MINUTES - PUBLIC – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION – 3rd meeting – June 6, 2024 – 5:03 p.m. to 7:35 p.m.

Presentation: City of Gatineau Fire Prevention Bylaw

This presentation follows the one given on March 14 and aims to inform the Commission of proposed amendments to the Règlement sur la prévention des incendies (number 774-2015) following an analysis conducted by the Service de sécurité incendie (SSIG), and to obtain a recommendation. A context is provided regarding the obligations under the Loi sur la sécurité incendie to adopt minimum fire safety rules, as well as the revision work carried out by the Service de sécurité incendie.

In summary, members were briefed on current and desired requirements, as well as the objectives and reasons justifying the proposed changes regarding the following elements:

• Fire alarm systems;
• Smoke detectors;
• Temporary activities and events;
• Open-air and vegetation fires.

Success factors and next steps were also presented. Clarifications were then provided on various issues, including:

• Authorizations for events apply to those gathering 500 people or more;
• Sales of outdoor fire pits will remain authorized even if they are no longer compliant with the new regulations. Steps have been taken with certain retailers to place informative signs regarding the new regulations;
• Permit applications for bonfires will be done online and processed by the SSIG;
• The height of bonfires will be limited to 1 meter;
• Provisions regarding carbon monoxide detectors remain in place.

Recommendation:

Considering that the Schéma de couverture de risques en sécurité incendie 2023-2027 provides for the application and, if necessary, the modification of various provisions of the fire prevention regulations of the ministère de la Sécurité publique;

Considering that it is essential to act to adapt to climate change in order to reduce the risk of fires that could cause conflagrations;

Considering that the proposed amendments to the bylaw aim to improve fire safety in buildings within the territory of the City of Gatineau;

Considering that the Service de sécurité incendie de Gatineau has modified the draft bylaw number 926-2024 according to the recommendations of the Public Safety Commission during its ordinary session of March 14, 2024;

Considering that the Public Safety Commission was again seized of draft bylaw number 926-2024 during its ordinary session of June 6, 2024;

The Public Safety Commission recommends to the Municipal Council:

CSP-2024-04

• To adopt the amendments to bylaw number 774-2015 as proposed by draft bylaw number 926-2024 regarding fire prevention.

Adopted unanimously