MINUTES — PUBLIC – COMMISSION ON TRANSPORT, SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY AND SAFETY
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The document "Étude d’opportunité du chemin Vanier" was sent to members before the meeting. The objective of the presentation is to outline the work plan for the chemin Vanier opportunity study, between chemin Pink and chemin d'Aylmer. This is the first step of the process, namely the opportunity study. This will be followed by an environmental impact study. The CTDDS will be informed of the progress of the file.
Chemin Vanier is not urbanized and has only two lanes. Real estate and demographic growth have an impact on the current and anticipated level of traffic, making it necessary to evaluate the relevance of implementing measures to ensure the future capacity of all travel in this part of the city is not compromised. Furthermore, safe and user-friendly facilities for active modes of transport must be integrated along this entire artery. Increased service is to be planned for public transit, notably with the tramway project. The ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (MTMD) will also carry out an opportunity study concerning boulevard des Allumettières.
The presentation is broken down into the following sub-themes: • Contextualization; • Phases of the chemin Vanier project; • Identification of the study area; • Current road network; • Work plan for the opportunity study; • Needs assessment; • Solutions study; • Opportunity study; • Information and consultation processes; • Timeline for the opportunity study.
At the end of the study, three options will be proposed: two scenarios and the status quo. Everything must be compatible with the Politique des rues conviviales.
The presentation gives rise to the following comments, questions, or clarifications: • Given that the studies should be finalized in 2028, the start of work is planned for around 2030. Everything will be carried out in phases on sections of the road. Collaboration and coordination of construction sites will be necessary, notably with TramGO, to ensure the integration of the tramway project. This involves significant issues regarding underground infrastructure. • In response to the question of whether transitional measures are planned to ensure the safety of people using the shoulders, it is noted that work is underway in this regard. The implementation of necessary measures is part of the analyses since the road is not urbanized and the current right-of-way presents challenges. • Apart from the widening of chemin Vanier, are other objectives linked to the solutions proposed to meet the identified needs? Has the City adopted a long-term vision for the development of the Plateau sector? Is a scenario without a tramway also being considered? It is indicated that the land use plan (schéma d'aménagement) determines the future use of this axis; it includes development and densification guidelines, particularly in the Plateau sector. Furthermore, new short-term government guidelines have been issued regarding land use planning. Thus, a government guideline regarding housing requests: an acceleration of densification efforts; an identification of indicators and a demonstration of how market evolution is taken into consideration.
This orientation will therefore have an impact on the objectives and vision related to mobility. These must also take into account the Politique des rues conviviales and the Plan directeur du réseau cyclable (Cycling Network Master Plan). Regarding the scenarios related to the tramway, TramGO is responsible for the analysis and its conclusions will be taken into account within the framework of the opportunity study for the redevelopment of the section between Plateau and des Allumettières. Whatever the proposed scenario, the planning guidelines provide that this axis is at a high level of service. Presentations will take place at the municipal council to amend the land use plan with a view to integrating the tramway route and adjusting the various planning tools, notably transit-oriented development zones. • Does the widening include only lanes for automobiles or for public transit? It is specified that the widening is part of a sustainable mobility objective and must meet the needs of all modes of travel. • Following a query, it is mentioned that all real estate projects already approved, in the approval process, and under discussion are taken into consideration in order to better define the cumulative impact regarding service and the issues related to it. • The results of the 2022 Origin-Destination survey analysis as well as data collected by the Mobility Department (number and type of accidents, etc.) will be inputs for the opportunity study. • Has the context evolved since the decision made in 2023 for the widening of chemin Vanier? Is another scenario conceivable to review the layout of transitional infrastructure? Since the municipal council has set itself a goal of reducing their emissions by 35%, data on greenhouse gases (GHG) should be added to the opportunity study. Page 7 of the presentation should be clarified. It is specified that the decision made in 2023 was mainly aimed at protecting the rights-of-way and not at widening the road, in order to provide the space necessary for future planning of facilities meeting all modes of travel. It is recalled that three options will be presented (status quo and two scenarios). GHG data is part of the environmental impact study.
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Using a presentation, Mia Lavergne shares concerns from residents of the Jardins-Lavigne neighborhood in the Aylmer sector. They believe that several infrastructure improvements could be made safer for cyclists and pedestrians (blind spots at pedestrian crossings caused by vehicles parked too close to intersections, protection for cyclists to avoid 'dooring', level crossings, connectivity of the cycling network between chemin Klock and boulevard Wilfrid-Lavigne, more trash cans at bus stops, etc.).
It is indicated that the concerns expressed are being noted. Despite some planning, no specific intervention is currently underway on boulevard Wilfrid-Lavigne. This type of suggestion could be part of discussions regarding potential transitional improvements.
The chair mentions another request received regarding the installation of bollards during the summer season on rue du Dôme as well as a speed reduction to 30 km/h. It is specified that requests of a more specific nature must be made to the 311 non-emergency call center.
Finally, a written question was also submitted to the CTDDS to find out what concrete and sustainable solutions can be explored and implemented to improve safety in rural sectors, particularly on chemin de Bellechasse in the Gatineau sector. A response was sent by email to the requester. The chair briefly summarizes it.
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The document "Le vélopartage" was sent to members before the meeting. The objective of the presentation is to report on the situation of bike-sharing in the region. The presentation is broken down into the following sub-themes: • Contextualization; • Presentation of EnviroCentre.
Conducted in 2023, a report on bike-sharing in the national capital shows that it is widely desired by the organizations met and that it is in line with the climate objectives established in the region. The bike-sharing project must be: an intermodality tool; an integrated service for residents of both shores; accessible and inclusive; viable through the diversification of funding (sponsorships, public funding, pricing, etc.). A feasibility study will be carried out and it will end around the end of March 2025.
