Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

On May 9, Independent mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson revealed to journalists a four-part plan to find the balance between development and the environment.

At the top of his list was reviewing Gatineau’s Climate Plan and its 12 priorities by realigning the identified targets and demonstrating “a strong commitment to the fight against climate change.”

If elected, Bisson would also like to develop an energy ecosystem with a multitude of energy sources to support the current and future needs of residents. Another of his projects would be to bring some green to Gatineau’s downtown and neighbouring areas by continuing the development of parks and green spaces. His final commitment was to continue the growth of the active transportation network with pedestrian and cycle paths.

“My goal is to implement effective measures that will meet the immediate needs of citizens, while preparing the city to meet long-term environmental challenges,” Bisson wrote on social media. “I am present because my intention is to serve the people of Gatineau and put them at the heart of their city.”

Photo caption: Mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson gathers journalists at Lac-Beauchamp Park to share his plans for sustainable development in Gatineau.

Photo credit: Stéphane Bisson Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Another mayoral candidate has accused fellow candidate Yves Ducharme of being too close to Brigil, a prominent construction company in Gatineau. Olive Kamanyana said potential conflict of interests could be clouding Ducharme’s decision-making.

“Listen, we just lost a mayor. We don’t want to lose a potential mayor if he is ever elected,” said Kamanyana, in reference to former mayor France Bélisle’s sudden departure in late February.

Ducharme’s ties to Brigil were already put in question by Action Gatineau head Maude Marquis- Bissonnette in late April when she was quoted in an article from Le Droit stating “He still has active mandates on the lobbyist register. Members of his team too.”

The candidate was quick to fire back, issuing a press release insisting the assertion was “unfounded and, above all, false.” Ducharme claimed he and his team had no active mandate in the lobbyist register for any company.

As of May 9, Ducharme and his team member, Roch Cholette, were still listed as active lobbyists for Brigil on the Carrefour Lobby Québec website.

“This is really a problem,” said Kamanyana. “It is very important that the population of Gatineau feels that the mayor will not be in a conflict of interest in advance. Or even in the projects that will come around the table.”

Having served on municipal council, Kamanyana has been part of numerous dealings with Brigil. She noted if Ducharme was elected, he would have to refrain from commenting on several issues, leaving the City’s mayor absent in decision-making.

“We saw other members of council who had to declare their capacity to decide several times because a member of their family was part of the Brigil group. Imagine the one who was working on these files while they were already in progress.”

The call for withdrawal came after the release of the first impression of the legal opinion obtained by Le Droit, claiming that in terms of the law, Ducharme must be considered “close” to Brigil owner Gilles Desjardins.

While Ducharme has said he would only present a legal opinion once elected, former municipal councillor of Hull, Claude Bonhomme, took it upon himself to hire a lawyer from Bélanger- Sauvé, specializing in municipal law.

“In light of the information available to us, it is difficult for us to envisage how Mr. Ducharme could, in a few months, find himself in a position to make decisions that would affect – favourably or unfavourably – the interests of Brigil, while respecting his obligations and ethical standards that would be imposed on him, more particularly, to avoid favouritism toward this company … and not to be influenced by this previous relationship in the exercise of his functions,” read the legal opinion.

“It is absolutely necessary that this legal opinion that (Ducharme) was talking about at one point be done before he submits his candidacy,” said Kamanyana.

Photo caption: After the release of the first impression of the legal opinion, mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana argues her fellow candidate Yves Ducharme should withdraw his candidacy for Gatineau mayor.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The solution to Gatineau’s housing crisis lay in changing the regulations and procedures to build them, independent mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana told reporters on May 9.

Despite the creation of the Comité-choc en logement, the former Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district councillor noted the vacancy rate in Gatineau was still barely 1 per cent. This low turnover in housing stock ultimately meant the vacancy rate of units with rents under $1,575 was below 1 per cent, making the task of finding housing for lower-income households even more challenging.

“The problem we have, and everyone knows it, is the problem of supply and demand. There is very little housing, and there is a lot of demand. And what I find very complicated is that the Comité-choc en logement, when it began its work, did not think of working on regulatory changes,” said Kamanyana.

Pulling from Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan, the candidate proposed a regulatory review of the Site Planning and Architectural Integration Plans to remove unnecessary barriers, facilitate the addition of housing through building expansion and subdivision, as well as streamline the permit process.

Kamanyana added, “There are several elements that make it possible to make housing available and to help developers to help us…. It is up to us to facilitate the construction of housing because the developers bring the money to us to simplify the processes and regulations.”

Photo caption: If elected, independent mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana would like to see changes to regulations and procedures to build housing to speed up construction in Gatineau.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau’s acting mayor, Daniel Champagne, gave his two cents on Bill 57 in a presentation to the National Assembly of Quebec on May 8.

Tabled in early April, the bill aimed to protect elected officials from threats, intimidation, and harassment, with offenders facing fines up to $1,500.

The latest data from the Fédération Québécoise des Municipalités discovered a spike in elected officials reporting uncivil comments and interactions online compared to its 2017 report. This was the reality of former Gatineau mayor France Bélisle, who resigned from her position in late February due to personal attacks and death threats.

Now in her place until the by-election, Champagne underlined the significance of protecting officials from this form of intimidation but avoiding creating a “wall” between politicians and citizens where people no longer feel able to express themselves.

“We must ensure that we do not lose the voice of the citizen,” Champagne told journalists in a press briefing on May 1. “The place of the citizen in decision-making is fundamental. The place of the citizen in criticizing elected officials for the decisions they make is essential.”

At times officials are faced with citizens full of emotion as they speak to issues close to their hearts, and Champagne stressed the importance of allowing this expression of emotion, but in a respectful manner.

“We must not create an environment in which people feel that they are walking on eggshells every time they express discomfort with any situation.”

But where was the limit? Champagne said this was where things became a little difficult but could be resolved with the use of a council president, who was someone other than the mayor.

“I think that the president of a municipal council has an extremely important role to play … to precisely establish this limit, then say at what point have we just crossed to a zone into which we cannot go.”

Photo caption: Gatineau’s interim mayor Daniel Champagne stresses the necessity of keeping communication with citizens open, all the while protecting elected officials from forms of intimidation.

Photo credit: Screenshot from the Executive Committee press scrum on May 1

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Centre d’exposition L’Imagier came to life as Berirouche Feddal’s canvas on May 3, with the opening of his exhibition “The blue Mediterranean is overflowing with tears.”

From prints to sculptures, the transdisciplinary artist’s work was linked by symbols and memories related to his childhood in Algeria and to his Kabyle heritage, which are the Indigenous people of North Algeria.

At the heart of Feddal’s work was the colour blue, which was described as a sacred guardian in Kabyle culture. Representing hope, serenity, and protection against influences, blue encapsulated the ancestral identity and traditional wisdom of the Amazigh people who reside in the mountains of northern Algeria.

The exhibition took attendees on an intimate journey of self-acceptance that blends past and present, exploring the passage of time and its effects on objects, colours, and symbols. Simultaneously honouring family inspiration and political realities, the works pointed to concepts like climate change, death, and nostalgia.

Using agrarian symbols from Feddal’s personal history and identity, the exhibition called on political as well as religious themes to convey the pain and emotion the artist has experienced in recent years. The pieces drew from the intimate and collective experiences of events like the Arab Spring, Maple Springs, and Algeria’s Hirak protest movement.

Feddal invited attendees to discover his world where blue becomes the emotional vehicle and narrator of a rich, nuanced history, where artistic expression and the fading nature of materials contend with the unforgiving passage of time.

“I hope you will truly experience something between life and death, between melancholy and happiness. Above all, of course, between sacrifice and dignity,” said Feddal.

“The blue Mediterranean is overflowing with tears” will be showcased at L’Imagier until September 29.

Photo caption: Transdisciplinary artist Berirouche Feddal discusses his work with attendees at the opening of his exhibition “The blue Mediterranean is overflowing with tears” at L’Imagier.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

TAYLOR CLARK – LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE  

SHAWVILLE – For the second time in just over a month, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAPAQ) has issued a warning for products from Abattoir les Viandes de Pontiac, which is now closed and has removed its online store and Facebook page.

The population is advised not to consume various cuts and ground beef products packaged between March 7 and 11 with traceability numbers 5827, 5828, and 5829. The warning also involved all cattle offal products packaged between March 7 and 11. Sheep carcasses between the same dates with the traceability number of 504765086 were listed as well.

In March, a similar warning was issued for ruminant stomach products from the abattoir.

Those with any of these products in their possession are advised not to consume and to throw away the meat even if the product does not show signs of spoilage or have a suspicious odour.

MAPAQ issued the warning as a precautionary measure. To date, no cases of illness associated with the consumption of these products have been reported.

