Author name: Gatineau Bulletin

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

To protect and preserve the Lac-Beauchamp Park ecosystem, the City of Gatineau wishes to adopt a conservation plan that aligns with the actions of the Biodiversity Action Plan and the 2024-2029 Water Management Plan.

Lac-Beauchamp Park is a major eco-territory covering over 213 hectares. It also contributes to cultural life by hosting numerous annual activities. However, in recent years, its biodiversity has been severely degraded, particularly in terms of water.

Three orientations of the conservation plan:

• Ensure the preservation and sustainable use of ecosystems
• Raise awareness and inform citizens of the importance of conserving Lac-Beauchamp Park
• Integrate the conservation plan into municipal planning

Objectives of the conservation plan:

• Ensure the protection of threatened and/or sensitive species and natural environments
• Ensure the continuity of annual activities at Lac-Beauchamp Park
• Strike a balance between activities and environmental conservation/protection

“By protecting this unique eco-territory, we are ensuring both the richness of our biodiversity and the quality of life of Gatineau residents,” emphasized Marc Bureau, municipal councillor for Parc-de-la-Montagne and chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee. “That is why the city wants to develop a conservation plan to ensure the protection of natural environments and species, while maintaining sustainable access to outdoor activities.”  Please note that an environmental characterization study is now underway to assess the current state of the park. The results will then be used to precisely determine the measures needed to ensure the park’s conservation.

As for the conservation plan, it will be established once it has been adopted by the municipal council. Based on the information gathered, actions will be implemented this year.

Photo: Lac-Beauchamp Park (June 28, 2025) (MG) Photo: Courtesy of Denis Girouard, Municipal Councillor for the Lac-Beauchamp District

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

During a heatwave, more than 545 Val-des-Monts residents experienced a power outage that lasted nearly 12 hours on June 25.

According to Hydro-Québec’s website (Info-pannes), the power went out around 9:38 am. However, the announced restoration of power was continually delayed. “We were told that the situation would be resolved by noon, but when I got home from work around 4:30 pm, we were still without power,” said Nathalie Deschênes, a Val-des-Monts resident. “After 12 hours, around 9:49 pm, it was finally restored,” she adds. According to Deschênes, power outages are becoming increasingly frequent in the municipality. “Our generator doesn’t have much downtime as it’s running quite often,” she says. “I plan to get a bigger one, given how often there are outages.”

No information regarding the reason for the power outage has been shared with residents. “The weather was nice, the temperature was normal,” said Deschênes.

However, according to information gathered from Hydro-Québec, the incident was caused by a breakage that was reported during the night. “Our teams arrived on site around midnight and noticed that two (wooden) poles were broken,” says Cynthia Rivard, a community relations advisor at Hydro-Québec. However, the cause of the breakage remains unknown. The installation was temporarily secured.

As a result, the following morning, the teams on site noticed the situation had deteriorated. “Indeed, there were other damaged poles located along Route 307,” said Rivard. “Obviously, this was taken as a priority.”

Several reasons can explain the damage caused to the structures. According to Rivard, the most common causes are tree branches falling on the electrical wires, causing them to break. It can also be a car accident. “This explains the revision of restoration times throughout the day,” she explained.

Recommendations for a power outage during a heatwave:

• Stay hydrated

• Look for cool areas

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors tightly closed

• Use a generator

Photo: Repairing a power pole (April 4, 2025) (MG) Photo: Courtesy of Hydro-Québec

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

During the fourth edition of the BRAVO Celebration for a First Degree in Canada, nine immigrant students received scholarships worth between $1,000 and $2,000 on May 25 at the Maison du Citoyen in Gatineau. About a hundred people were present for the occasion, including the guest of honour, the Honourable Julie Miville-Dechêne, Independent Senator from Quebec.

The BRAVO Scholarship Fund in Outaouais serves primarily to recognize the efforts of Gatineau students in learning French and obtaining a diploma recognized by the Quebec government. “This is the only scholarship program in Quebec dedicated to young allophone refugees and newcomers,” said Jacques Laberge, retired diplomat, founder and spokesperson for the BRAVO Scholarship Fund in Outaouais. According to Laberge, since 2021, this program has helped more than 42 allophone students from 15 different countries. In addition, over $50,000 has been raised for this purpose. “With the slogan Integration through Education, the BRAVO Scholarship Fund in Outaouais is a tangible demonstration of the solidarity of dedicated and committed volunteers who contribute to the better integration of newcomers in Gatineau,” he says.

The nine recipients were: Hadia Jabarkhil from Afghanistan, Maria Paula Montoya and Valentina Villamil from Colombia, Maja Cica from Croatia, Mohammad Hossein Bokaei Jaci from Iran, Basant Gheth from Egypt, Karine Acadia Irankunda from Mozambique, Ghazal AlHalabi from Syria, and Sandra Rincon Flores from Venezuela.

According to Senator Miville-Dechêne, it was an emotional event. “Hearing each recipient tell their story, their progress, their challenges, and their dreams in French was very touching,” she said. “Each story was remarkable, like that of Basant Gheth, a mother of four who began university studies.”

