Gatineau city council

Return from summer recess to packed agenda and concerned residents

Tashi Farmilo

Gatineau’s municipal council reconvened on August 26 following its summer recess, opening a packed session that signaled an ambitious political return and renewed public engagement. The evening began with a moment of solemnity as council unanimously passed a resolution of condolence for Jean-Charles Gibeault, a school crossing guard who served with the municipal police since 2018. Councillor Steven Boivin paid tribute to Gibeault and successfully proposed the creation of a municipal week of recognition for crossing guards. The motion was adopted unanimously.

Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette set the tone with what she called “un nouveau souffle à l’urbanisme”—a renewed approach to development. She announced several major reforms: the launch of a single-window bureau for developers, a revised architectural integration bylaw focused on environmental and mobility criteria, and the adoption of a Particular Urban Plan (PPU) for Vieux-Hull. She also confirmed that municipal fees for “school streets” would be scrapped to support safer, child-friendly neighbourhoods. “A sustainable, prosperous and healthy city is one built at a child’s height,” she said.

Marquis-Bissonnette offered a candid assessment of the city’s transformation efforts: “Things are moving, things are shaking, but in the right direction.”

Steve Moran highlighted the success of the Africa Nations Cup. Isabelle Miron celebrated a new artist residency at Théâtre de l’Île. Caroline Murray and Mario Aubé addressed long-standing dysfunctions within the planning department and called for better service to residents.

The public question period saw 12 residents take the floor. Six — Jany Lavoie, Gabrielle Garneau, Noémie Lebrun, Sophie DesMarais, Hazel Rück-Boyle and Francis Descoteaux — delivered coordinated appeals for full protection of the Champlain ecological corridor. They cited scientific research, local observations and biodiversity risks. They also condemned what they viewed as greenwashing in current development models.

Gabrielle Garneau, a young resident who drew applause from the room, told council, “You cannot call it environmental leadership while sacrificing biodiversity. You cannot greenwash your way to intergenerational justice.” Mayor Marquis-Bissonnette responded directly. “I want to congratulate you. You have the power to make change. I hope you keep getting involved. You are making a difference.”

While no new commitments were announced, councillors Mike Duggan, Caroline Murray, Anik Des Marais, Mario Aubé and the mayor each acknowledged the urgency of the issue and assured residents it remained on the agenda.

Other residents raised concerns over housing, zoning and public services. Robert Gratton spoke of unexplained delays to his residential project. “It’s been months with no answers,” he said. Caroline Murray clarified that no moratorium was in place. Louis Sabourin and Mario Aubé acknowledged ongoing service breakdowns. “The level of communication is simply unacceptable,” said Aubé.

Daniel Cléroux, a resident of Buckingham, said he had been waiting since a July 8 meeting with the city for a response regarding his private land. “Forty days later, I’m still waiting. It’s not acceptable,” he said. Both Murray and Aubé promised follow-up.

Annette Rivet-Robinson, a school crossing guard, called for better pay and more recognition for her colleagues. “We’re there every morning and afternoon, rain or snow, for your children,” she said. Her remarks were reinforced by Boivin’s motion to formally honour crossing guards each year.

Bruno Desormeaux, president of the Association des commerçants Jacques-Cartier Gréber, expressed frustration over a 70 per cent reduction in core funding to his organization. “We’ve grown from five paying members to 70 in three years. We’ve done everything the city asked,” he said. “Why cut us now?” Councillor Edmond Leclerc responded by explaining that while base funding would end, project-based support aligned with the city’s new commercial strategy would remain available.

Olivier Bergeron closed the evening by raising concern over the city’s preparedness for climate extremes. “Heatwaves are increasing. Vulnerable people are dying,” he warned, urging investment in cooling centres and emergency shelter infrastructure. Councillor Anik Des Marais thanked him for his heartfelt remarks and affirmed that the issue was under review, expressing her personal appreciation by adding, “You’re my favourite.”

Among the resolutions adopted that evening were the Vieux-Hull PPU, the formalization of a new heritage inventory for Gatineau and Masson-Angers, and a $250,000 municipal contribution, to be matched by the province, toward a new regional museum.

As the meeting adjourned, the mayor urged continued momentum. “We will keep working, right to the last minute.” Council will next meet on September 16 in Buckingham.