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Despite having sat on council during the time of the decision, independent mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana has challenged council to rethink its decision to have citizens foot the bill for the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ $10 million deficit with a two-part vehicle registration tax.

Although the Société de transport de l’Outaouais hoped for a $90 increase to the current $30 annual public transit contribution, council decided to implement a two-phased approach to the tax. The first $60 hike in 2025 would cover the public transit system’s deficit but no service improvements would be seen until the second increase of $30 the following year. Kamanyana later resigned from her district councillor position on April 25 as she ran for mayor.

“I made it clear that it was a very hasty decision, very quickly taken without having sincerely spent the time to lift all the stones to see how we want to absorb the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ deficit,” said Kamanyana.

Cited as one tax too many, Kamanyana sided with the many citizens who have contested the tax since it was first raised by former Gatineau mayor France Bélisle prior to her resignation.

“What is happening is that people are tired, very tired on a budgetary level. They no longer have the means to dig into their pockets. You can see for yourself on the shelves how the prices have increased, and people do not understand how this measure comes suddenly without having had a discussion,” she said.

With her own property tax paper in hand, Kamanyana pointed to the fact that Gatineau residents already contribute to public transportation with their property taxes. “The ecological transition is very important, but the successful ecological transition will be one that is supported by all citizens. And above all, we must not impose anything on citizens without talking to them.”

The inflationary period felt by residents required a review of spending and another way of exercising leadership in expense management, said Kamanyana. If elected, she committed to quickly working with the Société de transport de l’Outaouais to help innovative management and optimize their expenses.

Photo caption: Gatineau mayoral candidate Kamanyana condemns municipal council’s decision to go forward with a vehicle registration tax to fund the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ deficit.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Independent mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson gathered journalists in the heart of Vieux-Aylmer on April 29 to reveal an “audacious” plan to rejuvenate the centre-ville and neighbourhood centres of Gatineau.

“It is time to renew our approach and intensify our efforts to revitalize these vital centres of our community,” said Bisson.

With the intention of being Gatineau’s mayor beyond the short mandate, Bisson committed to a “clear vision” of the future of the City’s centre-ville over the long term with four measures.

At the top of his checklist was revisioning the Programme particulier d’urbanisme du centre-ville followed by the redevelopment and “reappropriation” of the ruisseau de la Brasserie. Bisson would also like to see the transformation of the segment of roadway from Highway 50, commonly known as Autoroute Guy-Lafleur, to Highway 5 into an urban boulevard to improve connectivity between the centre-ville and the Saint-Joseph boulevard area. He would also promote the continuation of urban densification in the “industrial wasteland” between Montclair and Montcalm.

“For more than 10 years, discussions around the revival of downtown Gatineau have followed one another without a concrete or unified solution being implemented. Past projects, although ambitious, have not succeeded in reversing the spiral of devitalization that our centre-ville has suffered,” said Bisson.

His address did not leave out the neighbourhoods that make up all the sectors of Gatineau. “Neighbourhood quarters are crucial to stimulating and developing the feeling of belonging to our city.” To do so, Bisson proposed the creation of neighbourhood councils, development and implementation of district-specific action plans, promotion of cultural events, ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders, and implementation of a harmonized brand image to boost activity in each district.

“Together, dear citizens of Gatineau, we can transform our city into a place where it is good to live, work, and play. I invite you to join me in this ambitious project, to share your ideas, and to actively participate in building a dynamic and inclusive city.”

Photo caption: While there have been discussions around revamping Gatineau’s centre-ville, mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson says concrete action has been lacking to bring past projects to a reality.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Independent mayoral candidate Daniel Feeny proposed five “concrete measures” on May 1 for immediate implementation to fight against Gatineau’s growing number of citizens experiencing homelessness.

Of his first measures, Feeny committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of those experiencing homelessness, stakeholders involved, and citizens in the neighbourhood with what he referred to as “frequent cleaning chores on the Guertin site,” establishment of a local service centre, improvement of adapted services, and continued collaboration with camp partners.

“Not knowing what will happen is a situation that adds anxiety and insecurity for our most vulnerable population, the organizations on the ground, and the residents of the Guertin sector. I don’t just want to talk about cleaning, waste, (and) moving people. It’s about our community and our fellow citizens. For me, this means respect, collaboration, and above all a ‘housing first’ approach,” Feeny wrote in a press release.

The need for temporary transitional housing was evident, said Feeny. The candidate committed to the continuation of Gîte Ami’s Mon Calme project, which provides citizens with a temporary housing solution for two to nine months as they seek new accommodations. Feeny also proposed a system to accelerate the support and authorization for transitional housing projects throughout the city.

“Funding for 500 housing units is available from the Government of Quebec for this type of need. Gatineau must be among the first to submit projects to help our most vulnerable population.”

In the hopes of better coordination, Feeny would like Gatineau and the province to jointly finance the position of a homelessness commissioner to facilitate dialogue and innovation between different levels of government and stakeholders.

Inspired by the Fondation du Grand Montréal, the candidate also proposed the creation of the Gatineau Foundation for Life with Philanthropie Outaouais to allow the City to bring together private and public resources to support local initiatives.

Photo caption: In a promise of leadership, mayoral candidate Daniel Feeny committed to ensuring the safety of all players involved at the Guertin site in his plan to tackle Gatineau’s homelessness issue.

Photo credit: Daniel Feeny Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Corporation de l’âge d’or d’Aylmer has launched a petition to bring the lack of services and activities for seniors in the sector to the attention of future elected officials and Gatineau’s administration.

The petition cites feelings of neglect compared to seniors in other sectors. “We have an imminent need for change in Aylmer. The area is being filled with elderly people by building huge and very expensive buildings for them, but there is no increase in the services and activities being offered in Aylmer,” reads the petition.

It emphasizes the need for the creation of recreational, sporting, social, charitable, and other activities to enrich the minds of seniors, some of whom still have feelings of isolation following COVID-19.

The petition stresses the need for an outdoor shuffleboard court and shallow swimming pool for aqua fitness, as well as improvements to the Centre communautaire Ernest-Lattion on rue Court, which is described as having “enormous design and maintenance problems.”

Along with brighter outdoor lighting, the corporation is calling for the addition of a sidewalk on rue Court, adequate snow removal, better signage, and regulation of its parking lot and garbage bins to deter non-member usage.

The petition can be signed at the Centre communautaire Ernest-Lattion on rue Court until May 31.

Photo caption: The Corporation de l’âge d’or d’Aylmer is calling on future elected officials to address the needs of seniors in the Aylmer sector.

Photo credit: Corporation de l’âge d’or d’Aylmer Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Action Gatineau head Maude Marquis-Bissonnette presented what the mayoral candidate referred to as “win-win” solutions to pull Gatineau out of the housing crisis.

“Despite the increase in construction starts for several years, too many citizens do not yet have access to housing that meets their situations and this is proof that we need to do things differently. Tools exist; we must seize them to build communities for our world,” Marquis- Bissonnette told journalists on May 2.

Marquis-Bissonnette offered three “concrete and realistic solutions” to meet the needs of citizens without stretching their wallets. Among the first was using the city’s new powers of incentive zoning or tax credits to facilitate affordable, social, and family housing. Marquis-Bissonnette committed to opening the doors of communication between citizens and developers prior to a project being realized.

“Citizens are interested in the projects that are developing in their neighbourhood. They want to be informed and listened to by developers before the project is submitted to the city,” she said.

With the adoption of the affordable housing strategy, Marquis-Bissonnette said it was high time Gatineau put some of those tools, like the right of pre-emption, into motion.

“Faced with this urgent situation, the responsibility of a mayor is to defend the interests of everyone. With what I am proposing, we are clarifying the rules of the game to ensure that developers can contribute and do their part to adequately accommodate our world.”

Photo caption: Action Gatineau mayoral candidate Maude Marquis Bissonnette stresses urgent action to stop the City’s housing crisis from unraveling.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau officials were faced with two possibilities for the future of those residing at Robert-Guertin Centre, also known as Tent City, as the arena awaits demolition.

Officials will have to decide whether to move the site to municipal land on rue Hanson or rearrange the current Guertin site to allow those experiencing homelessness to safely stay, despite the construction work.

“The reality is that we must redevelop the site one way or another. We’ve known that since last fall when we started talking about the possibility of demolishing Guertin,” Hull-Wright district councillor Steve Moran told journalists following a plenary committee meeting on April 30.

With the May 15 deadline with Devcore Group quickly approaching, Gatineau’s interim mayor Daniel Champagne said the City must act quickly.

Municipal land on rue Hanson was identified as the only possible option for relocation, but there is a high risk of soil contamination at the site. Several analyses would be necessary to determine if the land would be developable. The alternative was to maintain the current site, which Champagne noted was an interesting option.