The presentation gives rise to the following comments, questions, or clarifications: • In order to be more inclusive, could we use a term such as 'shared micromobility'? What explains why women over 45 are less represented? Safety on the paths? Sanitary services? The different types of bikes offered (three-wheeled with a basket, etc.)? It is hoped that the feasibility study will provide answers to all these questions. The goal is to make the offer as accessible as possible. All types of bikes offered will be considered in this study. • It emerges from the presentation that far fewer people were consulted in Gatineau. The presence of MOBI-O is considered reassuring regarding its ability to mobilize all stakeholders. Will the results of other projects be taken into consideration in the study? Are scooters part of this project? Permeability with the National Capital Commission (NCC) network must be considered to ensure inter-shore routes. It is indicated that presentations will be proposed in the coming months, especially regarding micromobility. It is recalled that a ministerial decree prohibiting electric mopeds on Quebec roads was passed this summer. There is therefore an issue of regulatory harmonization and it is wise for this to be taken into consideration in the feasibility study. Despite the different jurisdictions, a willingness to collaborate is present between Ottawa, Gatineau, and the NCC. Other means of micromobility could be considered. • Residents must be part of the target audience for this project and not just tourists. The financing plan could include contributions from neighborhood associations. It is confirmed that the feasibility study will prioritize residents as well as the general public and not just tourists. The consultant and MOBI-O will contribute to identifying the key partners to include in the consultations. • The most important thing is to bring people towards a structuring public transport network. • The pre-feasibility phase seems to be concentrated on a consultation of regional actors in order to identify best practices. Will non-regional actors involved in bike-sharing also be consulted (for example Bixi)? This could constitute sources of inspiration regarding the feasibility and relevance of certain considerations or reflections on the subject. It is indicated that a complete analysis report of all bike-sharing services carried out by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) across the country will be available in the coming months. The data from this will be used. The suggestion will also be brought to the attention of the research team. • Various criteria will be taken into consideration (accessibility, equity, etc.) in the evaluation of the location of bike-sharing sites (for example, near apartment buildings).
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The document "VéloSympathique 2024" was sent to members before the meeting. The objective of the presentation is twofold: to inform about the results of the Collectivité VéloSympathique – 2024 certification for the city of Gatineau as well as the Organisation VéloSympathique – 2024 certification for the Maison du citoyen.
The presentation is broken down into the following sub-themes: • Contextualization; • Community Certification; • 2024 Organization Certification.
The City of Gatineau obtained a Silver certification for the Collectivité VéloSympathique – 2024 certification, and Bronze for the Organisation VéloSympathique – 2024 certification for the Maison du citoyen. The feedback summaries from Vélo Québec are presented to members for each of the certifications.
The recommendations for actions to prioritize are: Environment: • Facilitate and secure cycling navigation in the underground parking lot by providing cycling facilities serving access to the parking lot and other places of interest. • Offer a mechanical bike repair kit including basic tools or acquire a repair station. Education: • Support the development of staff cycling skills with thematic activities focusing on bike-to-work practice, introduction to cycling, or bike mechanics. Encouragement: • Offer incentives for professional travel and commuting to work. • Organize an event or challenge recognizing people who commute to work by bike with a prize draw. Evaluation and planning: • Equip cycling planning with objectives, particularly in terms of modal share, and an ambitious but realistic timeline.
The presentation gives rise to the following comments, questions, or clarifications: • Since a fifth of the City is composed of immigrant communities, it would be good to deploy efforts to target immigrant communities and newcomers. This would make Gatineau's application more original. It is noted that a program already exists in this sense: Toutes à vélo. It is a cycling initiation program for immigrant women in the Outaouais. Supported by MOBI-O and funded by the City, this program is offered in collaboration with Le Rack à bécik (RAB). It has made it possible to introduce about forty women aged 18 to 70 to cycling. RAB also carries out initiatives with Accueil Parrainage Outaouais.
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It is asked if the CTDDS could look into minimum standards for the implementation of detours for cyclists and pedestrians during roadwork. An example is presented to members to illustrate this need. It is answered that we will try to evaluate the impacts of traffic obstructions associated with construction projects. More information could be presented with the pedestrian plan.
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The chair confirms the quorum and opens the meeting at 5:03 PM. She welcomes everyone. She notes the presence of a citizen who will speak during the question period. This public meeting is being recorded, and the recording will be posted on the City's website for viewing.
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The following subject is added to the Varia section: implementation of traffic detours during roadwork.
Proposed by Caroline Murray Seconded by François Lacerte-Gagnon And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda as amended.
Adopted
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Filed.
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No follow-up is required regarding the subjects discussed during the meeting. The chair mentions that the agenda will henceforth include a new item to present brief follow-ups on general files previously handled by the CTDDS. Its purpose therefore differs from the follow-ups in the minutes.
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Members are informed that the next meeting will take place on October 24, 2024. Another municipality could be invited to give a presentation on transitional improvements or micromobility (self-service bicycles or scooters). The chair invites members to send her suggestions.
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The chair suggests including this item on the agenda to know the status of files previously handled by the CTDDS.
The Plan directeur du réseau cyclable was presented to the plenary committee. It will be presented to the municipal council for adoption as well as for budgetary analysis in the coming weeks. An amendment to the recommendation from the CTDDS was made to include the consideration of transitional improvements in the reflections.
Regarding the examination of the issue of modifications to parking regulations for people with disabilities, the file has been delayed. Modifications have been made, notably to the zoning regulations, which changes a whole set of provisions. The teams will resume work on the file. A timeline will be given at the next meeting.
As for traffic calming measures, the file is scheduled for public presentation during the month of November. This presentation will include the recommendations of the CTDDS.
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Proposed by Laura Darche Seconded by Edmond Leclerc And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 PM.