Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

During the city council meeting at the Masson-Angers Service Centre on April 15, several citizen interventions drew attention to the parking tax and Rue des Laurentides.

Mixed opinions on the parking space tax

“A month ago, dozens and dozens of businesspeople came to the last council meeting at the Maison du Citoyen to ask us for some breathing room, following the imposition of a heavy tax on parking spaces,” said Mario Aubé, city councillor for the Masson-Angers district. “They were offered a 40% discount and, since then, it’s as if we’re hoping the situation will pass and that we won’t talk about it anymore.

For Dinty’s restaurant owner Jim Sourges, this represents an increase of more than 50%. “How will this tax change my customers’ behavior?” he wondered. Moreover, since the restaurant is in a heritage zone, it will be difficult, according to Jim, to change the zoning. “I find this situation contradictory,” he said.

Moreover, the situation doesn’t seem favourable for Mario Marengère, a real estate developer in Gatineau. “I recently received a tax bill for more than $52,000 in additional fees,” he pointed out. “My tenants are at risk of leaving, and I’ll be left with empty buildings […]. “It’s no longer fun to live in Gatineau!”

While some were opposed to this tax, other citizens were keen to show their support, as was the case with Céline Lopez, a member of the Outaouais group Mères au Front. “For us, taxing parking spaces is one measure among others to move us away from car use and toward a more sustainable lifestyle,” she commented.

“We sometimes hear that the tax is waging war on cars, but let’s be clear, the real war is the one waged every day by those who want to walk, cycle, or take the bus without fearing for their safety or their lives,” says Patrick Meunier, Director General of MOBIO.

Rue des Laurentides: Far from Delighting Residents

Regarding the situation on Rue des Laurentides, discontent was felt by several residents of the Masson-Angers area who were present at the city council meeting.

Despite nearly 90 requests to 311, the situation remained unchanged. “It’s one of the worst-rated streets in the east end of the city […],” explained Mario Aubé. “Unfortunately, in recent weeks, I learned that the project has been relegated to the implementation plan and will be pushed back to 2027.”

“What I just learned tonight was like a slap in the face!” said Robert Guérin, a resident of Masson-Angers. “People weren’t even aware of the situation; we only just found out. For you to say that the situation will continue its course is inconceivable. People have been waiting for several years.”

“We’ve had a street full of craters for over four years,” explained Marcel, a resident of Masson-Angers. “The situation has worsened since the construction of the seniors’ centre.”

Photo: Overview of the city council meeting (April 15, 2025) (MG) Photo: Mélissa Gélinas