No matter the decision, the Director of Service des loisirs, des sports et du développement des communautés, Sébastien Vallée, said the entire Guertin site requires reorganization. The City planned to explore how the area could be organized with partners to reduce the tension that currently erupts.

“Homelessness is going to be with us at least for the next 10, 2, 3, 4, 5 years, that’s for sure,” said Moran. “Let’s establish a plan for the next few years so that we can organize everyone and finally provide the services that people need.”

Champagne noted that the first step would be for the City to see what is possible at the Hanson site. In the meantime, the acting mayor said Gatineau would maintain the Guertin site.

Photo caption: With the Robert-Guertin Centre up for demolition, Gatineau elected officials were presented with two options on where to locate homeless citizens who have flocked to the arena.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Independent mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson revealed a five-point approach to tackle Gatineau’s critical housing issue at a press conference at the Asticou Centre on April 24.

“As you know, our City is at a critical point in terms of housing and it is essential to put in place concrete and sustainable solutions for social and affordable housing,” Bisson wrote to social media.

While Bisson listed Gatineau’s vacancy rate at 0.8 per cent, the latest Rental Market Report recorded the 2023 vacancy rate at 1.1 per cent. The area’s vacancy rate has remained steady at 1 per cent since 2018.

To undertake the housing crisis, Bisson recommended using existing land and buildings for social housing, consulting with the main players in the construction sector, using social utility trusts, utilizing municipal right of pre-emption on land and multi-unit buildings as well as continuing the activities and recommendations of the Comité-choc en logement.

To achieve this feat, the candidate underlined the contribution of the main players in the construction and community organizations.

“It is with firm commitment and unfailing determination that I wish to lead these initiatives,” wrote Bisson. “Together, we can transform our vision into reality and make Gatineau a city where every citizen can find an affordable and decent roof over their heads.”

Photo caption: Mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson shares his five-point plan to resolve Gatineau’s housing crisis at a press conference on April 24.

Photo credit: Stéphane Bisson Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

While the Université du Québec en Outaouais reached a milestone with the awarding of contracts for a new student residence, it has simultaneously launched a plea to the public to assist with off-campus accommodations.

“Until the student residence project comes to fruition, (Université du Québec en Outaouais) is aware that the housing shortage remains, and we must once again launch an appeal to the population to find housing for our future students,” the university rector Murielle Laberge noted in a release.

The project was estimated to cost $32 million, with the Société d’habitation du Québec, the Ville de Gatineau, and the Ministry of Higher Education as the main funders. The building’s first residents were expected to move in the fall of 2026, leaving the university to strategize how to house students for the coming term.

Months away from the fall term, the university has already received 429 requests for accommodation, while only 39 places were available. Those with accommodation were invited to contact the Université du Québec en Outaouais Student Services by email at logementhc@uqo.ca.

Photo caption: With more than 400 requests for student housing, the Université du Québec en Outaouais turns to the population to assist in accommodating students for the coming term.

Photo credit: Université du Québec en Outaouais Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Over 250 people gathered at the Université du Québec en Outaouais on April 26 for the first-ever Outaouais Digital Summit.

“In a field as vast as digital technology, we have unlimited potential to explore new horizons, whether in the field of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, or in the digitalization of Quebec society and Canada as a whole,” said Université du Québec en Outaouais rector Murielle Laberge in her welcome address.

As a leader in high-level education, Laberge said the Université du Québec en Outaouais was at the forefront of the digital shift.

“Yesterday’s students have become effective and renowned decision-makers. Today’s students are their successors and their mastery of the digital world will guarantee the health and prosperity of our region and even our country,” said Laberge.

The Université du Québec en Outaouais initiative was a result of support from the Ville de Gatineau, Cégep de l’Outaouais, Ministry of Culture and Communications of Quebec, Portage Cybertech, Centre de la sécurité des télécommunications du Canada and fifteen partners from the Outaouais entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The first summit featured around 10 speakers and panelists touching on subjects like cybersecurity, data intelligence, business technology, and their application to different areas such as engineering, health, environment, and construction.

Among the presenters was Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications and responsible for the Outaouais region, who spoke to the importance of Quebec’s “cultural sovereignty.”

“We need to present and discover French-speaking content,” said Lacombe.

The Quebec Culture Minister formed an advisory committee on the matter back in 2023. The committee came back in January with 32 recommendations to promote French cultural content online.

While the Minister welcomed the efforts by the federal government, Lacombe insisted action must be taken. “I think these are good bills, but we need to have Quebec perspectives on this issue. It is important for Quebec to equip itself with its own tools. This is why I set up a committee of experts on cultural sovereignty.”

With the success of the first summit, the second edition was already in the works for next year.

Photo caption: Attendees gathered at the Alexandre-Taché pavilion at the Université du Québec en Outaouais for the first Outaouais Digital Summit on April 26.

Photo credit: Université du Québec en Outaouais Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

While funds have been committed to the homelessness situation around the Ruisseau de la Brasserie, independent mayoral candidate Yves Ducharme said the situation lacked concrete actions to “relieve the human suffering found there and to restore a sense of pride to all Gatineau residents who travel near the Guertin site.”

“It is unacceptable that citizens, among the most vulnerable in our society, must live in such an open-air repository,” Ducharme wrote in a press release. “The health of the premises requires accountability from all stakeholders. The citizens deserve better, Gatineau deserves better – it’s a question of human dignity and collective pride.”

Ducharme put forward a seven-point action plan to ease the “hemorrhaging” of the Ruisseau de la Brasserie. This included a major cleaning of the site, creating a plan to transfer the encampment to municipal land and developing a new site. In case this was to fall through, a backup plan would be implemented to secure a perimeter around the current site. Along with creating an Action Group for People Experiencing Homelessness, Ducharme also proposed meeting with the mayor of Ottawa to discuss cross-border homelessness and putting intensified political pressure on the Government of Quebec to assume all responsibilities regarding homelessness.

“The current situation at the makeshift campsite at the Ruisseau de la Brasserie is unacceptable,” Ducharme continued, “both for people experiencing homelessness and for residents of Gatineau and our visitors. The Ville de Gatineau has already done a lot. Now, the Quebec government must assume its responsibility. It’s up to everyone to manage their own fern, as the Deputy Prime Minister said.”

Photo caption: Citing the situation as unacceptable, mayoral candidate Yves Ducharme wishes to see a major cleanup of the Ruisseau de la Brasserie.

Photo credit: Yves Ducharme Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Interim Gatineau mayor Daniel Champagne stood by his previous statement to resolve the location of the future headquarters for the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau before the June 9 by-election.

“I am confident that over the next few days and weeks, we will be able to move forward at great speed with this issue,” Champagne told reporters during a press briefing following an executive committee meeting on April 24.

While discussions continued behind closed doors, Champagne assured the municipal council decisions would be made in a public context.

The acting mayor said the file was progressing well as administration worked away on financial elements and negotiations with different partners.

“There is a need for action in the case of headquarters. I think the majority of council members have realized this,” said Champagne. “I am very happy to see the commitment of my colleagues at the municipal council table to move this issue forward.”

Photo caption: Gatineau’s interim mayor, Daniel Champagne, remains optimistic about resolving the issues around the future headquarters for the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau before the by-election on June 9.

Photo credit: Google Maps Screenshot

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau is inviting the public to participate in an online consultation on immigration, integration and living together to identify and improve the City’s next actions in terms of immigration and living together.

“It goes without saying that diversity is part of our city’s DNA. This consultation will not only allow us to have a clear picture of the current situation, but it will also allow us to adopt more precise actions in this direction,” president of the Commission du vivre-ensemble and Touraine district councillor, Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent, wrote in a press release.

Citizens and local organizations are welcome to express themselves on several themes, such as reception and integration, security, discrimination and racism, along with participation and living together. The consultation can be completed at gatineau.ca/consultations until May 9.

The results will assist in developing a three-year action plan on immigration and living together, in partnership with the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration.

Along with the online consultation, Gatineau plans to hold a forum for organizations and stakeholders in the field on May 8 which will also help in the development of the City’s next action plan. The data collected will be arranged into a report and made available on the City’s website at gatineau.ca/consultations.

Photo caption: Gatineau launches an online consultation on immigration, integration and living together to fuel its next three-year action plan.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau X (Twitter)

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The mayor’s seat is not the only thing open in this by-election. The position of Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district councillor is also available as independent candidate Olive Kamanyana vies for mayor.

Those interested in being candidates for mayor or for councillor of the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district can apply until May 10. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility conditions provided in the Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities.

A declaration of candidacy form, which is available at the office of election president on the fifth floor of the Maison du citoyen, must be completed. Candidates were invited to make an appointment with the office of election president to submit their declaration of candidacy.

The names of the registered candidates can be found on the City’s website at gatineau.ca/election. For more information on the municipal by-election, the public and candidates can visit gatineau.ca/election.

