PUBLIC – Minutes of the Gatineau City Council committee of the whole meeting held in the committee room of the Maison du citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 9:37 a.m., at which were present,

1. General Information

2. Particularities of the new roll

3. Portrait of buildings in the territory

4. Statistics of the new roll

Communications. A question and comment period took place. A question was raised regarding the data recorded on page 33 vs. those identified on page 40 (housing units). Also, regarding the increase in properties, the increase recorded on page 22 differs from that mentioned on pages 27 and 32. Discrepancies also appeared regarding the value of vacant land. It was explained that some statistics include non-compensable values while others exclude them (revenues not collected by the city), with examples. The gaps between certain percentages can be explained by this element; verifications will be made. Clarifications on the breakdown of increases in the different sectors were also requested, which can be provided. Regarding the distribution of the tax burden, it was reiterated that some statistics are presented only for understanding purposes. Differences between categories and sub-categories must be taken into account for tax distribution. It was asked if tax bills will be higher for sectors that experienced a higher-than-average valuation increase. Additional explanations regarding the impacts and possible mitigation measures were presented.

An significant increase in land value was noted, explained by the analysis of sales made in the territory. The overall value must be analyzed to ensure it is correct for taxation purposes. There are situations where the value of the land is higher than the value of the building, particularly in cases where it could be redeveloped. This often happens in transition cycles. The value in the 2024 roll was presented following a question. Following a request to this effect, explanations were provided on compensable vs. non-compensable value as well as on buildable and non-buildable land. Several criteria are taken into account to determine the value of a land and its status; different elements must be analyzed. A major challenge lies in communications to citizens, and it was asked how services can support elected officials. Several communications are planned as part of the roll filing, particularly regarding values. Regarding the link to taxation, explanations will be given during the budget study week. A communication sheet for elected officials will also be developed to support them.

Councillor Edmond Leclerc took his seat at 10:30 a.m. The example of land in a flood zone was named, and clarifications were given for this type of land, depending on the situation (construction constraint: land value adjusted accordingly). Revision requests can be formulated; however, citizens are invited to contact the Service de l'évaluation (Assessment Department) beforehand. The revision process is provided for by law. The public plenary committee was suspended at 10:33 a.m.

CP20261027-P2 UPDATE – DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Presentation by Mmes. Catherine Bellemare and Sonia Blouin. The objectives of the presentation are to:

• recall the context of revitalization efforts in the downtown area;
• present a progress report on the projects identified in the Plan de relance de centre-ville (Downtown Recovery Plan);
• share priorities and perspectives for the year 2027.

Plan of the presentation:

1. Commercial vitality;
2. Backbone;
3. Cultural hub;
4. Grande Place;
5. Rue Eddy;
6. Sustainable mobility;
7. Inclusive living environment;
8. Identity and promotion.

RECOMMENDATION: BCCV-2026-01

The downtown coordination office recommends adjusting the annualized service enhancement by $400,000 starting in the year 2027. These service improvements will be considered during the 2027 budget study week.

