MINUTES – PUBLIC – SENIORS COMMISSION (CA) – 3rd meeting – June 8, 2026 – 1:31 p.m. to 4:08 p.m.
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9. In Gatineau, we move for life! – Presentation
A presentation was made by M. Jean Christophe Gandubert, section head – Community Development at the Service des loisirs, des sports et du développement des communautés, regarding the project "In Gatineau, we move for life!" (À Gatineau, on bouge pour la vie!). This process aims to fuel reflection and guide municipal actions in terms of sport and physical activity, as part of the Commission's Work Plan, file 2 "Social Participation."
A context setting was first presented, recalling that physical activity, outdoor activities, and sport constitute important levers for health, social inclusion, and individual and collective development. The findings of the Report on the Future of Sport in Canada and the avenues for solutions to consider as well as the process are discussed, notably the issues related to infrastructure, accessibility, equity, safety, governance, and financing. It was also highlighted that the current model favors organized and high-performance environments more, to the detriment of free practice and accessibility for the entire population.
Exchanges take place between the members during the presentation. During the presentation, reflection questions were asked to the members in order to stimulate exchanges, notably on the adaptation of the municipal service offer. The discussions highlighted the importance of promoting free, accessible, and flexible practice spaces, allowing participation without constraints or structured supervision. Examples were mentioned, such as the opening of platforms for spontaneous use and the reappropriation of public spaces for unstructured activities. As an example, it is mentioned that seniors increasingly favor an active life involving less structure and constraints. The idea of allowing an offer of free platforms in certain community centers is raised. This would allow, for example, the flexible practice of varied activities (badminton, knitting...) or serve as meeting places. This need is also illustrated by a recent case: the development of a community garden in a park in a sector of the City showed that the targeted unstructured space was finally frequented and used for free play activities by certain users.
Exchanges also focused on the optimization of resources, notably the possibility of better targeting the clienteles served and ensuring an equitable distribution of investments between age groups. The management of the Department highlights the relevance of this reflection. The importance of better highlighting the groups that benefit from these investments, while noting that current resources strongly support very organized clienteles, is raised. However, it is specified that this is not about calling into question the development of excellence, but rather about better defining the role of the City with regard to all of its infrastructure and its citizens, notably to promote active participation of all throughout life. The discussion on this subject concludes on the need to better target and balance investments, without opposing clienteles, while recognizing the complexity of the exercise.
Following these interventions, the presentation continues. The presentation continued with the exposition of additional findings, notably in connection with the current service offer which is mostly structured, issues of equity and diversity, as well as the need to develop multifunctional infrastructure. Comments are formulated by the members. A reflection question was asked regarding the priorities to be granted in terms of infrastructure, which allowed for addressing avenues such as the pooling of equipment, sharing with school environments which is necessary, and better coordination between actors in the territory. The members also raised issues related to citizen participation, the role of organizations, and the need to strengthen links with communities, notably from an intergenerational perspective.
The presenter recalled that these orientations require collective reflection and progressive adaptation of practices. It is emphasized that infrastructure must tend towards greater multifunctionality in order to optimize their use and profitability. It is also mentioned that they should not be allocated exclusively to a single organization, in order to guarantee expanded access. Several reflections are shared. The discussions focus on the previous model which relied largely on the volunteer commitment of hundreds, even thousands of people, and raises the issue of the future organization of sport and leisure in living environments. The reflection continues on avenues promoting pooling, both between the former cities and with neighboring municipalities and with the school environment, while noting that these collaborations remain currently insufficiently coordinated is mentioned. The importance of promoting initiatives such as courses open to the community and links with social housing, as well as strengthening multi- and intergenerational dialogue is recalled by the members.
The management of the Department highlights for its part the importance of pooling with the school environment, recalling that public infrastructure must benefit the public as much as possible. It is however specified that distinctions must be made between types of practices and clienteles, notably in the case of shared facilities (e.g., municipal synthetic fields located in school environments). The need to better frame these agreements, taking into account disciplines, clienteles, and para-municipal partnerships, in order to ensure optimal design and use of equipment is highlighted.
