MINUTES — PUBLIC — RECREATION, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (RSCDC)

4. Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the April 16, 2025 meeting

Validated by email, the minutes of the 2nd meeting of the Commission des loisirs, des sports et du développement communautaire (CLSDC) held on April 16, 2025, are filed. No follow-up is required regarding the subjects discussed during that meeting.

A follow-up was, however, carried out on the subject of badminton. Earlier this year, members of the public questioned the use of badminton courts by people from Ontario. As announced at the time, the Service des loisirs, des sports et du développement des communautés (SLSDC) conducted various follow-ups as well as an analysis of data related to clients holding the Carte Accès Gatineau.

The data is telling: people residing in Gatineau represent 99.5% of those using the courts; non-residents constitute 5%, while those coming from Ontario account for 0.07%. The sampling carried out at the Centre sportif de Gatineau reveals that Gatineau clientele accounts for 95%. The issue therefore appears to be related to attendance and the availability of courts (a total of 1,944 users). The SLSDC is testing a modified reservation schedule as well as technological tools to help proactively manage the clientele. A presentation of the results of the study on the Carte Accès Gatineau will follow soon at the plenary committee.

5. Public question period

Jean-Pierre de Beaumont, a resident of Gatineau, founded the Académie de Pickleball in 2023. According to him, this sport is experiencing explosive growth in Quebec. He requests that the aréna Beaudry be converted for the practice of this sport. It is already practiced at the édifice de la Fonderie. Furthermore, he laments not having obtained collaboration for the display of one of his advertisements at the Centre sportif de Gatineau under the pretext that he was not one of the City's partners. He inquires about how to become one.

The SLSDC is actively working with the Association régionale de pickleball de l’Outaouais (ARPO) on the development of the sport in Gatineau. A tennis court at parc Pierre-Laporte will be converted exclusively for this purpose; temporary lining on tennis courts is also being done. Hours have been reserved for the practice of the sport at the édifice de la Fonderie and the Centre sportif de Gatineau. The City's programming is also being reviewed. If the Académie de Pickleball wishes to become a partner of the City of Gatineau, a follow-up can be carried out later on this subject.

The question of delays in issuing a response regarding the use of arenas is raised. When will the City's strategy and intentions regarding the use of arenas be unveiled? Is it on the CLSDC's work plan to make a recommendation regarding the practice of pickleball during the winter season?

Marc Bureau joins the meeting at 3:14 p.m.

It is impossible to comment at this time regarding the use of arenas for the practice of pickleball. A presentation of the strategy is planned for later this autumn. A call for interest must also be launched. A reminder is given regarding a premise of the Plan directeur des infrastructures récréatives, sportives et communautaires (PDIRSC) that facilities should not involve exclusive use of courts; rather, the goal is the versatility of sports surfaces allowing for the practice of a multiplicity of sports disciplines.

7. Opportunity files — Progress report - Information

The document titled Dossiers d’opportunités - État d’avancement is presented. The members received it before the meeting. The objective of the presentation is to inform members of the progress of the projects identified in the list of opportunity files.

The presentation reports on the progress of the following projects: soccer fields; the Dôme de l’Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO); the refrigerated skating rink; the rapides Deschênes site; boat launch sites; the sentier PRIMA.

This is an update on projects to which a $10 million envelope granted in 2023 by the municipal council (budget surplus) was allocated. Although these are opportunity files, some projects were started in a simpler execution mode since they did not involve as large a partnership scope.

At the end of the presentation, the discussions highlight the following elements:

• One asks if gender-based analysis (GBA+) is part of the methods used in the context of opportunity files, considering the decline in physical activity observed among adolescent girls. It is indicated that GBA+ is a method regularly used in the processes although it is not done systematically. The SLSDC is in the process of implementing concepts for gender-neutral restrooms and locker rooms, which would facilitate the participation of girls and non-binary people. Regarding the refrigerated skating rink, it will not be dedicated to hockey; free skating will be prioritized.
• One is proud that this commission has a sensitivity for the participation of everyone in sports practices and the use of infrastructure. A GBA+ carried out in the context of the refrigerated skating rink file would have been ideal. Equipment loans are good ways to introduce newcomers to ice sports. Ringette players argued that they do not have as many ice hours as hockey players. This should be taken into consideration during the allocation of contracts to ensure a balance in accessibility to infrastructure. It would be ideal if all City projects were analyzed with GBA+ to ensure the inclusion of all citizens. The SLSDC has a concern to satisfy the needs of the entire population and particularly people who are less advantaged. Another project underway (integration of policies) is leading to the development of reference frameworks for physical activity, outdoor activities, and sports; this development takes these elements into consideration.

