Photo: Mayor France Bélisle, reflecting on a year of significant progress and challenges for Gatineau during her mayoral tenure. (TF) Photo courtesy of France Bélisle’s Facebook Page

As 2024 begins, Gatineau’s Mayor France Bélisle takes a moment to look back at the eventful year that was 2023. Marking the midpoint of her tenure, it was a year that stood out as a definitive period for her administration. Characterized by a host of initiatives and notable challenges, 2023 was replete with significant achievements, the introduction of innovative solutions, and the learning of important lessons, all of which have shaped the trajectory of Gatineau under her leadership.

Housing Initiatives: A Collaborative Success

At the forefront of Mayor Bélisle’s achievements in 2023 was the revitalization of Gatineau’s housing sector. The creation of the shock committee in housing was a bold step toward addressing the city’s housing backlog. With 850 units stalled at the start of her tenure, the committee’s collaborative approach, uniting the city, private sector, and community organizations, brought a wave of progress.

Compassionate Approach to Homelessness

Homelessness, a complex and pressing issue, saw significant attention in 2023. Mayor Bélisle, moved by the plight of the city’s most vulnerable, led the council in allocating an unprecedented $5 million to homelessness services. This funding will contribute to the construction of a permanent infrastructure, offering essential support to those in need.

Advancing the Climate Agenda

Environmental stewardship was another key focus. The administration’s efforts culminated in the advancement of the city’s Climate Plan, a crucial step toward sustainable urban living. Securing a $25 million grant from the Quebec government, Mayor Bélisle’s team made significant progress in addressing the environmental challenges posed by the Cook landfill site, one of Quebec’s largest greenhouse gas emitters.

Encouraging Sustainable Transportation

The introduction of the “Libre Accès Jeunesse” program marked a leap forward in promoting sustainable transportation. Offering free, unlimited public transit access to over 10,000 students during the summer, this initiative not only cultivated environmentally friendly habits among the youth but also eased the burden on families.

Rethinking Tax Payment and Service Delivery

A significant administrative reform introduced by Mayor Bélisle was the new flexible method of tax payment, allowing residents to pay municipal taxes in four installments. This policy change, though simple, had a profound impact on the lives of many Gatineau residents, exemplifying theadministration’s focus on practical, everyday solutions. Alongside this, improvements in waste management, snow removal, and general service delivery underscored a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.​

Restructuring for Greater Efficiency

2023 also saw an internal restructuring within the municipal government aimed at increasing efficiency and responsiveness. New services focusing on citizen interaction, asset planning, and performance management were established. These changes represent a strategic shift toward amore agile and effective municipal administration.

Looking Ahead: 2024 and Beyond

As Gatineau steps into 2024, Mayor France Bélisle’s vision encompasses a range of ambitious goals. Building on the foundations laid in the previous year, her focus remains steadfast on critical areas like housing, economic development, mobility, public safety, and infrastructure.

Continued Housing Innovation: With the groundwork laid in 2023, the mayor plans to continue the momentum in the housing sector. The construction of 400 new housing units is just the beginning. The administration aims to further collaborate with various stakeholders to address the housing crisis innovatively and compassionately.

Economic Development Focus: Recognizing the potential for economic growth, Mayor Bélisle intends to devote more resources to this area. The goal is to streamline efforts, ensuring that Gatineau’s economic development is both robust and sustainable. This will involve a closer look at local businesses and a strategic plan to boost the city’s economic vitality. By nurturing the local economy, the administration aims to create a thriving environment for businesses and residents alike.

Enhanced Mobility Solutions: The “Libre Accès Jeunesse” program is set to expand, potentially covering more students and promoting wider use of public transport. This initiative is part of a larger vision to transform Gatineau into a city where sustainable transportation is not just encouraged but seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

Public Safety Initiatives: The plans for a new Police Headquarters and the creation of a public safety commission highlight the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and securityof all Gatineau residents.

Infrastructure for a Growing City: Projects like the Complexe de l’Ouest showcase the city’s commitment to providing top-notch recreational facilities. The administration’s focus on infrastructure extends to improving roads, public spaces, and community centres, ensuring that Gatineau’s growth is both balanced and beneficial to all residents.

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan