Budget 2024

Action Gatineau’s proposals before the adoption of budget approval in December

Sophie Demers

Gatineau’s $803 million 2024 budget was approved on December 5, with 17 of the 20 councillors voting in favour of its adoption.

The weeks and days leading up to the budget adoption left many unsure whether it would pass as Action Gatineau councillors were not satisfied with aspects of the budget.

During the preparatory caucus, Steven Moran, acting head of Action Gatineau and Hull-Wright councillor, announced four proposals for the budget, which were adopted by the majority. These proposals were supported by Daniel Champagne, Versant councillor and president of the executive committee.

The first proposal was to increase taxes to serviced vacant lots. This tax increase would mean an extra $3 million added to the city budget. Action Gatineau suggested two objectives with the additional funds. The first was investing in speed reducing measures by mandating city management and the transportation commission to develop an action plan for speed calming measures, and improving active transportation. The second objective is to invest in housing crisis solutions such as solving overflow, sanitary capacity, water supply issues, accelerating housing construction and generating new revenue.

The second proposal was for the city to conduct a complete assessment of noise barriers in Gatineau. The study should cover the existing safety issues, detailing options for fixing or replacing those that need repair. The assessment should also include costs and a detailed action plan.

The third proposal mandated the city’s general management to continue negotiations with the Boucher Forest Foundation and to recognize the organization's conservation mission. Action Gatineau also asks that additional funds be allocated after the negotiations, if necessary. They ask for a report on the negotiations by June 2024.

The final proposal focuses on the budget process. Steven Moran explained that the executive committee should be required to create a process to receive requests from elected representations during the next budget discussions at the end of this year. The municipal political party asks that a climate impact assessment be included in all of the city’s projects, including the budget.

Photo caption: Steven Moran, acting head of Action Gatineau and Hull-Wright councillor, was supported by council with his four proposed changes to the budget at the December 5 preparatory meeting prior to the final budget vote.

Photo credit: Screenshot