MINUTES – PUBLIC – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION (CSP) – 4th meeting – October 1, 2025 – 5:02 PM to 6:00 PM

Police infrastructure – Progress report

Jessica Desjardins-Labelle, manager of major real estate projects at the Service des infrastructures et projets, and Sylvain Fournier, chief inspector at the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG), present the progress of police infrastructure projects, namely the police headquarters and the Aylmer service point.

Headquarters

The presenter explains that the City has acquired two buildings for the headquarters project (975, rue Saint-Joseph and 80, rue Jean-Proulx). The concept is presented to the members. This project aims for a LEED "GOLD" certification; several measures have been taken into account, notably the addition of vegetation to reduce heat islands. The call for tenders for demolition is scheduled for autumn 2025, and for construction in autumn 2026. It is noted that the measures surrounding the project will have a positive impact on the sector.

Aylmer service point

The progress of the project concerning the construction and development of a service point in the Aylmer sector is presented. It is explained that a contract was awarded in July 2025 and that work began in August. Commissioning is scheduled for November 2027, with acceptance of the work in July 2028.

Exchange period

General comments - Canopy: Thanks are expressed for the presentation. The addition of a canopy beyond regulatory requirements is welcomed, considering the sustainability of this infrastructure.

80, rue Jean-Proulx: A member asks about the future of 80, rue Jean-Proulx: will it be integrated into another phase or kept as is? The presenter indicates that in the short term, an interior redevelopment is planned to quickly accommodate teams, and that other projects are being considered later.

Public transit service: A question is asked about public transit service and discussions with the STO on this subject. The response is that the Saint-Joseph axis, already well served, currently meets the needs of the SPVG.

Equity and access point – Other sectors: A member asks about the absence of plans for the Gatineau sector following the move of the headquarters to the Hull sector. The SPVG specifies that the headquarters will move a little further west in the city, but that a service point is maintained in the east of the city, on rue George, in the Buckingham sector. It is also specified that citizen services are being reviewed (reception, complaints, police force) and that alternative response methods will be explored to facilitate travel and better meet the needs of citizens. Options such as online complaints, telephone complaints, or the dispatch of a police officer are being considered, as well as a possible mobile counter, subject to change. It is also mentioned that the current service for the Gatineau sector will remain unchanged for the next 5 to 6 years.

Construction or renovation: The chair points out that some members of the public sometimes question the choice of new construction vs. renovation of the building at 975 boulevard St-Joseph. The City explains that the function of the building as well as current standards, notably the seismic standards of the Code de construction 2020, make upgrading costly and difficult to adapt to police and civil protection needs. The choice to build a new building therefore responds to economic and functional considerations.

School zones: SPVG commitment to road safety

Mathieu Tremblay, inspector, operational support at the SPVG, presents the SPVG's commitment to safe school zones. Teams responsible for school environments, named "Résolution et Action Préventive de Quartier (RAPQ)", are deployed in all sectors of the City of Gatineau. Thus, each school environment has access to a team composed of 15 officers, 1 sergeant, and 1 lieutenant. It is specified that this team collaborates with support teams such as more than 150 adult school crossing guards (167 secured pedestrian crossings in Gatineau), enforcement officers, and nearly 500 student crossing guards (6th-grade students). The RAPQ teams are, among other things, responsible for presentations, prevention programs, and bicycle patrols.

Several SPVG initiatives (goals and results) are presented: school corridors, prevention campaigns, the Radar Vivant program, operations (national concerted, intensive, regular), the "door syndrome," and the "C’est quoi le plan?" strategy, etc.

Exchange period

General comments and young adults: Thanks are addressed to the presenters and the SPVG for the work done around schools. A question is raised regarding the planning of prevention activities aimed at young adults, particularly at the Cégep level. The SPVG indicates that a new program titled Roule mais Roule pas, focused on the prevention of impaired driving, is under development. It is specified that young adults are a difficult audience to reach. Various strategies and programs are being implemented as part of a global plan targeting 18-25 year-olds. Among the initiatives mentioned is the "barcode" concept for designated drivers. A comment is addressed in connection with the "C’est quoi le plan?" campaign, which is considered excellent.

Responsible driving: A follow-up is carried out on the road safety awareness campaign in school zones (August to September). Out of 117 tickets issued for speeding, a question is raised regarding the driving of motorists in Gatineau in school zones. The Service indicates that a check with data from previous years shows that the prevention message is being heard and that a certain decrease is observed. The majority of infractions concern relatively low speeds, with some people readjusting to school limits. It is specified that generally responsible behavior is observed and that no particular concern emerges in comparison with other cities or territories. However, it is deemed necessary to maintain awareness campaigns.

School travel plan: It is recalled that road safety is a collective responsibility. Some issues persist, particularly in connection with the school travel plan. A member explains that since 2025, Vélo Québec has been leading a provincial approach on the way to school as part of this School Travel Plan and proposes corrective measures. It is mentioned that many crossing guards are unaware of the existence of their school's Plan and that it should be made better known. The wish is expressed that they could become aware of it and have access to it.

Signage or lack of signage: A member points out having noted concerns expressed by many parents regarding safety around their schools. According to some field observations, it is emphasized that school zones and their crossings should be clearly identified, and that a lack of uniformity in signage is observed from one school to another. Stops have been requested by some parents to secure the surroundings, and the proposal to identify school corridors using color codes is mentioned. The importance of clearly marking crossings is also emphasized. It is also mentioned that the behavior of some parents can be considered worrying, particularly regarding compliance with the Code de la sécurité routière and respect for crossing guards. It is suggested to intensify awareness campaigns aimed at them. Several comments heard from parents targeted the addition of more powerful flashing lights, the imposition of a 30 km/h limit, and the implementation of devices such as speed bumps and pedestrian crossings to prevent accidents. All these elements are considered an issue around schools.

Door syndrome: A question is raised to find out if a communication campaign is in place to ensure that the message regarding the "door syndrome" is effective. The Service indicates that parents are reached through schools, notably by handing out pamphlets and sending emails. When a problem is observed, the educational police officer is quickly informed. It is suggested to develop a broader advertising campaign. The Service mentions having noted that some parents do not know the regulations or the Code de la sécurité routière well, which represents an issue. This aspect is to be worked on. A question is also asked about identifying the most problematic schools. The SPVG specifies that there is no particularly targeted establishment, as the problems are rather cyclical and recurring. It is mentioned that messages must be disseminated continuously and regularly. The idea of "school streets" is mentioned in this context.

Radar Vivant: A request for clarification is made regarding the Radar Vivant program. It is asked if the program is deployed throughout the year or only at the start of the school year, as well as the choice of schools. The Service indicates that it has acquired two devices allowing for two simultaneous operations, each requiring the mobilization of 4 to 6 police officers. In addition to targeting the start of the school year, the intervention is triggered at the request of the educational police officer or the school administration. If a preventive approach is deemed relevant, it can be implemented. A question is asked about the possibility for a citizen to request such an operation. It is specified that the decision was made to prioritize direct collaboration with schools, taking into account efficiency and operational capacity.