Following these interventions, the presentation continues. The presenter exposes the different phases of the upcoming process. Phase I, planned for May and June 2026, focuses on training, notably with the participation of the Director General of Sport Québec during a targeted meeting. Phase II, from September 2026 to January 2027, will consist of collaborative workshops. Phase III will take the form of a major gathering of all stakeholders in the field, namely the Municipal Summit "In Gatineau, we move!" (À Gatineau, on bouge!), planned for Saturday, November 7, 2026. Finally, Phase IV will lead to the adoption of a Gatineau Declaration as well as reference frameworks in the spring of 2027.
In conclusion, the presentation highlights the systemic challenges of the current model and the orientations envisaged in order to promote a more accessible, inclusive, and better-adapted sports practice for the needs of the population.
Exchange period Following the presentation, an exchange period allowed members to raise other issues and reflections in connection with the proposed orientations.
Structure of organizations The discussions notably focused on the changes envisaged in the organization of sport, with some members raising concerns related to a feeling, without prejudice, of a possible loss of control by organizations and the need to adequately accompany these transformations. There was talk of the relevance of promoting grouping, which could go as far as mergers sometimes and subject to creating winning conditions, or the pooling of certain organizations and platforms, in order to improve their performance and efficiency, while avoiding harming the initiatives in place. The importance of transparency, optimization of resources, and reflection on the development of new infrastructure was also highlighted. Concrete examples are mentioned, such as the implementation of integrated registration systems or the centralization of the management and reservation of sports platforms. It is mentioned that better use of these tools would allow for optimizing several aspects of the municipal offer, in a concern for increased transparency.
The exchanges also highlight the evolution of practices towards greater free access. Although this trend is perceived positively (e.g., popularity of pickleball, free skating, outdoor activities), it poses organizational challenges. It is emphasized by the members that free access must nevertheless be structured and minimally framed in order to avoid disorganization, which implies a culture change and sustained efforts to ensure its implementation. Thus, if the development of free access is perceived as an opportunity to promote participation, it also represents a challenge in terms of organization and adaptation of practices. This shift requires a culture change, notably to allow better use of platforms, including spaces for free activities such as spontaneous play or the reappropriation of public space. The potential of underutilized spaces, notably vacant platforms and streets, is mentioned, in order to promote free play and encourage increased appropriation of public space. Finally, a consensus emerges regarding the objective of moving from a model where organizations lack platforms to an optimized model, allowing efficient use of infrastructure and promoting increased and continuous participation of the population in physical activities.
Leverage effect – living together The exchanges also highlighted the potential of outdoor activities and sport as a lever for cultural discovery and inclusion, notably for people from immigration. Some members mentioned the possibility for the City to position itself in an innovative way by integrating cultural, heritage, social, and recreational dimensions more into its reflection. The example of the refrigerated outdoor skating rink is mentioned. It is mentioned that the Ville de Gatineau would be the first municipality to go in this direction.
Specific needs The members also addressed issues related to inclusion and the adaptation of the offer, notably concerning certain clienteles with specific needs, including access to non-mixed or adapted spaces. The importance of being inspired by existing practices, including certain private sector practices, and observing what is being done elsewhere was highlighted. The Department specified that the presentation had been subject to certain adjustments and that the adjusted version would be put online. It was recalled that this process is part of a global project of the Department, whose tools and priorities will evolve according to the orientations identified.
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7. Workshop for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – Presentation
An informative presentation was given by Marie-Pier Morest, regional coordinator for the fight against elder abuse and vulnerable adults, and Geneviève Aubie, planning, programming, and research officer at the Public Health Directorate of the CISSS de l'Outaouais. This presentation aims to demystify abuse by promoting 'bientraitance' (well-treatment). It is part of file 2 of the Seniors' Commission Work Plan, "Social Participation," which aims to ensure monitoring of social issues affecting seniors from a perspective of inclusion and social participation.
