MINUTES – PUBLIC – GATINEAU, HEALTHY CITY COMMISSION (CGVS) – 1st meeting – February 19, 2026 – 9:09 a.m. to 11:58 a.m.
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Statutory Item: Homelessness File
It is mentioned that, despite a harsh winter, the measures put in place allowed for the adequate fulfillment of needs. The contingency scenarios planned in the event of exceeding resource capacity were not required. All individuals who presented themselves to obtain a bed were able to be housed, both at the Gîte Ami and in the shelters in Hull and Gatineau.
It is added that this situation is notably attributable to the increase in accommodation capacity and better fluidity between resources. The quality of the collaboration between community partners, the health network, and municipal services contributes to a faster and better-adapted response to the needs of people experiencing homelessness. The contribution of Village Transition is highlighted, as it gradually increased its reception capacity during the autumn and winter. Information sharing and coordination on the ground are key.
A more complete report of the last year will be presented at a future meeting of the Commission.
It is mentioned that a new call for tenders is in preparation for the management of the Guertin site, including the shelter and the organized encampment. As the current contract expires in May, the objective is to ensure a transition without service interruption. A new social mediation contract has also been awarded to Réhabex to support cohabitation and field interventions.
The question of establishing a permanent annual shelter is raised. It is indicated that this option has not yet been the subject of a complete analysis and will have to be evaluated later, particularly in terms of financial issues and site utilization. A simplified brochure presenting the main lines of the homelessness action plan has been produced to facilitate understanding by the public and partners. It should be printed soon and presented to the Commission at a later meeting.
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2026 Work Plan for the Commission Gatineau, Ville en santé – Presentation
Members reviewed the mandate of the Commission as well as the files included in the 2026 work plan, including the objectives and planned actions. The document is the result of preparatory work carried out by the administration, improved during a reflection day with elected officials, and then submitted to the Commission for comments.
It is also mentioned that the plan will be the subject of a recommendation to the City Council for its adoption. The chair reminds members that the proposed priorities are based on issues observed in the field as well as exchanges held with partners, in a context marked by increased precariousness among the population. The discussions confirmed several priorities, including homelessness and social development, food insecurity, access to affordable housing, social isolation, universal accessibility, social participation, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Particular attention will also be paid to mental health, recognized as an important issue requiring collaboration with local partners.
It is recalled that the role of the Commission is to provide oversight, promote coordination between actors, and formulate recommendations, while taking into account the action capacities and resources of the municipal organization.
A discussion was held regarding the grouping of homelessness and social development within the same action plan. The administration explains that this choice is based on the strong interrelation between these issues and the presence of common transversal objectives, particularly in terms of communication, prevention, and territory organization. Members emphasize that this integrated approach promotes better coherence in the Commission's work, avoids the fragmentation of discussions, and allows for a more global vision of the issues.
The issue of social participation is presented as a transversal lever allowing the Commission to address emerging or intersectoral issues, including those falling under other commissions, when relevant. Regarding healthy lifestyles, members expressed a marked interest in deepening the mental health component. It is specified that this work will require collaboration with external partners, as mental health does not fall directly under municipal jurisdiction.
The discussions also focused on universal accessibility, particularly in connection with the monitoring and updating of the integrated action plan for families, seniors, and people living with disabilities. The question of social pricing was addressed. Clarifications were provided regarding the objectives pursued, existing programs, and the ongoing analysis aimed at identifying the various possible options. It is mentioned that the Commission will be called upon to be consulted on the scenarios considered.
CGVS-2026-01
The Commission Gatineau, Ville en santé recommends to the City Council:
- to adopt the 2026 work plan of the Commission Gatineau, Ville en santé
It is proposed by Stéphanie Ayotte Supported by Sylvie Lafontaine Adopted