From students to storm-outs: Public voices dominate Gatineau Council Meeting

Tashi Farmilo

Demands for safer school zones, frustration over new watering rules, and concerns about traffic and development shaped Gatineau’s municipal council meeting held Tuesday, May 13, in the Salle Jean-Despréz at City Hall. While council handled a wide agenda of zoning changes, civic partnerships, and infrastructure items, it was the voices from the public gallery—especially youth—that set the tone of the evening.

A group of students from Lac-des-Fées Elementary School presented their findings on traffic and pedestrian safety in their Hull neighbourhood, as part of a class project titled Enquête en zone scolaire. Backed by parents and posters, the students asked the city to make permanent the temporary school street closure on rue Bisson, and to include their neighbourhood in a pilot program for transitional infrastructure like concrete bike lane barriers.

Parent Amandine Caudron introduced the presentation, pointing out that many of the safety measures recommended in the school’s 2012 mobility plan—such as wider sidewalks and raised crossings—have never been implemented. “The city says student safety is a priority,” she told councillors, “but what does that actually mean in practice?” Students then described speeding cars, missing signage, and inadequate bike paths. “Finally, we’re being listened to,” one student said. “We want to be safe walking and biking. That’s all.”

Councillors responded positively. Catherine Craig-St-Louis, who chairs Gatineau’s transportation commission, commended the students: “You’ve used the same methods we do—observe, research, and propose.” She confirmed that the commission will soon review the city’s street design standards for schools. Councillor Mike Duggan also praised the presentation and noted the city’s progress on school street initiatives. “There’s still work to do,” he said, “but you’ve helped move us forward.”

Another resident pushed back against Gatineau’s new watering restrictions, which limit lawn irrigation to two evenings per week and restrict automated systems. She argued her underground irrigation system—equipped with a moisture sensor and operating early in the morning—was more water-efficient than filling a private pool. “I’ve invested thousands in landscaping,” she said. “If I can’t use my system, will you, Madam Mayor, come water my yard?”

Councillor Marc Bureau responded, placing Gatineau’s decision in a wider provincial context. “Most large cities in Quebec have moved to two days or banned automated watering altogether,” he said. Citing provincial data, Bureau noted that irrigation systems tend to use 47% more water than manual watering, and that outdoor use can account for up to 75% of residential water consumption during summer. “Toronto averages 165 litres per person per day. Gatineau is at 253,” he said. “We’re improving, but there’s still a lot to do.”

Étienne Fredette, general manager of the Chambre de commerce de Gatineau, warned council that the city’s parking tax is burdening local businesses and cited a failing grade in fiscal responsibility from the C.D. Howe Institute. He urged council to suspend further tax increases and adopt an independently reviewed, data-driven fiscal plan ahead of the November election.

Councillor Mario Aubé agreed the tax had been rushed and backed a suspension for 2025. “It should have been introduced more gradually,” he said. “We need to redo our homework and rethink the approach.”

Later in the meeting, Councillor Jocelyn Blondin responded in favour of the proposed tramway project, framing it as a proactive response to Gatineau’s growing population and future congestion. “Cities in Europe the size of Gatineau have had tramways for years—and they work extremely well,” he said. “We might not be overwhelmed by traffic today, but that day is coming. This is about preparing now and doing our part for the environment.”

But the most charged exchanges of the evening came during discussion of a proposed eight-storey, 99-unit residential building at 8 chemin Lattion in Aylmer. Seven residents, including Angie Bonenfant, spoke against the project, citing lack of consultation, its scale relative to surrounding two-storey homes, and concerns over traffic, parking, and infrastructure. Bonenfant presented a petition with over 1,000 signatures and called on the city to rethink its planning approach. “We are not opposed to densification,” she said, “but it must be done respectfully, with the community.”

Councillor Steven Boivin, who represents Aylmer, first responded to the concerns by acknowledging the pace of development and its strain on local infrastructure. “We’ve seen incredible demographic growth in Aylmer,” he said. “We need to plan better, and that includes everything from schools to roads to water.”

Councillor Caroline Murray, president of the city’s urban planning committee, then explained that no formal application for the project had yet been submitted, and that although the developer is not obligated to consult residents, they had chosen to do so. “You’re lucky to have a promoter who’s coming to consult,” she said. “That’s not always the case—and that’s what we’re trying to change.”

Her remarks were interrupted by François Girard, who shouted from his seat. Boivin immediately stepped in: “That’s not how this works,” he said, asking him to stop. The interruption brought the exchange to a halt, and shortly afterward, the group of Aylmer residents in the chamber stood up and walked out together, leaving the meeting in protest.

The meeting concluded with council approving minor zoning changes, planning updates, and new funding for arts and heritage initiatives. Upcoming events including VE Day commemorations and the Ottawa Marathon were also noted. The next city council meeting is scheduled for June 10.