Photo caption: Gatineau residents will not only be able to have their choice of mayor on June 9 but also the next district councillor for Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital.

Photo credit: Élections Québec Website

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau police are seeking the public’s help to identify two possible witnesses of a serious assault of a 72-year-old man in the Hull sector on April 7.

The incident allegedly took place around 9:00 pm in the apartment building at 20 rue Mance. The victim was rushed to the hospital where his condition was considered serious. Thirty-five-year- old Jonathan Pelletier-Markus was arrested 11 days later as part of the investigation.

The first witness was described as a man in his early twenties with black hair and a well- groomed black beard. At the time of the event, he was dressed in black. The second witness was also a man in his early twenties with dark hair and a beard of a few days. He was depicted wearing a black, red and white coat, dark sports pants and a black cap with the visor toward the back.

Police invited the men in question or any person with information leading to their identification or the advancement of the investigation to contact Detective Sergeant Jean-Marc Gagnon at 819-243-2345, ext. 6445. All information received would be treated confidentially.

Photo caption: The Gatineau police hope to identify two men who possibly witnessed a serious assault in the Hull sector on April 7.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Website

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

In anticipation of the return to school, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais plans to adjust the routes and timetables of lines 49, 50, 52, and 56 as well as introduce line 42. Beginning August 26, students from the Aylmer and Plateau sectors will benefit from more direct links to the Gabrielle-Roy campus along with better travel times.

The changes come after more than 450 people answered a consultation questionnaire from February 26 to March 17 to review the service in both the Aylmer and Plateau sectors for buses heading to the Cégep de l’Outaouais. The main concerns received by the public assisted in refining the initial service proposal. The consultation report was available at www.sto.ca/consultation.

The details related to the new schedule and bus routes for this fall will become available in July. The same goes for the adjustments planned to integrate school lines which serve secondary to better align with the changes made to the service to the Gabrielle-Roy campus.

A communication campaign was also expected to launch in the coming months to inform customers and invite them to plan their trips carefully.

Photo caption: Bus users in the Aylmer and Plateau sectors can expect some changes come late August after the Société de transport de l’Outaouais conducted a service review.

Photo credit: Société de transport de l’Outaouais Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Société de transport de l’Outaouais hopes to even the playing field between vehicles registered in Quebec and Ontario when it comes to the new registration tax that will be enforced next year.

Gatineau municipal council recently approved the tax in two installments. Come January 2025, the annual transit contribution will be upped to $60 and increased another $30 the following year.

The first installment was expected to bring in $10 million, which would cover the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ yearly structural deficit. At $90, the second installment was projected to collect $15 million and allow the public transit system to invest the remaining $5 million in additional services. But all these figures do not include funds from Ontario-registered vehicles that now call Gatineau home.

The president of the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ board of directors, Jocelyn Blondin, would like the public transit system to work alongside the Ville de Gatineau to call upon the provincial government to remedy the situation.

“I think that what we want is equity among citizens who are the majority here in Quebec,” said Blondin. “But is it only up to the Ville de Gatineau to take these blows? I do not think so. I think that Quebec should be there to help us have a special kind of squad.”

The president suggested police issue tickets to vehicles with Ontario plates and then it would be up to the vehicle’s owner to prove whether or not they were residents of Gatineau.

While they did not have an exact number of vehicles registered to Ontario in the area, Blondin said the plates were a “considered revenue card” that was growing in numbers across the different sectors.

To those residing in the area with Ontario plates, Blondin encouraged them to comply and settle in Quebec “before getting a ticket.”

Once a new mayor is named, the president said he planned to sit down with the police chief to discuss the next steps.

Photo caption: Jocelyn Blondin, president of the board of directors for the Société de transport de l’Outaouais, would like to see a special squad created to track down Gatineau residents with vehicles registered to the neighbouring province.

Photo credit: Screenshot of Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ board of directors, April 25,

2024

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana announced her immediate resignation as district councillor as of April 25, opening the door to a by-election in the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district.

“It’s an opportunity for me, but it’s an emotional situation too,” Kamanyama said in a video posted on her Facebook page. “On the one hand, it is with enthusiasm that I would work for the people of Gatineau by occupying their highest leadership position in our city. On the other hand, it is my hope that district 13 will be taken care of quickly by an elected person.”

The Act respecting elections and referendums in municipalities prevents an elected official from sitting in both a councillor and a mayoral seat. Kamanyana had until the end of the nomination period on May 10 to leave her position as district 13 councillor.

With both by-elections occurring on the same day, Kamanyana said she could contribute to reducing the financial burden imposed by an additional by-election.

“Since my election in 2021, I have been campaigning for optimized management of the public finances of our city and for management focused on tangible results,” said Kamanyana.

While the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district awaits its new councillor, Kamanyana encouraged residents to continue using the same communication channels.

Similar to mayoral candidates, those interested in representing the district can submit their application by May 10. Both by-elections are scheduled for June 9.

Photo caption: Independent mayoral candidate Olive Kamanyana leaves her district councillor seat as she runs for mayor of Gatineau.

Photo credit: Courtesy of candidate

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Action Gatineau candidate Maude Marquis-Bissonnette took advantage of her campaign launch on April 28 and introduced the party’s candidate for the Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital district, Catherine Craig-St-Louis.

“It is encouraging to see that less than 24 hours after the announcement of a double by-election, a candidate like Catherine Craig-St-Louis is launching without hesitation into the campaign with us,” Marquis-Bissonnette wrote in a press release.

Having grown up in the neighbourhood, Craig-St-Louis said she was sensitive to the needs of the people who call district 13 home.

“I can’t wait to meet people, listen to them, and contribute to maintaining and strengthening the conviviality and welcoming character of the neighbourhood,” wrote Craig-St-Louis.

Craig-St-Louis is an urban planner with more than 10 years of experience with non-profit organizations in Outaouais, Quebec, and Canada. She currently works for Vivre en Ville as project manager and coordinator of the Gatineau office.

“For several years now, she has been collaborating on numerous projects in Gatineau relating to the development of neighbourhoods to create quality living environments. I am convinced that she has all the qualities required to properly represent the citizens in this district,” wrote Marquis-Bissonnette.

For Craig-St-Louis, she said the population must be at the heart of the City’s decision-making processes and that she was committed to working with the people of the community to bring to fruition several files started by outgoing district councillor Olive Kamanyana.

Craig-St-Louis was the first candidate to come forward for the district councillor position. Other potential candidates have until May 10 to submit their applications. Both by-elections will take place on June 9.

Photo caption: Catherine Craig-St-Louis will join Maude Marquis-Bissonnette under Action Gatineau as she runs for district councillor for Carrefour-de-l’Hôpital.

Photo credit: Action Gatineau

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau police have released new information on the daytime stabbing that has left the 81-year-old victim in critical condition.

On April 22, police officers were called to the scene of an armed attack near senior housing on rue Vianney in the Gatineau sector.

The suspect, 41-year-old Jonathan Lepage-Clément of Shawinigan, appeared at the courthouse on April 23 to face charges of attempted murder, serious assault, and armed assault.

Investigative evidence has not uncovered any links between the victim and the suspect. The investigation into the case continues.

Photo caption: Gatineau police name the suspect in the daytime stabbing of an older man on April 22 in the Gatineau sector.

Photo credit: Camera de nuit Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Aylmer’s longest-serving mayor will be honoured with a namesake in the heart of the community.

The future building at the corner of rue Principale and rue Park that will house the Aylmer service centre and the Lucy-Faris library will be known as the Constance Provost building.

President of the Toponymy committee and Lucerne district councillor Gilles Chagnon said the designation demonstrates Gatineau’s recognition of a figure whose political and social imprint profoundly shaped the community.

“The Constance Provost building will be much more than a simple geographical location; it will become a living symbol of the heritage and memory of this great lady who devoted her life to the service of her community,” Chagnon wrote in a press release.

Born Constance Morin in 1924 in Aylmer, Provost dedicated 20 years of her life to municipal politics. Provost got her first taste of politics as a municipal councillor in the Municipality of Lucerne in 1973. She would later serve as a municipal councillor for the City of Aylmer from 1979 to 1983 before being elected mayor of Aylmer in 1983.

Provost was re-elected to the position in 1987 and in 1991, making her the longest-serving mayor of Aylmer with 12 years under her belt. Famous for her slogan ‘Aylmer has it all,’ Provost’s work in the political realm gained her the utmost admiration and respect. Her passing in 2021 struck a particular chord with the community.

The Toponymy committee found that the namesake embodied the committee’s commitment to promoting women’s contribution to the City’s urban heritage. The construction of the building, formerly known as Place des Pionniers, is still underway and expected to open by the end of 2025.

Photo caption: The construction at the corner of rue Principale and rue Park will now be known as the Constance Provost building as a tribute to the former Aylmer mayor.

