MINUTES – PUBLIC – COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION, SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY AND SAFETY – 3rd meeting – May 21, 2026 – 3:01 p.m. to 5:19 p.m.

Public question period

Mr. Martin Sarault raises the absence of a direct, safe, and continuous cycling link between the Aylmer sector and the interprovincial bridges. He mentions that current routes are either unsafe or longer and less efficient, and that the corridor has discontinuities. He proposes that the Commission analyze the feasibility of a structuring cycling axis. In response, the chair indicates that this issue is part of the cycling master plan, while specifying that certain projects were linked to the tramway. She mentions that options could be evaluated and proposed to follow up with the citizen to better understand the targeted route.

2025-2026 Snow Removal Report – Presentation

It is mentioned that this report will be presented to the municipal council shortly in a more detailed version. Marie-Jo Bastien presents the report on winter operations for information purposes. The presentation begins with a context of the scale of snow removal operations in Gatineau, including the maintenance of a vast road network, sidewalks, and cycling links, as well as the significant mobilization of human resources and equipment. A portrait of the weather conditions for the 2025-2026 season is then drawn, highlighting several significant events, including freezing rain episodes and issues related to salt supply. Comparative data from recent seasons, including the number of significant events and the service levels achieved for the snow removal of streets, sidewalks, and paths, are also presented.

It is highlighted that the season was characterized by more demanding conditions than average, particularly due to a high quantity of snow and freezing rain as well as a significant number of days of precipitation. These conditions led to high demand on teams and equipment, while freeze-thaw cycles complicated operations, particularly for sidewalks and active transport links. Regarding performance, the service level for street snow removal was achieved in approximately 80% of cases, despite some difficulties at the beginning and end of the season. The service level for sidewalk snow removal was achieved in 98.5% of cases, for a total of 17 recorded events. The winter cycling network for its part almost entirely reached service levels, reflecting the improvements made, notably through the addition of resources and equipment. Finally, the presentation highlights the main issues encountered, including operational fatigue, freezing rain episodes, and salt supply challenges, while emphasizing the adaptation efforts and the generally positive results obtained during the season.

Discussion

Following the presentation, members highlighted the intensity of the winter season and suggested better highlighting the high number of days of precipitation to contextualize the challenges encountered. The exchanges focused on the management of infractions related to snow dumping, delays in snow removal for the cycling network, as well as snow storage constraints, particularly in restricted sectors. Concerns were also expressed regarding accessibility, notably for bus stops and people with reduced mobility, noting ongoing discussions with the Société de transports de l’Outaouais to improve coordination. Finally, questions were raised regarding certain operational practices, including snow blowing and the management of snow piles. The administration specified that these interventions depend notably on space constraints, safety, and the presence of obstacles.

Winter Cycling Network – Presentation

Nadine Lafond presented, for information purposes, the main findings of the 2025-2026 winter cycling network as well as the projects under analysis for the 2026-2027 season. She highlights the addition of approximately 13 km of new links, contributing to the expansion of the network, and recalls the different types of facilities, whose maintenance varies according to their configuration. Usage data demonstrates a maintenance of winter use of the network, with a retention rate of cyclists comparable to provincial averages. The comments received are generally positive regarding the level of service achieved. However, some issues persist, notably for bike lanes, whose accessibility varies according to the space available and snow storage.

Technical constraints, such as width, slopes, drainage, and certain structures, also influence the addition of new links. Finally, the projects under study for the next season are presented, including potential links as well as pilot projects aimed at testing new facilities, with a perspective of continuous improvement of the network.

Discussions

Following the presentation, members welcomed the additions to the network, while raising concerns related to safety and accessibility, particularly regarding winter bike lanes. The exchanges focused on issues of snow storage, parking, and available space. Suggestions were made to better integrate winter needs into the design of infrastructure and to improve maintenance methods, notably through preventive approaches and an adaptation of service levels. Finally, some specific issues were raised for analysis. The administration recalled that interventions depend on technical constraints and resources, and that pilot projects are underway to test new approaches.

School Streets – Presentation

Olivier Viger Beaudin presents the status of the school streets file, both for temporary and permanent initiatives. The pilot project for temporary school streets, carried out in partnership with schools and organizations, has yielded positive results, notably in terms of participation and social acceptability. Improvements have been made to internal processes to simplify the processing of requests. The concept of permanent school streets is then presented, including different types of facilities aimed at securing school surroundings and promoting active travel. A process underway, in collaboration with the Centre d’écologie urbaine, is also exposed, notably for the école du Lac-des-Fées, including the realization steps and potential timelines. Finally, the next steps focus on the development of detailed concepts, the holding of consultations, and the progressive implementation of facilities, with the objective of deploying, eventually, this type of initiative in other schools.

Discussions

The exchanges focused on the implementation modalities of school streets, notably the constraints related to resources and police presence, which limit the deployment of temporary initiatives. Discussions also took place concerning the financing and deadlines associated with permanent facilities. Members highlighted the importance of integrating these measures into a global mobility planning and street repair projects. Questions were also raised regarding the potential for implementation in other schools, analysis criteria, and the use of transitional facilities. Finally, concerns were expressed regarding the conditions favoring active travel, notably the safety of bicycle travel, as well as the need to ensure better coordination and an evolution of practices in the longer term.

Detailed 2022 Origin-Destination Survey – Presentation

Nadine Lafond presented, for information purposes, some results of the 2022 Origin-Destination Survey for the territory of the City of Gatineau. The data demonstrates an increase in motorization, the number of vehicles having grown faster than the population. A decrease in public transport was observed, while active modes, notably walking and cycling, experienced a significant rise. The share of the automobile remains however stable. Important differences were noted according to sectors, with denser environments favoring active travel more. The results are influenced by the context of the pandemic, notably telework. It was mentioned that this data serves to guide transport planning and that the next survey is planned for 2027.

Discussions

Following the presentation, the exchanges focused on the interpretation of the results, notably the impact of the pandemic context and telework on travel habits. Questions were raised concerning the delays in the dissemination of data as well as their use in transport planning. It was specified that this data constitutes an essential input for the analysis of flows and travel models. Members also suggested deepening the analysis by crossing this data with investments in active and collective transport in order to evaluate the impacts. Finally, discussions focused on the complementarity of these results with other sources used by the City to guide its decisions regarding mobility.