“I think this event illustrates that a community like Gatineau can contribute to the integration of immigrants and refugees […],” said the Senator. “The initiative of retired diplomat Jacques Laberge and a whole group of volunteers is remarkable. For four years, they have been awarding scholarships, encouraging these young people, and making them feel welcome.”

Photo: Seven of the nine recipients with Senator Miville-Dechêne. From left to right: Sandra Rincon Flores, Valentina Villamil, Maja Cica, Senator Miville-Dechêne, Karine Acadia Irankunda, Maria Paula Montoya, Ghazal AlHalabi, Hadia Jabarkhil, at the scholarship ceremony (May 25, 2025). (MG) Photo: Courtesy of Jacques Laberge

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

A lockdown alarm was triggered at Hormisdas-Gamelin High School and the adjacent Vocational Training Centre in the Buckingham sector on March 19 at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Following this alarm, the Gatineau Police Service (SPVG) deployed a large number of police officers who quickly arrived on site to secure the area.

During this time, students had to follow lockdown procedures. “I found this experience really stressful,” said Rosealie Charbonneau, a student at the high school. “No one was aware of the situation, and we had to be confined to our classrooms for a long time.” Once the site was secured, the SPVG confirmed that there were no active threats or injuries. However, as a precautionary measure, medical interventions were carried out. The lockdown was lifted around 3:15 pm.

Despite the situation progressing smoothly, it caused a great deal of stress for students and parents. “I learned the news on Facebook,” said Brigitte Gélinas, Rosealie Charbonneau’s mother. “Several rumors circulated that there was apparently an armed person in the school. At the time, no one knew if it was true or false, but it was still very distressing. The news quickly spread at my workplace, and many parents decided to leave to go to the school grounds.”

To date, no cause for this incident has been confirmed and the investigation is still ongoing. The SPVG is taking this opportunity to remind citizens of the importance of seeking information from official sources to prevent the spread of misinformation. As for the rumours reported on social media, they have been denied by the police.

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

Canadians deserve to age with dignity. To support seniors in the Outaouais region, Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced, on behalf of Minister of Seniors Joanne Thompson, that the federal government has approved funding for 42 projects, totaling $6.5 million, under the community and pan-Canadian components of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) and the Aging Well at Home initiative.

Minister MacKinnon was joined by Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, Pierre Guénard, Mayor of Chelsea, several MPs and city councillors, and representatives of organizations at this important announcement, which took place on Thursday, March 13, at the Buckingham Curling Club. “I am extremely proud to announce this government investment, right here in Gatineau, to support our seniors,” said Steven MacKinnon. “The investment announced today is concrete proof of what we can accomplish when we join forces to support our communities,” he added.

This investment will also strengthen our commitment to the most vulnerable seniors. “Today, we are taking a strong step toward their inclusion and well-being,” emphasized the Mayor of Gatineau.

Regarding the distribution of this investment, $5 million over five years will go to the City of Gatineau’s Collective Impact Initiative, selected as part of the 2023-2024 call for project proposals for the pan-Canadian component of the NHSP. “Thanks to this federal investment, we will be able to support 15 initiatives from east to west that will directly reach more than 7,000 beneficiaries,” explained Marquis-Bissonnette.

$800,000 will be used to fund 39 projects in the Outaouais region as part of the NHSP’s community component. “This component will fund a wide range of projects, such as online computer courses, financial education and fraud prevention awareness activities, meal delivery, and the purchase of equipment to help seniors stay informed, connected, and engaged in the community,” said Stéphane Lauzon, MNA for Argenteuil-La Petite Nation.

In addition, $700,000 has been allocated to fund two projects in Gatineau as part of the Home Support Pilot Project component of the Aging Well at Home initiative, to enable seniors to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. The Mayor of Gatineau highlighted the exemplary work of her colleague Jean Lessard, Chair of the Seniors Commission and City Councillor for the Rivière-Blanche district, as well as all the members. “Thanks to your commitment and determination, we are building a more inclusive team where our seniors find support, a listening ear, and opportunities to fully thrive,” she said.

From left to right: Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac; Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau; Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour; Stéphane Lauzon, Member of Parliament for Argenteuil-La Petite Nation, during the announcement of funding for seniors in Gatineau and the Outaouais region at the Buckingham Curling Club (March 13, 2025). MG Photo: Mélissa Gélinas

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

Gatineau Police are getting a financial boost for their services to people in crisis. Hull MNA Suzanne Tremblay announced funding $732,700 to the Gatineau Police (SPVG) to consolidate its mixed practice projects aimed at meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness or mental health issues. The announcement was made on February 17 on behalf of the Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel.

“I am thrilled by this grant, which will allow the SPVG to create a police officer position and a civilian project coordinator position dedicated to homelessness and mental health issues,” said Simon Fournier, SPVG Police Chief.

This financial assistance was allocated to the SPVG through the new Program to Support Concerted Police Practices in Homelessness and Mental Health (PSPPC). In total, 22 police services in Quebec will share a sum of $9 million, including $5.5 million for municipal and Indigenous police services.

Since 2017, the Crisis Intervention Unit (UNIC) team has been working closely with the SPVG team. “So, we already have officers who work in partnership with social workers from the Outaouais Health and Social Services Centre (CISSSO),” said Fournier.