Photo credit: Taylor Clark

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

An off-duty male officer with the Gatineau police was arrested in the evening on April 24 by the Sécurité Publique MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais after an allegation of simple assault.

In a press release, Gatineau police service indicated that it would not disclose additional information about the officer in question to protect the identity of the victim.

The accused officer was released with a promise to appear in court. Following the usual procedures, the Ministry of Public Security was notified of the allegations against the Gatineau police service employee. Upon completion of the investigation, the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions will decide whether charges could be laid.

The directorate of the Gatineau police stressed that it demanded its police officers respect the highest standards in terms of ethics and professionalism. The board said it would not hesitate to put in place “means and processes to establish a truly ethical culture within its organization.”

The press release concluded by stating the officer would not have contact with citizens as part of his duties for the duration of the procedures.

Photo caption: An officer with the Gatineau police will be removed from citizen contact as he faces an allegation of simple assault.

Photo credit: Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Tensions are flaring between candidates before the official electoral campaign even begins. Independent candidate Yves Ducharme has demanded an apology and retraction after Action Gatineau head Maude Marquis-Bissonnette accused her opponent of still being a lobbyist for Brigil.

The statement was made in an interview with Le Droit where Marquis-Bissonnette was quoted in an April 22 article stating “He still has active mandates on the lobbyist register. Members of his team too.”

The following day, Ducharme issued a press release claiming the assertion was “unfounded and above all false.”

“I have no active mandate in the lobbyist register, for any company. This is also the case for the members of my team,” wrote Ducharme.

While Brigil may still have active mandates with the Ville de Gatineau or other public bodies, Ducharme said all of his terms ended no later than April 9 before launching his campaign seven days later.

“I will not let anyone attack my integrity. Personal and gratuitous attacks, smearing, and disinformation have no place in this campaign,” added Ducharme.

Marquis-Bissonnette addressed the matter the same day with a post to Facebook pointing to the Carrefour Lobby Québec website where Ducharme and one of his campaign members, Roch Cholette, were still listed as active lobbyists for Brigil.

“Afterwards, if Mr. Ducharme takes or has taken steps to put an end to it, so much the better, but that changes absolutely nothing to the basic question: Mr. Ducharme is there to defend whose interests, exactly?” wrote Marquis-Bissonnette.

The party head said the active status has led to confusion and uneasiness around Ducharme’s objectives. Marquis-Bissonnette said developers always seem to have special access to elected officials which was understandable as they played a role in the City’s growth.

“However, at Action Gatineau, we believe, and act, so citizens should have more say in shaping the future of our city because it belongs to them,” said Marquis-Bissonnette. “Ducharme’s focus on defending when his last mandate ended, while still being registered as an active lobbyist, instead of prioritizing citizens’ interests, is exactly what people are tired of in politics in 2024.”

Photo caption: Independent candidate Yves Ducharme has called for an apology after Action Gatineau head Maude Marquis-Bissonnette claimed Ducharme was still an active lobbyist for Brigil.

Photo credit: Courtesy of candidates

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

If elected, mayoral candidate Daniel Feeny vowed to correct the “mistakes of the past” and accelerate the development of more than 1,000 housing units in the Fonderie sector.

“We cannot change the past, but we can certainly shape a better, sustainable, and more responsible future for our centre-ville, for Gatineau,” Feeny wrote in a press release. “This revitalization is a unique opportunity, requiring a bold and inclusive vision, in line with citizen aspirations.”

Feeny said the decision taken by Gatineau’s former mayor Yves Ducharme, also a mayoral candidate, renounced any recourse against the National Capital Commission despite the recognition of existing environmental problems.

“Today, the citizens of Gatineau are suffering the financial consequences of this decision.” The decontamination and rehabilitation of the site was first estimated to cost $20,891, but during a plenary committee meeting on April 9, district councillors learned the price tag had grown another $10,273 to continue the project.

By opening a dialogue with both provincial and federal governments, Feeny said he would commit to “rectifying” the situation and exploring all possible avenues of compromise.

Photo caption: One of the three sub-projects in the decontamination and rehabilitation of theFonderie site includes the building at 211 rue Montcalm.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Website

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

An 81-year-old man was transported to the hospital after sustaining serious injuries from a daytime stabbing near senior housing in the Gatineau sector on April 22. 

Officers arrived on scene near rues Jean-René-Monette and Vianney shortly before 10:30 am where they located the victim and rushed him to the hospital. The suspect, a 41-year-old man, was spotted not far from the crime scene and arrested. 

A security perimeter was established to allow investigators and crime scene technicians to have a closer look. A preliminary investigation showed no links between the victim and the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing. 

The suspect was detained until he appeared at the courthouse on April 23 to face multiple charges. 

Photo caption: Officers with the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau tend to the scene of a stabbing in broad daylight in the Gatineau sector on April 22. 

Photo credit: Camera de nuit Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The 48 heated tents that sheltered 56 people experiencing homelessness this winter are set to be removed from the Guertin encampment on May 15 as previously planned by the provider Devcore Group.

While the demolition of the Robert Guertin Centre has been postponed, the company’s director of communications and marketing, Sylvie Carbonneau, said the group will proceed with dismantling the organized camp.

Dubbed Camp Guertin, the initiative came together over 21 days to offer those who agreed to its conditions a warm tent equipped with a camping bed and quilted cushion, sleeping bag heater, electric blanket, chair, extension cord, lighting, as well as storage.

Carbonneau said Devcore was still fine tuning the procedures to dismantle the camp but had been in contact with those residing in the tents daily and they were aware of the mid-May deadline since the camp inception.

The director of communications and marketing said the decision was primarily motivated by concern for the health and safety of those using the tents.

“The red tents provided were designed for ice fishing and are not suitable for the milder spring temperatures. Since they do not have mosquito nets, they do not allow for air circulation. Additionally, their placement on asphalt leads to excessive heat absorption by the ground, creating a heat island,” said Carbonneau.

But the removal of the red tents does not signal the end of the initiative. Carbonneau said Devcore was already working with the Ville de Gatineau and the Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais to implement the second phase of the project, called the Transition Space.

In this next phase, Camp Guertin will function as a transitional space to a semi-permanent approach for those experiencing homelessness over two to five years. The space will include containers designed to provide affordable housing for more than 100 people while promoting a sense of community and belonging.

On top of providing shelter, the Transition Space will be designed to encourage socializing, collective cooking and even gardening in a community garden. “The idea is to offer residents not only shelter but also opportunities to actively participate in the daily and social life of the community,” the company wrote in a release assessing the success of Camp Guertin.

Photo caption: Devcore Group’s Camp Guertin initiative allowed more than 50 people experiencing homelessness to stay warm during the winter at the Guertin site.

Photo credit: Devcore Group website

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Six of the 11 independent district councillors have extended their support to mayoral candidate Yves Ducharme in the upcoming by-election. With the hope to continue the independent reign at the head of council, district councillors Gilles Chagnon, Jocelyn Blondin, Mike Duggan, Denis Girouard, Jean Lessard, and Mario Aubé have agreed to back the former Gatineau mayor.

All six of the male councillors highlighted Ducharme’s political experience as making him the ideal candidate to finish the mandate.

“He understands how the city works,” said Chagnon. “That has not changed very much.”

After serving as a Hull City councillor from 1986 to 1992, Ducharme served as the mayor of Hull from 1992 to 2001. Once the surrounding cities joined what is now known as Gatineau, Ducharme became mayor of the newly formed city from 2002 to 2005 until he was defeated by now councillor Marc Bureau.

“What’s important here is that it’s only a 17-month mandate,” said Chagnon. He argued the short timeline would present a large learning curve for someone new at the helm.

Ducharme was delighted to receive support from the majority of independent district councillors. “Just like me, these elected officials are close to citizens and their priorities. They are there so that the Ville de Gatineau offers quality services, respects their ability to pay, and encourages the presence of more housing,” Ducharme wrote in a press release.

Photo caption: Gatineau district councillors Mario Aubé, Jean Lessard, Mike Duggan, Jocelyn Blondin, and Gilles Chagnon share their support for mayoral candidate Yves Ducharme at an announcement at the Maison du citoyen on April 22.

Photo credit: Screenshot of video provided by Yves Ducharme

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The long-awaited tramway project has sprung a debate between mayoral candidates on whether the project should become a reality.

With still no word from the federal government, independent candidate Daniel Feeny proposed abandoning the expensive tramway project for alternative mobility solutions like a Rapibus network. “The wait has been long enough,” Feeny wrote on Facebook. “Pragmatic and financially responsible solutions are now needed.”

For the head of Action Gatineau, Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, abandoning the tramway would mean abandoning the residents in the west and “the future development of all of Gatineau.”

