MINUTES – PUBLIC – COMMISSION ON TRANSPORT, SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY – AND SAFETY

4. Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the September 25, 2025 meeting

The minutes of the meeting of September 25, 2025, which were validated by email, are filed.

A follow-up is recalled regarding the previous presentation by the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) on infrastructure development and the mobility plan. It is mentioned that monitoring is maintained in order to bring the subject back to the Commission when updates are available during 2026.

A follow-up is noted regarding discussions on the possibility of asking the government of Quebec to shorten the deadlines of the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE). No concrete update is available at the time of the meeting, but the item remains on the follow-up list.

It is confirmed that standardized specifications have been revised and published regarding the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in construction contexts. This now includes:

• increased requirements for pedestrian and cyclist signage;
• the maintenance of safe corridors;
• the removal of temporary signage at the end of work.

It is specified that these standards are now applicable and that in case of non-compliance, notices of violation or contract penalties may be issued.

6. Mobility strategy in the Gatineau Aeropark - Presentation

Myriam Nadeau arrives at 3:12 p.m. The objective was to present the history and deployment of the sustainable mobility strategy in the industrial Aeropark, as well as its contribution to the retention and attraction of the workforce.

Members were informed of the current situation, the results of the mobility study, the operation of on-demand transport, and the next steps planned for the implementation of measures. Discussions focused on the progress of various sustainable mobility components for businesses in the sector, notably carpooling, cycling infrastructure, and inter-company collaboration. The evaluation of a carpooling platform developed in partnership with the Cégep was mentioned in order to validate its suitability for needs. It was also mentioned that the eventual extension of the Rapibus, including a bicycle path, was considered in the analyses.

Members raised concerns regarding the inclusion of persons with reduced mobility, the definition of modal shift objectives, and the implementation of a bicycle parking strategy. Finally, it was recommended to actively pursue funding efforts, and interested companies are invited to contact ID Gatineau to participate in the initiatives.

7. Downtown parking study - Presentation

The objective of the presentation is to inform members of the results and main findings of the parking study carried out in the city center in 2025. A context, the methodology used, data analysis, trends and findings, as well as next steps are presented.

Edmond Leclerc leaves at 3:56 p.m. The quorum is maintained. Returns at 3:59 p.m.

Members believe the study constitutes a solid basis for future reflections. Questions are raised regarding the capacity analysis method, particularly in relation to the consideration of available space. Discussions also focus on surface parking, including the distinction between legal and illegal parking. It is specified that only parking lots of a certain size were counted, mainly those associated with commercial or significant uses. It is possible that some of these parking lots are not used in a compliant manner; however, it is not possible from aerial photos to know whether the parked vehicles are legal or not. The issue of residual underground parking is addressed, particularly regarding the possibility of promoting access in the evening and on weekends, as well as the potential impact of pricing as a lever in future discussions.

Members recognize a certain margin of maneuver in the city center to consider a targeted reduction of on-street parking, which could improve winter maintenance, enhance greenery, and promote active travel. It is answered that the methodology has certain limitations, such as the absence of a distinction between short-term and long-term parking. It is suggested to review the exclusion of certain major public parking lots, notably that of the Musée canadien de l’histoire (Canadian Museum of History), in order to obtain a more complete picture of total capacity. Finally, members emphasize the importance of anticipating the increase in travel to the city center and linking current data with projected occupancy rates for office spaces. Concerns are expressed regarding the maintenance of accessibility for aging persons or those with reduced mobility, as well as the alignment of these findings with the Commission's work plan. Finally, it is mentioned that the downtown parking study will be presented shortly to the Table de concertation du centre-ville.

BREAK from 4:21 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

8. 2026 Work Plan for the Commission on Transport, Sustainable Travel, and Safety - Recommendation

Members review the mandate of the Commission as well as the files included in the 2026 work plan, including the objectives and planned actions. Comprehension questions are raised, particularly in relation to the concept of an integrated mobility management center. It is indicated that the year 2026 will allow for the determination of the actors and partners involved, the definition of the desired orientations in this regard, including technological and organizational needs, as well as the positioning of the City in relation to comparable practices observed elsewhere.

Proposals are formulated regarding the friendly streets policy, transitional arrangements during road repair projects, the addition of guidelines for safe intersections, as well as alignment with the climate plan. Collaboration with other commissions is also mentioned, particularly in relation to charging stations and the management of urbanization. The relevance of a review of certain policies, including the friendly streets policy, is discussed. It is however indicated that these elements will not be integrated into the current work plan, but could possibly be re-examined in 2027.

Discussions focus on regulatory issues, including parking for persons with disabilities, school corridors, photo radar, and transitional measures related to construction sites. It is mentioned that some files are already moving toward other bodies or could be taken up in a later cycle of the work plan. Other subjects are addressed, such as winter viability, including snow removal from active infrastructure as well as the update of the mobility and infrastructure plan in partnership with it. Finally, it is expressed that members may participate in the development of future work plans and that their adoption be subsequently recommended to the municipal council by the CTDDS.

The vote is requested by Émilie Rachiele-Tremblay. The members vote as follows: 6 in favor of the recommendation; 2 against the recommendation; One member on videoconference did not respond when invited to vote.

CTDDS-2026-01

The Commission on Transport, Sustainable Travel, and Safety recommends to the municipal council:

• to adopt the 2026 work plan of the Commission on Transport, Sustainable Travel, and Safety

Proposed by Pier-Adam Turcotte Seconded by Alexandre Wolford Adopted by majority

9. Follow-ups – General files

Members are informed that the fines provided for in the snow removal bylaw have been increased in order to strengthen compliance with the provisions in force. It is also indicated that a grant application has been submitted under the Municipal Green Fund. This application aims to fund a permanent school-street pilot project. As part of the November 2025 budget study, the executive committee gave a mandate to the administration. This is in connection with the cycling network master plan and the Policy on traffic calming measures, including a component on photo radar.

A follow-up is also mentioned regarding a previous commitment related to accessibility, particularly with regard to the handling of complaints in certain situations. It is specified that a follow-up will be carried out with the Commission at the appropriate time.

10. Miscellaneous

10.1 Follow-up of recommendations if applicable

No follow-up was reported.

10.2 Parking tax

Question received by email from Christine Charlebois addressed to the members of the Commission regarding the application of the parking tax and the possibility of an exemption for parking spaces for persons with disabilities. It is specified that the project was led by the Finance Department and that, according to the regulations in force, no exemption is currently provided, the tax being applicable generally on the taxable areas of non-residential buildings. An exemption of 650m², or the equivalent of approximately 22 parking spaces, is however applied. It is mentioned that a follow-up will be carried out with the responsible department to evaluate the opportunity and the possibility of providing for such an exemption. It is agreed that this follow-up will be carried out outside the formal work of the Commission, and that the information will be communicated later, if applicable.

Myriam Nadeau leaves at 5:21 p.m. Pier-Adam Turcotte leaves at 5:22 p.m. Quorum maintained.

10.3. Invitation from the Commission on Land Development and Housing (CTDH)

It is brought to the attention of the members that an invitation from the CDTH will be sent to them to attend the presentation regarding the revision of the Land Use and Development Plan carried out in response to the OGAT.