In this sense, the PSPPC will allow the UNIC team to maximize collaboration with its various partners who work in homelessness and mental health in the Gatineau territory, for a period of three years. “The goal is to support, accompany and develop intervention tools with local organizations, in order to improve service to citizens,” stated the police chief.

Lionel Carmant, Minister responsible for Social Services, added, “By supporting this program, we are making a concrete investment to improve care and social services trajectories, to reduce the judicialization of these people as well as the use of emergency services for psychosocial issues or mental health disorders.”

“Faced with increasingly pressing mental health and homelessness issues, this investment of $732,700 is a strong message from our government that confirms its commitment to supporting all members of our community and working toward better crisis management by guaranteeing the safety and well-being of our fellow citizens in Chapleau, Gatineau and Outaouais,” said Mathieu Lévesque, MNA for Chapleau.

Photo: Left to right: Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, Simon Fournier, Chief of the SPVG, Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull, and Mathieu Lévesque, MNA for Chapleau, during the announcement of $732,700 in financial assistance to the Gatineau Police Department as part of the Support Program for Concerted Police Practices in Homelessness and Mental Health (February 17, 2025). (MG) Photo: Facebook page Suzanne Tremblay, MNA for Hull

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

Mario Aubé, municipal councillor for the Masson-Angers district, will be presented to City Hall in the fall of 2025. In addition, he serves as president of the Public Safety Commission and represents the Corporation de l’Aéroport de Gatineau-Ottawa and Tourisme Outaouais. He is also a member of several committees and commissions.

As 2025 is fast approaching, Aubé agreed to answer a series of questions, to take stock of his achievements and challenges, as well as his reflections on the future.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishments on the council this year?

In my opinion, my greatest accomplishment was making sure that Masson-Angers resonated very strongly with the municipal council. It was a priority to ensure that the residents of my district had a strong voice on the council as well as in the administration.

What were the most significant challenges faced by your district in the past year, and how were they addressed?

One of the major challenges is that of overflows. There are requests, pending projects that want to evolve and move forward, but the answers are not coming quickly. This is still not resolved to this day. When the budget was presented, no amount was added. We are still stuck with the same amount even though we know that the issue of overflows has been going on since 2010 and that the situation needs to be corrected.”

There are also basic services, including paving […]. According to a test I conducted called PCI (Pavement Condition Index), I got one of the worst ratings in the entire city of Gatineau for the condition of Rue de Fleurie in Masson-Angers. However, I managed to pave the street after three years. It may seem simplistic, but for the people in the neighbourhood who pass by that little stretch of street, it made their year.

What feedback from district residents shaped council decisions, and how did you incorporâtes their concerns?

This year, for example, I managed to negotiate an adjustment to the regulation of firearms control in the agricultural sector. I spoke with farmers who told me that this regulation would prevent them from controlling the population of geese that eat the seeds and crops on their land.

I also defended the voice of my residents regarding the registration tax for the STO. Just like them, I was against this tax that penalizes those who have cars. We all want to take the bus, but there are no good services in the area.

What improvements or changes have been made in your district’s infrastructure, such as roads, parks or public spaces?

There was the reconstruction of the tennis court fence at Jack-Eyamie Park and the replacement of the water tower for the Masson arena. Several streets were paved, including Rue George, one of the busiest streets in Masson-Angers and Buckingham.

How have local businesses in the district been supported, especially during challenges like inflation or the post-pandemic recovery?

Lately, there was the parking tax that we discussed during the budget study week and that will be made official when the budget is voted on. I took a very local approach to this issue. I looked at the Encan zone of Masson-Angers where a 25% surcharge was to be imposed. I defended that zone and obtained an amendment to the budget, making an exception for that area. That would have meant thousands and thousands of dollars for merchants who would have been forced to pass the tax on to customers.

I also supported Les 2 Petits Cochons dairy bar that lost everything in a fire. I asked the city administration to obtain authorization for them to continue to operate from a trailer.

How has the district’s budget allocation been spent, and what were the key priorities for local spending?

A good portion of the budget was used to help organizations like the Maison de la Famille and the Lions Club. I also lit up the Vieux-Masson sector for the holiday season, helped find a location for a community organization, the Quilters Guild, and relaunched the small café meetings in Masson.

What policies or initiatives do you believe have made the most impact on residents’ quality of life this year?

I managed to ban the regulation on the new collection of household waste. In my opinion, it makes no sense that the extra bag must be photographed so that the next morning a truck can pick it up. Imagine when it’s winter and your bag gets stuck in the ice or is pushed by the snowplow.

What lessons did you learn this year that will shape future decisions?

I realized that, as a city, we need to take the time to explain our decisions to residents, to inform them in advance and involve them in the decisions. We really need to listen to them.

What are your top priorities for improving the quality of life in your district next year?

Since I will be running for mayor, I will have an eye on all the districts. I have my eye on the greater city, but I will, of course, always keep it on Masson-Angers. For me, the main priorities remain basic services and good communication […].

How do you see the district evolving over the next few years, and what long-term plans are in place to support this vision?

We often think that the evolution of a district is done with large projects, but it is often several small projects located in several sectors that form the whole. It is important that none of these projects leave dust lying around. They must be active.