“The conclusion is clear: the tramway is the best solution for the future of mobility in our city,” Marquis-Bissonnette wrote to Facebook. “My commitment to improving public transportation throughout Gatineau begins now, with a team convinced of this vision.”

The party head said that a Rapibus system would not be able to meet Gatineau’s future needs. The Société de transport de l’Outaouais came to the same conclusion, as the west end population was projected to grow more than 50 per cent by 2050.

When it came to talks of abandonment, Feeny pointed the finger back at the political party, stating that Action Gatineau “has regularly neglected the essential needs” of those in the west.

“The abandonment of all these projects in the west took place in the last mandate of Action Gatineau when the current leader of the party was councillor of the Plateau district. My approach is clear: as an independent candidate, I am sensitive to what I hear from the population, not just from party members,” Feeny wrote in a press release.

Photo caption: As Gatineau continues to wait for a financial commitment from the federal government, independent mayoral candidate Daniel Feeny suggests scrapping the project to focus on transportation that would meet residents’ needs.

Photo credit: Bureau de projet Tramway Gatineau-Ottawa website

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

A 35-year-old Gatineau man Jonathan Pelletier-Markus was arrested on April 18 as part of an investigation into a serious assault that left a 72-year-old man in serious condition in the hospital.

A week and a half prior, Gatineau police attended the scene of a man with a head injury at an apartment building on rue Mance shortly after 9:00 pm. The 72-year-old man was quickly transported to the hospital. At the time, the man’s life was not in danger but, as the days progressed, his condition deteriorated and was then considered serious.

The officers’ investigation revealed that the man had been a victim of an attack. After meeting with several people, the police uncovered the circumstances leading up to the event and identified the person who committed the attack.

Pelletier-Markus was arrested in the early hours of April 18. He collaborated with the police and was transported to the station to be interviewed by investigators. Pelletier-Markus appeared before the Court of Quebec to face the charge of serious assault and will remain detained until his next appearance. The investigation remains ongoing.

Photo caption: Gatineau police connect a 35-year-old man to a serious assault that occurred in Hull on April 7.

Photo credit: Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau made a landmark decision on April 16 to adopt its first-ever bylaw governing the use and sale of pesticides for cosmetic purposes, which will come into force this month.

With the immediate implementation of the ban, the City planned to encourage more environmentally friendly alternatives, while reducing the risk pesticides have on human health and biodiversity within its territory.

For local environmental group Gatineau sans pesticides, the adoption of the regulation marked a historic evening.

“This regulation is a key element for several of your files, namely the environment and the fight against climate change, the biodiversity charter, the City’s environmental policy, and the water management plan. This regulation is also a key element in making our City a healthy city,” Gatineau sans pesticides member Nathalie Gaudet told council during the question period.

While the group was pleased to finally see the bylaw put into place, members wished the ban would extend to the community’s golf courses.

“For the sake of consistency, the regulation should include golf courses. This is important when we know that our City has 12 golf courses and that several are located near residences,” said member Monique Pellerin.

Golf courses will be permitted to continue the use of pesticide products to maintain their greens, but the regulation required the establishments to obtain Audubon certification by 2027. Two golf courses in the community have already completed the certification and the City indicated it will work with golf course owners to guide them through the process over the next three months.

Pellerin questioned when Gatineau would take the second step and include golf courses in the ban for the sake of the environment and the population’s health. Commission de l’environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques president Marc Bureau said the matter could be analyzed more specifically by the commission.

Photo caption: Gatineau sans pesticides member Monique Pellerin congratulates the City on taking a first step in regulating pesticides, but urges for the ban to incorporate golf courses.

Photo credit: Screenshot from Séance du conseil municipal du 16 avril 2024

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Those experiencing homelessness have been left with more questions than answers in the case of the demolition of the Robert Guertin Centre.

In late February, the Comité sur les demandes de démolition approved the deconstruction of the 67-year-old building, with work to begin in mid-May. Gatineau assured it would work with stakeholders and local organizations to accommodate what is known as “Tent City” on another site.

With May quickly approaching, the members of the encampment recently learned the demolition work had been postponed, leaving details around the relocation of hundreds of people up in the air.

“I’m asking you, please, what’s going on? This is not just a construction project that is being pushed back and put on hold. These are lives,” president of the Collectif régional de lutte à l’itinérance en Outaouais Alexandre Gallant stressed to the municipal council during the question period on April 16.

The only information Gallant said the group received was that it would take place in July. “We don’t know when in July. We don’t know where we’re going. The only clear thing is that the trailers of people who have struggled to find a place by themselves, to be independent, their trailers will not be accepted at the next site.”

Mayor Daniel Champagne admitted the City knew the mid-May deadline was going to be a challenge from the start. “Rest assured that the City is working hard with partners to find an alternative solution. Some lands have been identified, and validations of these areas are underway,” said Champagne.

Gatineau’s communications department clarified in an email that the call for tenders for the demolition of the arena would be launched in the coming days. An exact start date was not known until the contract was awarded, but the demolition was expected to begin later in the summer.

“It is important to mention that people experiencing homelessness on the Centre Robert-Guertin site will have reasonable notice before they need to travel. Regarding the organized encampment, occupants will receive details of its closure from Devcore representatives directly,” wrote the department.

While the department did not specifically answer whether trailers would be permitted on the new site or not, it was noted that it was “too early” to pinpoint a site and “what form the encampment will take.” Certain options were still being analyzed for pre-feasibility and discussion remained ongoing with partners.

Photo caption: Hundreds of Gatineau citizens experiencing homelessness are left with little information on where they will be moved in a few months as the demolition of the Robert Guertin Centre gets pushed back.

Photo credit: Bulletin Achieve

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Ville de Gatineau and the Société de transport de l’Outaouais have reached a compromise on the registration tax on passenger vehicles which has caused public outcry since being introduced by former mayor France Bélisle in late February.

While the Société de transport de l’Outaouais wanted to see a $90 increase, the municipal council lowered the hike to $60 for 2025 but expected to boost the tax again the following year by $30. The $60 increase would absorb the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ structural deficit but leave users without improvements to service until 2026.

The registration tax will be the same for all types of vehicles and apply to each vehicle registered in Quebec.

“I think we will ultimately be proud of this measure. Of course, going to see citizens and saying that there is going to be an additional tax on cars is not fun,” municipal council president Steven Boivin told reporters during a press briefing on April 16. “But to say that we are going to put it on property tax is not better. We won’t come out ahead with this argument.”

The power to tax vehicle registration came after Quebec passed Bill 39 in 2023, which granted municipalities new abilities to diversify its revenue sources. This allowed municipalities and regional county municipalities to impose a tax on vehicle registration based on fuel consumption.

“For me, it is essential that the City takes its responsibilities with the new tool and absorbs this deficit,” said acting mayor Daniel Champagne. “It’s a bit of a poisoned gift that the province gave us, but unfortunately, that’s what happened.”

Owners of passenger vehicles in Gatineau have been required to pay an annual public transit contribution since 1992. The contribution was $30 per year. The Société de transport de l’Outaouais originally proposed a $90 on top of the $30 to cover its structural deficit and improve its services.

“Public transport, as we say, is collective transport,” said Patrick Leclerc, general director of the Société de transport de l’Outaouais. “It’s for the benefit of the entire community. We don’t ask the same question about education for people who don’t have children, for example. The health system, if you are not sick, you still contribute to it. It’s a collective benefit.”

While some councillors like Mario Aubé rejected the tax altogether, Boivin said he was ready to implement the whole $90 hike.

“I think that what we are doing here is somewhat achieving the objective. That is to say, we believe in public transportation, but not too quickly…. What I’m happy with at the moment is that the message we’re sending is that we believe in public transportation and that we want to offer better service,” said Boivin.

In the meantime, Gatineau’s acting mayor said the City would look at alternatives over the coming weeks and months to see what can be done to raise the necessary amounts to enhance services.

Photo caption: While the vehicle registration tax was lowered to $60 in its first installment, municipal council president Steven Boivin says he was ready to implement the whole $90 increase to improve the Société de transport de l’Outaouais’ services.

Photo credit: Screenshot from press conference on April 16, 2024 – Plenary Committee – Vehicle Registration Tax

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Citizen engagement was at the forefront of many Gatineau residents’ minds during the question period at municipal council on April 16.

Having observed previous council meetings, 20-year-old university student Brandon Ly told council he noticed a lack of citizen participation in municipal politics. “It is a problem because, at the end of the day, it’s municipal politics that affects us the most in our lives,” said Ly.

With the mayoral by-election looming, Ly questioned all the council members on what they would do to improve civic engagement as it continued to dwindle with every municipal election. Over 20 years ago, Gatineau experienced a 53.8 per cent voter turnout in its 2001 municipal election while its 2021 election saw participation drop to 35.1 per cent.

