Question period summary: Dog park at Moussette Park, Tramway discussions, Supporting local business associations, Flooding in Bellevue, Residents’ suggestions
Sophie Demers
Gatineau’s city council gathered for their last meeting before the upcoming November 2 election. Many long-time councillors took the time to thank their colleagues and constituents and say goodbye. The emotion-filled first hour of the meeting continued into the public question period when daughters of Marc Bureau, previous Gatineau Mayor and current councillor for Parc-de-la-Montagne-Saint-Raymond, took the mic to honour their father for his career at his last meeting before retirement.
Petition for a Moussette Park dog park
President of the Hull Canine Park Association Stéphane Dubeau addressed the council, requesting the addition of a dog park in Moussette Park. He also submitted a petition for the project with 300 signatures.
“This addition would improve the quality of life and promote harmonious cohabitation between users of the park and reduce the problems related to off-leash dogs. It is therefore an investment, both for animal well-being and for the community as a whole,” said Dubeau.
Jocelyn Blondin, Manoir-des-Trembles-Val-Tétreau councillor, said he would do what he could before leaving the matter with the new councillor after the election.
Tramway discussions
Two residents addressed council voicing their opposition to the Tramway project, stating that the city is being dishonest about the impact the project would have on public transportation use and city spending. The speakers were upset about millions of dollars being spent for studies and pre-planning on a project that may not move forward.
The tramway has been in discussion for many years, and many residents have varying opinions on the large-scale project. Members of the council reassured residents, whether they were for or against the project, that they are consulting experts and professionals to get information about this project. The support of the federal and provincial governments was also noted.
Supporting local business associations
Three representatives from local business associations took turns addressing city council. Hull’s Vision Centre-Ville General Director Philippe Deschamps said that his organization supports the city moving toward adopting a new commercial development policy. However, he highlighted the need for clearer mandates and more support for small businesses. He also asked the city to continue to focus on Laval Square in Hull, which he described as a community hub and a key piece in the revitalization of the downtown core.
Treasurer of Aylmer’s APICA organization Valérie Girard also took the mic, asking that the city maintain their financial support of local business associations. Specifically, she requested that the city extend their support by one year before implementing the changes to the recently amended protocol. According to Girard, the council must look beyond budget revision for the short term and think about the city’s long-term economic development that is supported by business associations. Old Gatineau's association of businesspeople and professionals (AGAP) representative, their general director Pauline Bouchard, echoed these messages.
Flooding in Bellevue
A representative of the Bellevue-Nord Residents’ Association urged city council to address long-standing flooding issues, calling for a permanent drainage solution. While he thanked local officials for their efforts, he emphasized that only new infrastructure such as a maintenance facility could prevent future damage. Bellevue councillor Alicia Lacasse-Brunet said that the city now owns the land where the flooding occurs which will allow them to build a retention basin in the future.
Residents make suggestions and propose projects
One resident requested better signage on hills like Mont-Bleu when there is a school zone and asked if the city could have a registry of all financial fraud cases on its territory available to the police force to better fight back against fraud. The same resident suggested that moving the city’s offices in each area could reduce traffic during rush hour. Lastly, he encouraged Gatineau to create a policy requiring developers to incorporate more affordable housing in their projects.
Another resident urged Gatineau politicians to explore nuclear energy, specifically asking them to bring this suggestion to the province.
A third resident raised concerns about budget conflicts of interest relating to the mayor’s partner owning a business that the city may have paid for work. Steve Moran, Hull-Wright councillor, noted that all budget spending was public and he would be happy to sit down with the speaker to address any concerns.
Three representatives from local business associations address the city council before the adoption of the new commercial development policy: Hull’s Vision Centre-Ville General Director Philippe Deschamps, Treasurer of Aylmer’s APICA organization Valérie Girard, and Pauline Bouchard, Director General of Old Gatineau's association of businesspeople and professionals (AGAP). Photos: Sophie Demers