We also need to knock on the doors of higher governments so that Quebec and Ottawa help with infrastructure, housing and other needs, instead of overtaxing our citizens. There is money sleeping in the coffers at the federal and provincial levels. We need to get that money to maintain good intergovernmental relations for the development of our city.

You will soon be presented at City Hall; what does that represent for you?

I would say that my heart is in Masson-Angers. These are my residents and it’s what makes me want to get up every day to defend their interests. My way of thinking about helping residents has expanded and I feel the need to do it for the entire city of Gatineau. I intend to represent all the people of Gatineau just as I do for those in my district of Masson-Angers.”

Photo: Mario Aubé answering questions from the media during the press scrum on November 7, 2024. (MG) Photo: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau

See all the interviews in upcoming editions and at GatineauBulletin.ca

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

Isabelle N. Miron is a founding member of Action Gatineau since 2012. She serves as municipal councillor for the district of l’Orée-du-Parc and as deputy mayor for Maude Marquis-Bissonnette. She is also chair of the Commission des arts, de la culture, des lettres et du patrimoine, vice-chair of several committees, representative of the Commission de la culture, des loisirs et de la vie communautaire of the Union des municipalités du Québec, member of the Commission du vivre-ensemble and representative of several associations and foundations.

With the year 2025 fast approaching, Miron answered a series of questions, looking back on 2024, on her achievements, her challenges, and on her thoughts and ideas.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishments on the council this year?

I am particularly proud of submitting the cultural policy that we launched in December 2023. This city’s cultural policy was the oldest, dating back to the municipal amalgamation. So, we can imagine how much the cultural world has changed since then! The media and needs are no longer the same. We really needed to review everything, and I am proud of the document and, more specifically, of the very precise action plan. In addition, yesterday, Place Laval won another national architecture award.

What were the most significant challenges faced by your district in the past year, and how were they addressed?

We have a challenge with Mont-Bleu Boulevard, which is an important boulevard since it connects highway exits to several educational institutions […] It had been in the plans to rebuild it for a long time, but we were also in the process of finalizing the bicycle master plan. In this sense, to serve educational institutions, it seemed relevant to us to include bicycle links. Consequently, you can imagine the challenge of including a bicycle link in a highway exit! It’s not easy, so we had to revise our plan. Unfortunately, the citizens were not happy, because I had promised them that the work would be completed in 2022, but the construction site did not begin until 2024. However, it is a beautiful construction that is currently underway. I understand, all the same, people’s impatience, but that is part of the difficulty of our very large city, where we are obliged to prioritize projects according to their urgency.

What feedback from district residents shaped council decisions, and how did you incorporate their concerns?

One recent issue is the Coop d’habitation project on Boulevard de la Technologie. It’s a great project that meets the need for more affordable housing for families, and consequently, because building permits must be delivered before December 31, this requires us to move much faster than usual so as not to lose the right to financing. This leads to a lot of discontent on the part of people in the neighbourhood. The problem is that people are opposed to this housing project while we are in the middle of a housing crisis. I realized how important it is to involve citizens upstream and avoid coming to them with a surprise.

What improvements or changes have been made in your district’s infrastructure, such as roads, parks or public spaces?

I have plans to get more street furniture, because we have an aging population. In this way, I think we should install more benches in parks and public spaces.

How have local businesses in the district been supported, particularly during challenges such as inflation and recovery from the pandemic?

There were programs in the city that supported entrepreneurs. For my part, I did advertising and promoted the services that I was using in my neighborhood.

How has the district’s budget allocation been spent, and what were the key priorities for local spending?

I always try to strike a balance between the organizations in my neighbourhood. Since I am the chair of the Arts Commission, I will be supporting cultural organizations in large cities. This year, for example, I donated to the Relais Plein Air of Gatineau Park and the Outaouais Contemporary Art Centre. I also contributed financially to repairing my daughters’ schoolyard, which had become very dangerous due to the holes in the asphalt.”

What policies or initiatives do you believe have made the most impact on residents’ quality of life this year?

I believe that our environmental decisions will make a difference. This will not happen immediately, but in the long term. We must continue to invest in the STO even if it is not popular. What we want is for it to become a real transportation alternative and for us to want to leave our cars at home.

What lessons did you learn this year that will shape future decisions?

I will try as much as possible to no longer take residents by surprise during projects, like the Coop d’habitation. We have a margin of maneuver that is thin between sharing too much information or sharing the information too early and we end up with consequences.

What are your top priorities for improving the quality of life in your district next year?

I submitted a request to our services to review our noise bylaw. The City of Gatineau is one of the most permissive cities when it comes to decibel tolerance. I would like people to understand that noise is a real factor that affects people’s health. There are people who sell their homes and leave the neighbourhood because of it.”

Furthermore, on Boulevard de la Technologie, we want to control a little better what could be established there, what types of businesses, homes, for example […] I also want to make sure that we can keep green spaces.

How do you see the district evolving over the next few years, and what long-term plans are in place to support this vision?

One thing I would like to mention that would help me a lot would be the revival of a neighbourhood association. Residents would like to have an association so that they can make themselves heard, and I think we are ready to do that in Mont-Bleu.

How would you interpret your role as deputy mayor?

The role of deputy mayor has enriched my experience as a municipal councillor, because I am called to go to other people’s districts and meet lots of people. I really have an incredible opportunity. I hope that my modest contribution will help lessen the burden on the mayor’s shoulders.

