overall objective is to make Gatineau a city where access to electric charging meets the needs of the entire population, regardless of the type of housing and living environment.
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9.2 Tree Pruning by Hydro-Québec
As agreed during the adoption of the agenda, a member wishes to discuss tree pruning by Hydro-Québec. A situation recently reported in the Bulletin d’Aylmer concerning significant pruning work carried out by Hydro-Québec near the CLSC d’Aylmer is raised. The intervention sparked a strong reaction from citizens, affected by the scale of the cuts, both in terms of aesthetics and property value and the loss of canopy.
It is recalled that this is not the first time that concerns have been expressed to the Commission regarding Hydro-Québec's pruning practices. Although everyone recognizes the need to ensure safety under power lines, the importance of maintaining a quality urban canopy and promoting responsible pruning is emphasized.
The question asked concerns the role and the link between the City and Hydro-Québec, especially when the work takes place in the municipal right-of-way. How could a dialogue be strengthened to reconcile municipal objectives (including the PFU) and those of Hydro-Québec? In this regard, the chair adds that, in their experience, best pruning practices do not always seem to be applied, as the intervention is mainly guided by safety and clearance considerations. The possibility, in exchanges with Hydro-Québec, of better taking into account the survival and health of trees is noted.
The Service indicates that this is a relevant question and that a request has already been received on this subject. It is specified that the roles and responsibilities of Hydro-Québec regarding pruning are specific, given its powers and obligations. The Service emphasizes that, in general, the collaboration is good and that the methods are often similar, but that a follow-up will be ensured on this question.
The vice-chair specifies that, in the case of main lines, Hydro-Québec applies more drastic practices, going as far as the complete clearing of vegetation, sometimes down to the ground, over long periods (e.g., approximately every 15 years). It is mentioned that these interventions can transform the affected sectors into bare spaces and recalls that Hydro-Québec's procedures vary according to the type of line (main, backyard, right-of-way). A member adds that, for high-voltage lines, Hydro-Québec's directives do not tolerate any vegetation exceeding approximately three meters in height. They mention that a line of reflection could consist of taking charge of the vegetation under these lines to transform these spaces into adapted environments, for example into flowery meadows or alternative arrangements, more favorable to biodiversity.
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Quorum and Opening of the Meeting
The chair confirms the quorum and opens the meeting in a hybrid and public format at 3:03 p.m. This is the third meeting of the year. The session will focus in particular on the presentation of the Plan directeur de recharge publique et résidentielle (Master Plan for public and residential charging), in connection with item 2 of the 2026 Work Plan of the Commission de l’environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques (CELCC). Considering the close links between this file and sustainable mobility issues, the chair specifies that members of the Commission sur les transports, les déplacements durables et la sécurité (CTDDS) have been invited to attend the presentation and participate in the discussions. The meeting will be recorded for delayed viewing on the City's website.
A thank you is addressed to Ms. Lise Filiatrault, a citizen member, who is completing her second and final term on the CELCC. The quality of her contribution, the relevance of her comments, and the richness of the discussions provided have helped advance the Commission's reflections. Ms. Filiatrault expresses her gratitude for the experience gained within the CELCC. She recalls that the Commission was relatively new when she started. She highlights the significant progress made over the last few years and emphasizes the essential role of the CELCC in reconciling environmental issues and citizen participation, which constitutes a decisive added value in achieving the pursued objectives. Ms. Filiatrault also highlights the progress made regarding interactions between municipal services, citizens, and elected officials. She congratulates the City for the openness offered to citizens to sit on advisory committees and commissions and invites interested persons to submit their applications to get actively involved.
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Adoption of the Agenda
An addition is proposed under the "Miscellaneous" item. The subject brought up concerns the relationship between Hydro-Québec and the City of Gatineau, more specifically in connection with pruning work and the maintenance of electrical wires.
It is proposed by Benoit Delage Supported by Jean Lessard And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda of this meeting as amended.
Adopted