Municipal council president, Steven Boivin, thanked Ly for his question and invited him to share it via email to allow all members to respond individually.

For Daniel Cayley-Daoust, president of the Association des Résidants de l’Île de Hull, citizens’ involvement was at the heart of issues with the Îlot de la Caserne project and what he referred to as “the erosion of tenants’ rights on l’Île de Hull.”

“A large part of this whole situation is caused by the lack of responsibility on the part of the City in a context where tenants are not aware of their rights, which opens the door to abuse,” said Cayley-Daoust. To correct the situation, he suggested Gatineau immediately modify its demolition regulations, particularly the aspect of consulting with the community. “The City must bring back the mandatory notice signed by tenants prior to the demolition request, a notice that covers and communicates all of the tenants’ rights.” Cayley-Daoust stressed the responsibility Gatineau must take to protect and support tenants against these types of abuses and other situations like renovations or rent increases. “You have the power to protect your citizens who are mistreated, who find themselves in precarious situations, and you must take action,” he said.

Hull-Wright district councillor Steve Moran agreed with Cayley-Daoust, stating Gatineau disarmed itself when it came to supporting tenants in such situations. “In 2021, and I affirm this without any hesitation, we made a mistake,” said Moran. “It was our first municipal council for the new ones who had been elected, where we adopted a new bylaw, which was quite big, without having had a presentation from the administration.”

Moran said the City’s demolition request policy was in the process of being reviewed and he would continue to work on the issue. “We must indeed bring back this measure, which required landowners to demonstrate that they respected the rights of tenants in the Ville de Gatineau …. The City has a responsibility to defend the most vulnerable, and we will do so vigorously.”

Photo caption: Association des Résidants de l’Île de Hull president Daniel Cayley-Daoust encourages Gatineau to modify its demolition request policy to require the involvement of affected citizens, as was the case before the policy was modified in 2021.

Photo credit: Screenshot from Séance du conseil municipal du 16 avril 2024

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Gatineau was left frustrated by the tabling of the 2024 federal budget, which lacked specific commitments on the delivery of the long-awaited tramway.

“We’ve been waiting for this for over 10 years. The hiding is over, let’s announce (it), then let’s move forward with the tramway,” acting mayor Daniel Champagne told journalists during a press briefing on April 16.

The absence of a commitment came as a disappointment to the City as Canada’s Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, had implied that funding would be on the way during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities on March 21.

Champagne did not exclude the possibility that the needed funding could be found in a different line of the budget. The interim mayor noted that more than $33 billion was invested in public transportation, but did not trust that the necessary amount was in this particular investment.

“It is high time for the federal government to say clearly and precisely, ‘We are moving forward,’” said Champagne.

According to the Bureau de projet Tramway Gatineau-Ottawa website, the Government of Quebec already planned to cover 60 per cent of the eligible expenses in the Gatineau territory. The hope was that the federal government would pay the rest.

If no financing was received from the federal government, Champagne said Gatineau would have to face reality and move on from the project, but he was optimistic that an announcement would be on its way in the coming week, “not in two months, not in two weeks.”

Champagne insisted he would continue to campaign for the relevance and necessity of the tramway. “To this day, no one has told me that they’re pulling the plug on it.”

Photo caption: A rendering of the tramway in the heart of Gatineau’s centre-ville on rue Laurier offers citizens an idea of what the final project could look like.

Photo credit: Bureau de projet Tramway Gatineau-Ottawa website

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Two more candidates have entered the running for Gatineau’s next mayor. Former Gatineau mayor Yves Ducharme and Rémi Bergeron, candidate in the last two municipal elections, will join the five other candidates on the ballot for the by-election on June 9.

After being approached by citizens, Ducharme decided to announce his candidacy at a press conference on April 15.

“I concluded that I could not watch the train go by. We are at a crucial stage in the history of our city. We are approaching a quarter of a century of existence, and we need experience and stability to move several sensitive issues forward at Gatineau City Hall,” Ducharme wrote in a press release.

Ducharme served as mayor of Hull from 1992 to 2001 and was the first mayor of the newly merged Gatineau from 2001 to 2005. He was later defeated by Marc Bureau in a landslide victory, who won 68 per cent of the vote.

“My electoral setback in 2005 made me think a lot. Municipal politics is the one that is closest to the people. With the creation of the new Ville de Gatineau and my eagerness to make it a success, I moved away from the daily concerns of citizens. I recognized it straight away and I regret it.”

With only 17 months between the by-election and the general election, Ducharme said he will prioritize quality municipal services, public finances that respect taxpayers’ ability to pay, and access to more housing during his mandate.

After receiving 2.37 per cent of the votes in 2017 and only 1.05 per cent in 2021, Rémi Bergeron hoped the third try would be the charm. He officially declared his candidacy in a press release on April 15.

Among Bergeron’s priorities was public transportation and the location of Gatineau’s future hospital. Despite the fact that it would fall under provincial jurisdiction, Bergeron would like to see the Centre Asticou become home to the hospital.

Bergeron argued that the rue d’Edmonton site would lead to “one of the worst environmental disasters in terms of sustainable development” with the demolition of buildings, “mostly all in good condition,” and a great loss of property taxes.

Bergeron said he would like to see electric Nova Buses added to the Société de transport de l’Outaouais on reserved lanes along with electric minibuses and taxi buses operating during off-peak hours.

He added that he would also not impose the $90 vehicle registration tax being recommended by the Société de transport de l’Outaouais and suggested the transit service apply to the Prix performance Québec to find other avenues for improvement in their management.

Photo caption: Former Gatineau mayor Yves Ducharme and former municipal elections candidate Rémi Bergeron have thrown their hats in the ring for the upcoming mayoral by-election.

Photo credit: Courtesy of candidates

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Despite no word from the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications on a subsidy, the Ville de Gatineau administration recommended moving forward with the overdue Guy-Sanche Library expansion.

Gatineau submitted a financing request to the Ministère back in September 2023 to pick up $11.5 million of the total $45.9 million cost. Seven months later, the City was still awaiting an official response.

To steer away from even longer delays, on April 9, the administration presented to the Comité plénier three options to continue the project. Of the options presented, the administration favoured the third, which would launch an architectural competition and get a head start on the call for tenders while the City awaits a response.

In this scenario, the City would be on the hook to cover the remaining $34.4 million but would exercise less control over the rigid process. The building was scheduled to be completed by November 2028 but the City will wait for the Ministère’s response before proceeding with any other steps. If Gatineau does not receive the grant, it would be out $40,000 to cover the cost of hiring the professional competition advisor.

“I have confidence that our minister responsible for Outaouais and for Culture (Mathieu Lacombe) shares our ambition and that he will make all the necessary efforts to come and confirm the amounts for us as quickly as possible,” said acting mayor Daniel Champagne.

Buckingham district councillor Edmond Leclerc did not share the same optimism. “When we advance at this speed in a project and the financing is not yet sealed, is not yet secured, because we do not know if we are going to have a grant or not, it is there where I keep a small reservation. Because for me, $11 million is not peanuts. It is an amount that is substantial, and that will be decisive in knowing whether I support the investment,” Leclerc told reporters during a press briefing.

The matter was expected to make its way to the municipal council table for the final say.

Photo caption: While the Ville de Gatineau has yet to hear about the status of financial assistance from the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, the City’s administration recommends the Guy-Sanche Library expansion project proceed.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Conseil Régional de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable de l’Outaouais is attempting to reduce the number of crushed turtles on the roads of Outaouais with a new project.

With the help of volunteers, the organization planned to track incidents of turtle mortality on roadways and use the data to assess what measures can reduce collisions.

Project manager in sustainable management of natural environments Cénédra Poulin said snapping turtles and painted turtles are commonly found in Outaouais. The region was also home to rarer species like the Blanding’s turtle and wood turtle.

Poulin said roadways become a hotspot for some turtles as they tend to nest and lay eggs in the sand and gravel along roadsides. In other cases, roads divide habitats and wetlands leaving turtles no other choice but to cross to venture from one habitat to another.

But the organization is aiming to improve the future of the species in Outaouais by engaging volunteers with good knowledge of turtles or past handling experience to participate in a turtle inventory in areas of high risk of road mortality. Volunteers will be asked to monitor selected road sections a few times a week from mid-May to mid-July and track data.

“But anyone can get involved in the project,” said Poulin. “No matter where people are, if they see a turtle on the side of the road, they can fill out a form on the Carapace platform and all this data will be used by biologists to assess the risks of road mortality throughout the Outaouais region.”

Along with its reporting function, Carapace also provides a step-by-step guide on how to safely help and handle turtles on roadsides. For tutorials and more information about which turtles have nestled in Outaouais, visit carapace.ca.