See all the interviews in upcoming editions and on GatineauBulletin.ca

Photo: Isabelle N. Miron, deputy mayor and municipal councillor for l’Orée-du-Parc District (Novembre 14, 2024) (MG)  Photo: Mélissa Gélinas

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

Since 2013, Jean Lessard has served as municipal councillor for the District of Rivière-Blanche. He is also chair of the Seniors Commission and a member of the Agricultural Advisory Committee. He represents several corporations and committees, such as the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport Corporation, the Hot Air Balloon Festival Corporation, the Ottawa Airport Community Advisory Committee and the Outaouais Seniors and Retirees Roundtable.

To mark the year 2024, Lessard answered a series of questions to provide feedback on his accomplishments, challenges and thoughts over the year.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishments on the council this year?

This year, the Gatineau airport flight school was inaugurated. There was a lot of work on our side to ensure its sustainability. It was a major achievement that was worked on for a period of four years and that generated major economic benefits.

What were the most significant challenges faced by your district in the past year, and how were they addressed?

Last year, the biggest challenge was the reconstruction of the Saint-Gérard community centre, which had burned down. This work is still in progress. We had to organize ourselves to find temporary premises for the organizations, so that they could get off to a good start while waiting for the work to be completed.”

What feedback from district residents shaped council decisions, and how did you incorporate their concerns?

Residents were against a proposed apartment building construction project at the corner of Châteauguay Street and Cheval Blanc Avenue, because the building would have been too large. We spoke with the residents concerning a more suitable project and we ended up authorizing the change by asking the developer to come back to us with a new project.

What improvements or changes have been made to your district’s infrastructure, such as roads, parks and public spaces?

There has been a lot of work done on Rue de Châteauguay, Rue des Sables and Avenue du Cheval Blanc with the improvement of the bike path, sidewalks and the addition of permanent measures to reduce speed.

How have local businesses in the district been supported, especially during challenges like inflation or the post-pandemic recovery?

There was extra financing for certain organizations in the sector, as well as subsidies for some businesses in the Industrial Park, given by Quebec or the federal government.

How has the district’s budget allocation been spent, and what were the key priorities for local spending?

For me, the budget is always spent to boost the sector through park improvements, whether it’s adding tables or even game accessories. Some amounts are taken directly from my budget to supplement spending through bonuses. I also spent a certain amount on renovating the libraries in four elementary schools.

What policies or initiatives do you believe have made the most impact on residents’ quality of life this year?

For me, what had the most impact this year was when we met with seniors from all four corners of the city, so they could express their point of view on different situations and issues.

Furthermore, for Remembrance Day, we allowed veterans to park for free in the city throughout the month of November. I would also like to highlight the development of the Dalton Farm Park project, where we have integrated new activities that have had a positive impact on the community. Every time we organize celebrations, such as the sugar shack festival in March, there are always lots of people who participate. There will also be many other events throughout the year.”

What lessons did you learn this year that will shape future decisions?

The lessons learned can be related to the decisions we make that are not always positive. Unfortunately, however, I don’t have a specific answer to give you on this question.

What are your top priorities for improving the quality of life in your district next year?

As I mentioned earlier, one of my priorities is to continue rebuilding the Saint-Gérard community centre by adding services that we could not access before. To do this, more modern rooms will be built, including a community kitchen. This will allow organizations to cook meals for people in need. Another priority is to continue seeking solutions to keep our streets safe.

How do you see the district evolving over the next few years and what long-term plans are in place to support this vision?

One of the long-term plans is the extension of La Vérendrye Boulevard to Lorrain Boulevard, which is one of our priorities. This will improve the flow of cars, bikes and public transit with the integration of bike paths and a bus line. At the same time, this extension will allow students to go directly to Nicolas-Gatineau School, instead of having to make a big detour.

In your opinion, what is the most important concern facing your district right now?

In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges in my district is infrastructure. With the current challenges of overflows, infrastructure is not holding up, which makes it difficult to move projects forward.

See all the interviews in upcoming editions and on GatineauBulletin.ca.

Photo: Jean Lessard giving a speech during the press scrum on November 7, 2024. (MG) Photo: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

A municipal councillor for the Lac-Beauchamp district for three years, Denis Girouard serves as president of the Table de concertation sur les événements and as representative for the Agence Bassin Versant des 7. He is also a member of the Public Safety Commission and of the Recreation, Sports and Community Development Commission.

With the year 2025 fast approaching, Girouard answered the following series of questions to provide feedback on his accomplishments, challenges and thoughts for 2025.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishments on the council this year?

My greatest accomplishments have been the reduction of traffic speed, infrastructure, roads and Lac Beauchamp. For example, I had traffic lights installed on Maloney Boulevard, across from the entrance to Lac Beauchamp. This helped reduce speed by about 80%. At the corner of Notre-Dame and Maloney, there is a cenotaph where I had giant poppies installed. It’s a great achievement. I also managed to have Beaudoin Street paved, where there had been no work done for nearly 40 years.

As for Lac Beauchamp, I managed to obtain funding to oxygenate the lake, to keep it alive […] I also managed to obtain nearly a million dollars to invest in trail maintenance […]

What were the most significant challenges faced by your district in the past year, and how were they addressed?

