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

A follow-up is carried out regarding correspondence received by email from the Association des résident(e)s de l’île de Hull concerning safety issues at the intersection of boulevards Maisonneuve and Allumettière, particularly regarding the cohabitation between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. It is specified that a response was sent to the requester by the Service de la mobilité (Mobility Department) and that it was administrative in nature.

A presentation was made by Olivier Viger-Beaudin, Coordinator of the Service de la mobilité, regarding the new Guide des corridors scolaires (School Corridor Guide), currently in the pre-final phase. The objective of the presentation is to inform members of the new guide and to collect their comments and suggestions. The guide aims to clarify the concept of a school corridor, standardize request processing, and specify the roles of stakeholders. The presentation covered criteria for implementing corridors, the introduction of the concept of 'at-risk zones,' and new processes for school corridor requests. Next steps include finalizing the guide in 2026, its progressive implementation, and its eventual formalization as an administrative directive.

Isabelle N. Miron arrives at 3:25 p.m. Following the presentation, several exchanges focused on the introduction of the 'at-risk zones' concept and its potential impacts. Concerns were raised that identifying at-risk zones might limit the implementation of school corridors and reduce access to active travel for students. It was clarified that, in these situations, the school corridor would not be implemented and school transport would be prioritized when active travel is not deemed safe. The issue of alignment with school transport was also raised, particularly when corridors cannot be implemented for safety reasons. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining a dialogue with school service centers to evaluate the actual use of proposed alternative solutions. Several interventions highlighted that issues related to at-risk zones concern not only children but also other vulnerable populations, such as seniors or people with reduced mobility, and that these zones could serve as a planning tool for future infrastructure improvements.

Exchanges also took place regarding at-risk zones, the prioritization of interventions, and the progress of the file. The Service de la mobilité indicated that it is at the beginning of the process and recalled that decisions are often conditioned by existing infrastructure, while expressing the desire to explain in a documented manner why certain school corridors cannot be implemented. It is specified that the implementation of the guide will be done progressively, recalling that the objective remains to encourage children to walk to school when conditions permit. It is also mentioned that it is important to consider alternative solutions when sectors are identified as at-risk zones.

Thierry Clément, Planning Coordinator at the Service de la mobilité, presents the objectives of the presentation, which are to inform members of the main actions carried out in 2025 under the Plan directeur du réseau cyclable (Bicycle Network Master Plan) and to provide an overview of actions planned for 2026. The 2025 review highlights achievements in cycling facilities, safety, maintenance, education, and encouragement of cycling, as well as the significant contribution of external funding via provincial financial assistance programs. The 2026 planning presents current and future projects, subject to budgetary authorizations, and is part of the continued development and improvement of the cycling network on the territory of the City of Gatineau.

Following the presentation, a member pointed out that the group Action Vélo Outaouais carried out several activities related to cycling and questioned their absence from the presented review. The Service indicated that it was unfortunately an oversight and specified that these activities would be integrated. Joël Éric Olinga Mebada leaves the meeting at 4:11 p.m. Quorum is maintained. The vice-chair mentioned that a short missing segment would better connect the municipality of Chelsea to the Orée-de-Parc sector, while the chair also referred to a missing link on montée St-Amour. The exchanges highlighted the importance of inter-municipal collaboration to ensure the continuity of the cycling network. A member questioned the counting of cyclists. The Service explained that the City currently has two permanent counters, while noting certain limitations related to the available equipment. It was specified that the accountability for projects with financial assistance is generally done 18 months after the completion of the projects. Finally, questions were raised regarding the financing of the Plan directeur du réseau cyclable, particularly in relation to the $8 million mentioned in the presentation and the existence of a plan for the overall financing estimated at $65 million. Clarifications are provided regarding the budgetary framework and the distribution of funding, while recalling that the first plan was financed by a loan bylaw of $30.5 million. Joël Éric Olinga Mebada rejoins the meeting at 4:21 p.m.