A question and comment period took place. Ms. Véronique Angers joined the meeting at 11:35 a.m. during the presentation. The work of the teams was highlighted; it is clear that the actions are bearing fruit. It will be important not only to attract businesses but also to find ways to retain them. Questions were asked about the barriers to establishing new businesses, whether a follow-up on closures is done, and if strategies exist to support businesses present in this sector. Regarding the barriers, the challenges are mainly on the Promenade du Portage, and the work done by the coordinator was explained. There is still a dependence on federal civil servants; it is important to be able to diversify. Work is also being done with the SUDD to determine the number of business permits. For retention, personalized support is provided with the various partners. An intervention was made regarding the recommendation named by the administration, which should have been read by the chair of the executive committee. It was asked what the total amount invested by the City in the Downtown area is, considering that some organizations identified on page 24 are subsidized by the City. This information is not currently available (e.g., compilation with the PIVM); it could be relevant to have it. It was also verified that the organizations do not redistribute from the contributions received. A reference was made to page 59 to identify partner organizations. On pages 3 and 4, it was noted that some studies are a few years old. There have notably been changes in the federal public service since the data was recorded; updating should be considered in the planning. The Altus study was carried out in 2023. Since then, there have been regular meetings with various partners, and improvements have been noted following the return to work of civil servants. However, there is no desire to rely solely on civil servants. For unoccupied and vacant premises, explanations were provided on the measures that could be put in place to remedy this issue. On page 17, the inclusion of BASE in business growth was questioned, as this organization helps people in difficulty. A question was raised about the means used to attract the population from different sectors to the downtown area. Also, on the issue of security, it was asked if a plan exists. It is desired that all events create attraction; this element is the responsibility of the coordinator, who works with the Communications Department. There will be a deployment strategy. There is also a cohabitation committee where various issues, including security, are discussed. The SPVG (Gatineau Police) and the SLSDC are also utilized. There is also new lighting on certain arteries, and an information kit is in preparation. The presentation demonstrates that a dollar invested in culture is a dollar that pays off. There are also uncounted elements, notably residents who wish to have a work of art on their land. It would be desirable for such development to be done on a larger scale. Regarding unoccupied or vacant premises, business people were questioning the benefits of setting up downtown, other than the construction of housing. An elected official had presented a request that certain funds intended for the downtown area could be granted to Pointe-Gatineau to allow for economic development. There seems to be an imbalance in the territory. It was asked if a survey had already been carried out to find out where people identified their downtown. It was confirmed that such a survey was carried out in 2023.

The downtown area is also an important community hub; it is also a third place where all Gatineau residents can meet. There are interesting results, even for social impact. It is also a privileged place for young adults. The political approach put in place was to allow for the eventual reproduction of successes in other sectors. The Downtown Office is an essential element to these successes, considering its knowledge of the territory. The traditional centralized mode could not be as effective. This model must be reproduced in the sectors. When investing downtown, the goal is to bring people into our downtown, for deployment throughout the territory. The territorial approach is indeed a winning one, and we must be able to be inspired by what works. The downtown area plays a major role in the circular economy. It is important to be able to continue the actions initiated. We must be careful about possible gentrification with the arrival of new housing. Councillor Marc Carrière left his seat at 12:30 p.m. The downtown area is the only place where the modal split is moving in the right direction; it is important to be inspired by it for mobility throughout the territory. Better management of urbanization will also allow us to bring this model to other sectors. It was noted that former downtowns are all in the same boat. The challenge of having local businesses is the same for everyone. We must go beyond competing with each other to grow together. The issue of social mix is also crucial; it is important to bring ourselves back to the community life to be created. The implementation of an experiential laboratory is also very interesting to allow for deployment in other sectors. The downtown area also brings revenue to the City. It was mentioned that a developer had mentioned that the regulations should be reviewed and the tax burden revised. The facts demonstrate the benefits achieved. It was asked if data exists regarding business closures and what support is given to businesses in difficulty. Regarding the works created, we want to know the costs and economic benefits. It would be interesting to be able to showcase emerging artists from the community (e.g., UQO). It was confirmed that a project will be developed to this effect to make room for the next generation. A certain professional level must still be maintained out of respect for the artists. A breakdown of costs for works of art could be presented. For business closures, the exact data is not available. It would be interesting to mandate the administration to obtain this information. Commercial rents are a challenge for existing businesses, especially when buildings are bought out. It is desired to work on this issue. There is also a natural commercial rotation taking place; there would be a net gain. The data presented is interesting, notably regarding the fact that Gatineau's downtown was the most impacted by the pandemic. It is therefore interesting to see the achievements. The downtown area is a lever, a creator of wealth and attraction for the City. The potential is still enormous. The downtown area must be a driver of cultural, economic, and tourist attraction... The Downtown Office is also an innovation laboratory. The teams and partners were thanked for the work done. End of the public plenary committee at 12:55 p.m.