MINUTES – PUBLIC – TOPONYMY COMMITTEE – 1st session – February 9, 2026 – 1:32 p.m. to 4:09 p.m.

7. 2026 Work Plan for the Toponymy Committee – Presentation

Julie Lacroix, Head of Cultural Animation and Dissemination at the Service des arts, de la culture et des lettres (SACL), presents the proposed 2026 work plan for the Committee to the members for recommendation. It is specified that the work plan covers the year 2026 and that the identified files stem from prioritization exercises, strategic alignment, and priorities established in value chains. It is also mentioned that this plan was presented to elected officials during a workshop. The Department finally recalls the Committee's mandate, which is to formulate opinions and recommendations regarding the designation, modification, and replacement of municipal place names.

File 1: Valorization of Gatineau Toponymy

Commission Objective: Ensure the recognition and valorization of toponyms reflecting the heritage, history, and territory of Gatineau. Role: Recommendation

File 2: Inclusive and Representative Toponymy

Commission Objective: Contribute to reflections regarding inclusion and the search for equity concerning the representation of women, First Peoples, and cultural and social diversity in the choice of municipal toponyms. Role: Recommendation

Discussion Period

• General Comments: Members appreciate the proposed work plan.
• Procedure - Parks: A member requests clarification regarding the naming procedure for parks, carried out in collaboration with the Service des loisirs, des sports et du développement communautaire. The Department indicates that this procedure will, with all reservations, be presented to the Toponymy Committee. It is mentioned that careful reflection is needed as there are few opportunities to name places.
• CVE: A member requests clarification regarding the acronym CVE, which designates the Commission du vivre-ensemble.
• Representative Data: A member highlights the importance of having data to demonstrate certain underrepresentations, which would be useful prior to the adoption of the work plan by the municipal council. In this regard, the Department indicates that this data is available.
• French Language: A member notes appreciation for the mention of the French language. The demonstration of data concerning the underrepresentation of toponyms related to it must continue. It is also recalled that a distinction must be made between the Francophonie and the French language. The Department specifies that for the Francophone axis, it is more of an orientation related to common nouns or themes.
• Terminology: A question is raised regarding the use of certain terms appearing in File 2 of the work plan, namely communautés culturelles (cultural communities) and premiers peuples (First Peoples). The Department indicates that a verification will be carried out and, if necessary, the terminology will be adjusted.
• Collaboration Practice: In response to a question regarding collaborations with the Kitigan Zibi community, the Department specifies that these are already in place and underway, with the process being led by the Indigenous communities themselves. It is recalled that in matters of toponymy, the Commission de toponymie du Québec (CTQ) holds the power to officialize names of Indigenous origin and that it systematically validates the spelling with the communities concerned on the territory, namely, in Gatineau, the Kitigan Zibi community. It is also mentioned that proposals generally emanate from the communities.

Recommendation CT-2026-01

The Toponymy Committee (CT), during its regular meeting on February 9, 2026, recommends to the municipal council: To adopt the 2026 work plan of the Toponymy Committee as presented.

Proposed by Michel Noreau Seconded by Johanne Légaré Adopted