In November 2023, I sent out a message about homeless people who had settled near Hurtubise Street. At that time, I tried to see if it was possible to move them to another location, but it was not possible. Today, it has become a problem in Old Gatineau. It is the result of an accumulation that we have had over all these years. I have not stopped increasing the number of requests, meetings and information. It was practically a full-time job!

What feedback from district residents shaped council decisions, and how did you incorporate their concerns?

There were many concerns about public works, such as streetlights, sidewalks, security, repairs and waste; more specifically, on Notre Dame Street, where we have invested millions of dollars. Merchants feel a little forgotten because we planned for a certain standard on the street, but the opposite is happening because of the heavy presence of homeless people in the area.

What improvements or changes have been made in your district’s infrastructure, such as roads, parks or public spaces?

At Sanscartier Park, I had a swing installed for residents. There have also been a lot of improvements in the parks with the installation of netting, fences, etc.

How have local businesses in the district been supported, especially during challenges like inflation or the post-pandemic recovery?

My approach is to refer them to specific organizations. In Old Gatineau, there is the Association des Gens d’Affaires (Association of Business People) that can address this issue. There is also the Comité de Vie de Quartier (Neighbourhood Life Committee) and the Food Bank, which have been very involved with merchants.

How has the district’s budget allocation been spent, and what were the key priorities for local spending?

I have invested a lot in my sector. I donated about $30,000 to the Trois-Saisons school to install playgrounds for the children […] Last year, I invested $12,000 in the Itinérance Zéro organization. I also support all the local organizations in my neighbourhood with donations and grants.

What policies or initiatives do you believe have made the most impact on residents’ quality of life this year?

This year, there was participation in organizations. I know that the reality of things at Lac Beauchamp doesn’t always work for residents. However, Lac Beauchamp Park is one of the most active parks in Gatineau each year.

What lessons did you learn this year that will shape future decisions?

What I learned is that one person can’t do it alone! I’m an independent candidate and Action Gatineau is in power. I must admit that communication is difficult. We’re often left to our own devices. What bothers me the most is that everything is centralized to the west: Hull, Aylmer, etc. And we have almost nothing on the east side of Gatineau. In my opinion, Maloney Boulevard is downtown Gatineau, but it’s neglected to the maximum. There’s a big lack of information and investment.

What are your top priorities for improving the quality of life in your district next year?

Next year, my main goal is to reassure the people of Lac Beauchamp. Secondly, to ensure that the issue of homelessness is addressed in the right way and that the safety of the neighbourhood is improved.

How do you see the district evolving over the next few years, and what long-term plans are in place to support this vision?

There are some great things coming up for Lac Beauchamp and I hope that these will happen in the short term. There is the Wabassee Creek project, which will be extraordinary for the people of Old Gatineau! There are also major projects for Lac Beauchamp […] In terms of infrastructure, there are places that will need to be beautified such as on Hurtubise Street, Maloney Boulevard […]

In your opinion, what is the most important concern facing the City of Gatineau right now?

In my opinion, the most important concern is the City of Gatineau’s expenses. We really need to study them. Residents need some relief from their taxes, because, right now, they have exceeded their ability to pay.

See all the interviews in upcoming editions and at GatineauBulletin.ca

Photo: Denis Girouard, municipal councilor for the Lac-Beauchamp district during the municipal council meeting (October 22, 2024) MG.

Photo: Courtesy of the City of Gatineau

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

The Gatineau Optimist Club had several projects and activities to help young people in need in the region over the holiday season. They distributed gifts to more than 207 children. Each of them received a gift worth more than $40, in addition to pajamas, a toque, mittens, socks and a toothbrush.

Robert Asselin, President of the Gatineau Optimist Club, noted that they had several activities and projects planned for 2025. “We will participate in the upcoming Winterlude,” he stated, “then, for Easter, there will be a draw for giant chocolate bunnies that will be distributed in the winning schools. During the summer, toward the end of classes, there will also be draws for bicycles for students. We prepare and participate in different activities throughout the year to allow us to self-finance.”

Donations are also given to different associations in the region. Young people can also participate in competitions to win scholarships. “We also organize training to promote bicycle safety among young people, with the help of different associations,” Asselin said.

Photo: Distribution of Christmas gifts to young people in need (December 13, 2019) (MG) Photo: Facebook Page Gatineau Optimist Club

Mélissa LJI Reporter

At the meeting of Gatineau’s Healthy City Commission on November 1, Étienne Soutière, Early Childhood Planning, Programming and Research Officer, presented the results of the Quebec survey on child development in kindergarten (EQDEM).

This survey has been conducted every five years since 2012 and is supported by the Ministry of Health, Education and Family as well as the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation. More specifically, the EQDEM is based on five major areas of development, including: physical health, well-being, communication skills, general knowledge and emotional maturity. There are also subheadings.

“Once again, the Outaouais is a little high in terms of statistics,” stated Soutière. “We have proportions of 32.2% in terms of vulnerable children who are in school in the Outaouais. There has, however, been some improvement since the last survey […].”

“It is in terms of physical health, well-being, communication skills and general knowledge that we find the greatest proportion of vulnerable children,” he explained.