8. Refrigerated skating rink and 4-season public square — Information

The document titled Patinoire réfrigérée et place publique — Parc des Cèdres is presented. The members received it before the meeting. The objective of the presentation is to present: the analysis of opportunities; the vision and desired atmospheres; the preliminary estimate and schedule.

The presentation unveils various components of the opportunity file for the refrigerated skating rink and public square planned at parc des Cèdres in Aylmer. Explanations are also given on the feasibility analyses for this pilot project. Lasting two years, the pilot project unfolds in five phases:

1. Install one of the first refrigerated skating rinks in the City of Gatineau;
2. Perform performance tests and evaluate the efficiency of the installation, the quality of the ice, and the comfort of users;
3. Evaluate the pilot project for more informed decision-making regarding its large-scale deployment (public consultation);
4. Necessary adjustments and progressive large-scale deployment;
5. Lessons learned and deployment of the improved large-scale project.

The opening of the rink would take place in November 2025.

At the end of the presentation, the discussions highlight the following elements:

• The SLSDC will evaluate opportunities to mandate an organization responsible for the rental of equipment. Maximization of the offer and use of the pavilion is possible in this sector.
• The SLSDC is evaluating options for snow removal in spaces of a parking lot located further east to compensate for the loss of parking spaces linked to the installation of the rink. The capacity of parking spaces will thus be increased.
• One looks forward to seeing all the animation that will be planned at this location. The City's expenses should be seen as investments; the economic benefits for the Aylmer sector should be evaluated. It is necessary to bridge with the ecosystem working in economic development. It is noted that partnerships with the private sector will be studied (animation, maintenance, etc.).
• No consultation has yet taken place with community organizations. The Service Centre and the local recreation team have been consulted. The partnership analysis phase is beginning. Animation is an important success factor. The maintenance of the refrigerated skating rink is similar to that of an indoor rink. The quality of the ice surface will be very different from other outdoor rinks. This rink will be 100% accessible and inclusive (adaptable supports; ice sleds for wheelchairs, etc.).
• The rink will be rented for the duration of the pilot project; it will be installed and uninstalled by the supplier.
• Loisirs sport Outaouais can help in the implementation of a center for equipment loans.
• The vocation of the rink should remain family-oriented by offering free skating and excluding the practice of hockey. It is mentioned that this aim is integrated into the revision process of the Plan de déploiement des patinoires extérieures; a revision that will lead to a new plan.
• Financial forecasts have been made both for the pilot project and for a scenario of acquisition, development, and operation of the rink.
• The planned operating hours will be from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Opening would be possible from mid-November to mid-March.

9. Status report — Swimming pools - Information

No document is presented. This status report is made on the spot. The goal is to provide an update on files related to the CLSDC's work plan.

• Indoor pools: $100,000 is planned (in the opportunity file component) to conduct a feasibility study or a functional and technical program (PFT) for an indoor pool in the Hull sector. The creation of an inter-departmental committee is desired to identify potential sites that can accommodate this pool and meet the needs of the community.
• Centre aquatique Paul-Pelletier: requires major work that should begin in January 2026 due to issues caused by mechanical deficiencies. The duration of the work will span one year. The aquatic team is analyzing the impacts and potential relocations. The entire aquatic programming will be revised in connection with this closure. The need to obtain follow-up reports on the state of the pools is highlighted to ensure they are maintained before they fall into disrepair. It is indicated that regular follow-ups are done.
• Cégep de l’Outaouais pool: major work is planned. No schedule is available regarding the duration of the work and the return to operation of the pool. This pool is exclusively used in the context of programming intended for organizations. Here too, the different possibilities will be analyzed to minimize impacts and optimize the use of other pools.
• Piscine Mont-Bleu: aquatic activities have resumed. Regular follow-ups are done to ensure water quality.
• Outdoor pools: a technical audit will be carried out to obtain a portrait of the state of the pools as well as the work to be done and the investments required in the short, medium, or long term. This work will contribute to the development of the deployment plan for the outdoor aquatic offer across the entire territory.

10. Varia: Security fees for the SPVG

One inquires about the reasons for the billing of fees of more than $3,000 for the services of the SPVG to an organization offering citizen activities for several years at place Notre-Dame. The invoice emanates from the SLSDC. Although the SLSDC will absorb the costs, one asks for explanations regarding the nature of this recent change.

The file on obstructions and the event component requiring the participation of the SPVG is the subject of discussion at the level of one of the mobility value chains (administrative discussion to discuss elements). The file is currently under analysis. Based on the Code de la sécurité routière, standards must be put in place for the holding of activities. These standards do not come from the SLSDC.

Annie Lapointe leaves the meeting at 5:15 p.m. The quorum is maintained.