Photo caption: Residents within Outaouais can participate in the Conseil Régional de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable de l’Outaouais’ turtle inventory by tracking turtles along roadways.

Photo credit: Conseil Régional de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable de l’Outaouais Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

The Aylmer Community Volunteer Group has launched pre-orders for its annual rain barrel sale.

Organizer Cathy Dubreuil Mellon started the fundraiser over 10 years ago with the Aylmer United Church, which has since closed, and has worked with various other groups and individuals in the community by lending a helping hand.

Working alongside RainBarrel.ca, food-grade barrels are repurposed to offer years of reliable service as rain barrels. The rain barrels come in various sizes, with prices beginning at $55 and rising as high as $200 for two 190-litre barrels. Each rain barrel includes a leaf and mosquito filter basket, an overflow adaptor, a spigot, and an overflow hose. More information can be found at rainbarrel.ca/gatineau.

While other non-profit groups have partnered with RainBarrel.ca in Ontario, Mellon said the fundraiser was the only one of its kind on Gatineau’s side of the bridge, with people coming from Pontiac to Papineauville to pick up rain barrels.

A portion of the proceeds raised will go toward helping those less fortunate in the Aylmer community, along with those seeking temporary shelter at “Tent City.”

Barrels can be picked up at 714 Rue de Vernon on May 25 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Mellon expressed her gratitude to Total Epoxy for once again lending their storage facility for the fundraiser.

For any additional information, Mellon can be contacted via email at mellonhq3@gmail.com or by phone at 819-360-7561.

Photo caption: Pre-orders are underway for the Aylmer Community Volunteer Group’s annual rain barrel sale.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau YouTube Screenshot

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Information from the public led to the seizure of vaping products from a convenience store located on Labrosse Boulevard on April 10.

Gatineau police executed a search warrant at 642 Labrosse Boulevard in the Gatineau sector after receiving a tip about the sale of tobacco and vaping products to minors. Close to 150 flavoured vapes, 49 flavoured liquid refills for vapes, and 25 sachets of flavoured nicotine films for vaping devices were recovered from the operation. Officers also seized five prohibited knives from the business.

The owner was issued tickets under the Tobacco Control Act and could face additional charges as the investigation continues.

Last October, Quebec banned the sale of vaping products with flavours or aromas that were not from tobacco to make vaping less appealing to minors.

Photo caption: Gatineau police issued tickets under the Tobacco Control Act to a convenience store on Labrosse Boulevard after the seizure of vaping products on April 10.

Photo credit: Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Spring not only brings flowers, but also showers, and the Ville de Gatineau is advising residents to watch for spring flooding.

A recurring phenomenon, the spring flood can be influenced by rainfall, river water levels, temperature, dam management, and left-over snow, ultimately causing overflows within the community.

While there was no indication of potential flooding, the City issued a press release on April 8, stating that it was preparing for rising waters, “as it does every year.”

“The experience acquired in recent years has allowed the City to strengthen its actions and upstream planning in order to be even more effective,” read the release.

The below-average snowfall experienced this winter, along with the slightly low water levels on the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers, has led to few issues currently being anticipated in Gatineau.

The City planned to continuously monitor the situation closely, as the weather conditions over the coming weeks will determine the intensity of flooding.

“For its part, the population has an important role to play in reducing the probability of damage caused by the spring flood.” This statement was also included in the release.

It was recommended to always have an emergency kit on hand that contains the essential items for each family member to survive for at least 72 hours. Citizens can learn more about how to prepare and monitor the water levels themselves by visiting gatineau.ca/crue.

The City advised those who haven’t already done so to subscribe to alerts by text message or email to receive important messages about the spring flood.

Photo caption: Spring flooding is nothing new to Gatineau. The City was devastated by flooding in April of 2019.

Photo credit: Ville de Gatineau Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

With two months until the citizens of Gatineau decide on a new mayor, the City is looking to fill around 2,000 electoral staff positions leading up to the by-election on June 9.

Positions range from information and law enforcement officer to secretary with pay varying from $200 to $450 per day. Those interested would be required to work on June 2 as part of the advance voting and on election day, June 9.

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older on election day, hold Canadian citizenship, and have resided in Quebec for at least six months.

The selected individuals will have to take part in compulsory training that will depend on the specific position. Details on this training will be communicated at a later date.

Application forms as well as more information about the positions can be found at gatineau.ca/emplois-election.

Photo caption: The Ville de Gatineau is searching for residents to fill electoral staff positions for the upcoming by-election on June 9.

Photo credit: Elections Canada Photo

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

An investigation is underway after a body was discovered in the Ottawa River near Jacques Cartier Park on April 6.

Officers with the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau arrived at the scene early in the afternoon, following the discovery of the body on the riverbank by a passerby. The citizen was interviewed, and a perimeter was set to protect the scene until the body was removed around 4:00 pm.

“The body had indeed been in the water for some time,” said public relations officer Andrée East.

Work to identify the body was ongoing. While no foul play was currently suspected, East said that all doors remained open until the Coroner’s Office completed an investigation into the cause of death.

Photo caption: The investigation continues on a body that was discovered in the Ottawa River close to Jacques Cartier Park on April 6.

Photo credit: Sylvain Gaudreau Facebook

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Although the Fraternité des policiers et des policières de Gatineau revealed that the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau was short 40 officers, Gatineau’s acting mayor Daniel Champagne insisted the public service was “not compromised.”

“I want to reassure citizens that we currently offer services. We are not out of service; I’ll put it like that,” Champagne told reporters during a press briefing following a Comité exécutif meeting on March 26.

With the challenges currently facing recruitment, Champagne said the City has been taking initiatives to improve the situation, such as creating a recruitment committee, communicating directly with potential candidates at CEGEPs and trade fairs, and working on attraction to Gatineau.

“We are very, very active in resolving this situation, and I am confident that the coming months and the coming years will allow us to ensure that we respond favourably to this request,” said Champagne.

President of the Commission de la sécurité publique Olive Kamanyana said the problem of recruitment has slowly spread far beyond Gatineau.

It is not a case of lack of will, but there is a problem of lacking resources to recruit,” said Kamanyana. “The problem will not only have to be resolved at the education level, but also at the provincial level. It’s not just the cities.”

Rather than focusing merely on salary, Kamanyana said the issue needed to be discussed and resolved on a larger scope and include a focus on recruitment, education, and training programs.

The commission’s plan, which Kamanyana stated would be adopted soon, will also examine the workforce to understand the work, the human resources needed, as well as the capacity to offer services.

“It is extremely important that citizens are well served by our police force.”

Photo caption: Gatineau acting mayor Daniel Champagne assures the community its police services remains functional despite the Fraternité des policiers et des policières de Gatineau’s assertion of officer shortage.

Photo credit: Screenshot from Mêlée de presse du 26 mars 2024 – Comité exécutif

Taylor Clark

LJI Reporter

Canada’s Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez has confirmed federal funding for studies to develop a tramway between Gatineau and Ottawa after probing from Bloc Québécois MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval.

“I would like to know today if you can tell us about this famous good news for the continuation of the project that everyone would like to see to decongest the Outaouais region,” Barsalou-Duval questioned Rodriguez during the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities meeting on March 21.

Barsalou-Duval pointed to Rodriguez’s statement in November 2023 where he indicated good news in terms of funding for studies would be announced in the upcoming weeks.

“The Government of Quebec is committed; the (Société de transport de l’Outaouais) is committed; the Ville de Gatineau is committed; we’re just missing the federal government. We can’t wait to see it for real,” said Barsalou-Duval.

Rodriguez admitted his statement was premature but said discussions have continued with Quebec’s Minister of Transport Geneviève Guilbault.

“We are working on funding. There need to be studies first and we would be financing those studies,” said Rodriguez.

Acting Gatineau mayor Daniel Champagne was joined by the president of the conseil d’administration of the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) Jocelyn Blondin to discuss the future of the project with representatives of MOBI-O and Vivre en Ville on March 27.

“We will continue with the Coalition S’allier pour le tramway and our partners to put pressure on the federal government so that funding is confirmed in the April 16 budget,” MOBI-O wrote on Facebook.

Rodriguez’ comments came as a positive signal to the STO. Vice-president of the conseil d’administration Edmund Leclerc told reporters on March 28 it was a sign the federal government understood and recognized the need to continue studies to provide the region with a tramway.

“Since last summer, the project office has picked up the pace to be ready to initiate all the processes. When we have the official funding announcement, we will be ready. And I confirm that we are already ready at this time to move forward with the next steps. We just need official confirmation,” said Leclerc.

In the meantime, the STO will carry out field surveys this spring to fill the cracks in environmental impact studies.

Photo caption: The Société de transport de l’Outaouais offers a development concept for the

tramway project on boulevard du Plateau.

Photo credit: Société de transport de l’Outaouais Rapport 6