In the city of Gatineau, it was possible to note that the CLSC Vallée-de-la-Lièvre in the Buckingham sector has the largest proportion of vulnerable children. “In total, Gatineau has a rate of 34% of vulnerable children compared to 31.6% in Aylmer and 31% in the Hull sector,” Soutière pointed out. In the more remote regions of Quebec, such as Gaspésie and the Magdalen Islands, there is a rate of 24% of children in vulnerable situations.

Among the statistics, 32% of these children were born in Quebec, 34% in Canada and 43% outside the country. “It was possible to observe that a proportion of English-speaking children are five to eight per cent more vulnerable than elsewhere,” noted Soutière. “So, there are questions to ask at that level.”

The proportion of children who benefited from an educational childcare service represents a 30% vulnerability rate, compared to 51% for those who did not benefit from this service. “We can see, however, that childcare services are a fairly interesting safety net for toddlers,” he added.

To implement actions, the EQDEM set up a steering committee in the winter of 2023. “Our goal was to collect all the desired outcomes and the right costs, in order to bring them together to become a lever for strategic and action planning,” he emphasized. These outcomes include, in particular: more affordable housing, a better active transportation service, free play, socialization, the promotion of volunteering and much more.

Meetings, conferences, activities, mobilization and awareness-raising are part of the actions put in place to continue to support and help the situation.

Student walking with her backpack. MG Photo : Pixabay

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

On Thursday, December 5, the David Awards will be presented in the Jean-Despréz Room of the Maison du Citoyen from 5 pm to 9 pm.

People will be invited to a welcoming cocktail upon arrival at 5 pm where they will have the opportunity to chat with each other. Around 7 pm, presentation of the awards will take place. Several special guests will be present, including Greg Fergus, MP and Speaker of the House of Commons.

Thirty years ago, André Sanche, originally from Gatineau, and the Outaouais Disabled People’s Group (RAPHO) decided to create the David Awards. More specifically, these are regional awards that are presented each year to individuals, groups, organizations or people living with a disability who have distinguished themselves in the community.

The name David refers to the biblical story of David versus Goliath representing an unequal fight between two individuals, one of whom is small (David) and the other, a giant (Goliath). David wins this fight.

RAPHO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to defend the rights of people with disabilities through inclusion and awareness-raising.

For more information on this event, please contact Estelle Lussier, RAPHO coordinator at (819) 770-0535 or by email: direction@rapho.org.

Photo: David Award winners accompanied by the host (December 3, 2022) (MG)
Photo: RAPHO Facebook Page

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

During the City of Gatineau’s Commission-du-vivre-ensemble on November 14, Roxanne Lauzon Rankin, Apitipi Anicinapek, presented her role as regional Indigenous partnership advisor, as well as the status of the Indigenous initiative of working on reconciliation by developing different strategies to facilitate it.

“My mandate is to develop and maintain partnership relationships with regional Indigenous communities,” she explained. “This includes citizens, various organizations, partner institutions at the Outaouais Higher Education Hub (PESO) as well as the City of Gatineau. I bring together the different teams to work well on Indigenous files, by providing them with advice and support […]”.

“Currently, several new organizations and projects are emerging on city territory. It is important to consult Indigenous communities by developing relationships of trust with them,” she says.

There are many files concerning Indigenous challenges, services, committees and projects. “Currently, we are working on a project with the President of Higher Education regarding bullying experienced by Indigenous students in schools,” Lauzon Rankin noted. “The project should be presented at the end of February, as part of Anti-Bullying Week.”

“At the city level, we all have a liaison for Indigenous community consultations, whether at the level of urban planning services, sustainable development, mobility services or citizen interaction,” she said.

To coordinate everything well, it is important to draw up a list of everyone’s needs, both on the Indigenous and non-Indigenous sides. Lauzon Rankin stated, “We must ask ourselves, ‘What are the needs of non-Indigenous people?’ in order to work well with these communities. And ‘What do the Indigenous people need?’”

To do this, an action plan was developed to identify strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and challenges facing Indigenous people. This plan can be implemented both within the municipality and within PESO institutions. Lauzon Rankin stated, “Right now, one of the biggest issues concerns the nuclear plant in Chalk River.” (an incident at the nuclear reactor in 1952 that contaminated the water and air)

“One of the main observations I made is that there are no, or very few, policy procedures, official written processes,” she says. “We have to deal a lot on a case-by-case basis,” she adds. “Indigenous files are worked on, but not in a uniform or structured way. However, I have noticed a great desire to want to work together.”

According to Ms. Lauzon Rankin, optimizing resources and development will certainly increase the visibility of concrete actions and allow their implementation to be faster. Notably, several indigenization committees led by PESO are emerging in educational institutions such as UQO, Cégep de l’Outaouais and Heritage College.

Photo: Roxanne Lauzon Rankin, Apitipi Anicinapek and Regional Indigenous Partnership Advisor (September 27, 2021) (MG) Photo: Roxanne Lauzon Rankin Facebook Page

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

The Promenades de Gatineau Christmas Market officially opened on November 22 and will remain open until December 24.

In collaboration with Croquez l’Outaouais, a non-profit association, it is above all an initiative to promote local products and encourage local business. With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s the perfect opportunity to go shopping.

Several local businesses will be there to showcase their products, such as confectionery, decorations, crafts and much more. Among the companies that will be there are: Amandes de Maribel, Délices Sublimes, Domaine de l’Ange Gardien, Domaine Mont-Vézeau (vineyard and strawberry farm), Érablière Bo-Sirop, Ferme Mouflon Farm, Ferme Pure Consience, Kîsisam Pâtisserie, Miellerie Sempels Honey, Miss Marmelades, Monsieur Limonade, Rochef Chocolatier as well as Verger Double Attitude Orchard. There will certainly be something for all tastes and all budgets.

Photo: The Promenades de Gatineau Christmas Market. (MG) Photo: Facebook page, Promenades de Gatineau

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

After 15 years of existence, the Enfants au chaud program managed to raise a record amount of $45,950 in donations this year.

For the occasion, a spaghetti dinner was held on October 26 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in the Buckingham sector. Buckingham District City Councillor Edmond Leclair and Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette were present as honourary presidents of the program.

Fifteen years ago, Sébastien Joncas founded Enfants au chaud in collaboration with the Maison de la famille Vallée-de-la-Lièvre. Seeing many children walking around the streets of Buckingham during the winter without boots or suitable clothing, Joncas took the initiative to help the community by setting up this project. Since then, this solidarity movement has helped keep more than 300 children warm each year.

“The first year, at the very first spaghetti dinner for the fundraiser, there were only about 20 people,” mentioned Luc-André Faubert, Director General of the Maison de la famille Vallée-de-la-Lièvre. “Barely $10,000 was raised each year and now we’re able to raise more than $45,000.”

“The monetary donations come from residents as well as from several sponsors,” explained Faubert. “This money is used to purchase new winter clothing that will be distributed to the children.” People can also donate new winter clothes, if they wish, by going directly to the Maison de la famille Vallée-de-la-Lièvre located at 321, Avenue de Buckingham.

Photo: Cheque for $45,950 presented during spaghetti dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Buckingham for the Enfants au chaud program (October 26, 2024) (MG) Photo: Edmond Leclerc Facebook Page

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

On Saturday, November 2, the sports and social association Les Braves du Coin organized a dinner to thank all its volunteers and, at the same time, to present a $2,000 scholarship to the young gymnast Mégane Lasalle to support her in her dream of participating in the 2028 Olympics.

To mark the event, the evening took place around a friendly dinner that began around 6:30 pm. Speeches of thanks were first given to highlight the involvement and dedication of the volunteers during the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival, who raised a record amount of money. Other speeches were then given to mention Mégane’s excellence, perseverance and dedication to her athletic journey. Following the speeches, a $2,000 cheque and flowers were presented to her. The event ended with draws and a performance by a guest musician, Claude St-Cyr, who hosted the evening.

Founded in 1962, Les Braves du Coin is a non-profit sports and social association that is involved in several causes in the region. Among these, more than $5,000 was donated to the Gatineau hospital to help sick children, and donations were made for cancer research, for the sponsorship of children in need, and more. “This year, with Noël à Cogeco organized by 104.7 Outaouais, we had the chance to sponsor a child from the region, in order to provide him with financial assistance as well as winter clothing,” said Jean-François Landry, outgoing president and organizer of Les Braves du Coin.

All donations are self-financed through benefit dinners, golf tournaments and activities. “Our goal is to give back as much as possible to the community,” explains Daniel Laframboise, President of Les Braves du Coin.

The association has over 550 members and includes over 50 volunteers. Many partners work in partnership with Les Braves du Coin, including Suzanne Tremblay, Member of the National Assembly for Hull, Denis Girouard, municipal councillor for the Lac-Beauchamp district, Steve Moran, municipal councillor for the Hull-Wright district, Chapiteau Outaouais, as well as Michel Richard, co-owner and financial controller of Couvre-Plancher Suprême.

Left to right: Jean-François Landry, outgoing president and organizer of the Braves du Coin, Mégane Lasalle, gymnast and Daniel Laframboise, president of the Braves du Coin, during the cheque presentation (November 2, 2024) (MG) Photo: Mélissa Gélinas

Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

During the week of October 21, the Université du Québec en Outaouais made the unfortunate discovery of homophobic and transphobic messages in its two buildings: Alexandre Taché and Lucien-Brault.

The messages were in the form of graffiti and written comments on paper that were posted all over campus bulletin boards and on car windshields.

Several initiatives have been put in place by the UQO. An awareness campaign will be launched, meetings will be held, and support for those affected will be available to defend the rights of the LGBTQ community.

The University states that such situations are unacceptable and go against its fundamental values. Following this event, UQO strongly denounces the actions and is committed to promoting respect, safety and inclusiveness for all.

The student association for the struggle of the LGBTQ community quickly reported the presence of these displays. The university administration subsequently took the situation seriously by reporting the event to the Gatineau police. Several steps have been taken to improve security on the premises; however, to date, no one has been arrested. The police say they are continuing their research by collecting information to advance the investigation.

Photo: Far right: Murielle Laberge, Rector of UQO, accompanied by author Marianne Chbat on the far left with other participants at the launch of her book: Familles Queers (October 28, 2024). (MG) Photo: UQO-Université du Québec en Outaouais Facebook page