A reflection on the difference between benevolence and 'bientraitance' is first conducted. It was specified that benevolence is based on the intention to act for the well-being of the person, while 'bientraitance' involves actively considering the person's point of view, needs, and preferences before acting. The six guiding principles of 'bientraitance' were presented, notably the importance of placing the person at the center of actions, promoting their self-determination, respecting their dignity, supporting their inclusion and social participation, intervening with know-how and interpersonal skills, and ensuring concerted support.
An overview of the Loi visant à lutter contre la maltraitance envers les aînés et les personnes majeures en situation de vulnérabilité (L.6.3) was then carried out, particularly regarding reporting and intervention mechanisms. It was recalled that abuse can manifest through an action or an omission, intentional or not, in a context of a relationship of trust. The two forms of abuse, violence and neglect, were explained, as well as the main types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, material or financial, organizational, ageism, and violation of rights. It was mentioned that the most frequent forms are psychological and financial abuse.
Comments are made by members during the presentation. A reflection question is raised regarding situations where, for example, a professional (or resource person) addresses the relatives of a senior directly rather than the senior themselves during an appointment. It is asked if such a situation can constitute a form of abuse. The presenters mention that this type of practice can exert pressure on relatives. It is emphasized that this can stem, in particular, from a professional's difficulty in adapting their language or simplifying their message. Depending on the context and the way it manifests, this situation can indeed be similar, without prejudice, even if it is unintentional. Finally, it is noted that an increasing number of training courses and awareness initiatives are being put in place to prevent these situations. A follow-up will be carried out to transmit the additional tools and information presented.
Following the interventions, the presentation continues. A case study was presented in the form of a video, followed by a discussion highlighting various manifestations of abuse, such as lack of communication, infantilization, non-respect of rights, and exclusion of the person in decisions concerning them. Clarifications were also provided regarding the realities surrounding caregivers, who may be confronted with complex situations and, in some cases, experience or exercise abuse unintentionally, particularly in a context of burnout.
Finally, several help resources were presented, including:
- The Ligne Aide Maltraitance Adultes Aînés (LAMA 1 888 489-2287);
- The SAVA Outaouais intervention service, support for victims of abuse (819 431-4336 or 873 655-1395) offering screening and accompaniment;
- 811 (option 2) allowing one to reach qualified social workers for psychosocial advice;
- The Centre d'Assistance et d'Accompagnement aux Plaintes de l'Outaouais (Le CAAP Outaouais: 819 770-3637).
The presenters also mentioned the offer of training and awareness workshops, including an immersive tool (workshop: La valise de Lise) aimed at better recognizing situations of abuse. A training offer is also available for stakeholders.
Exchange period General comments Thanks are addressed to the presenters. The exchange period allowed for clarifying certain elements and completing the information presented. A question was first asked regarding the Ligne Aide Maltraitance Adultes Aînés (LAMA). It was confirmed that this is the former "Abus Aînés" line, the name of which was changed to reflect the expansion of the clientele served.
Vague mauve (Purple Wave) The presenters also recalled that June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and presented the "purple wave" initiative, inviting the population to take awareness-raising actions between June 1 and 15, notably by wearing purple on the day itself. It was emphasized that promoting 'bientraitance' constitutes an important lever for preventing abuse.
Other support resources The existence of a wellness check service offered by the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) was highlighted, specifying that the SPVG has a specialized team capable of intervening quickly with citizens in situations of abuse. The presenters took note of this information and indicated that this type of intervention is part of a complementary approach to fighting abuse. It was also mentioned that the Maison Unies-Vers-Femmes offers a "Cascade" program as a complementary tool for awareness and intervention.
Financial abuse A question was then asked about how to react to a situation of abuse, particularly financial. It was specified that these situations are delicate and that it is important to name one's concerns and observations. The presenters recommended relying on available resources, including the LAMA line, in order to be accompanied and guided in the steps. They also emphasized that abuse can manifest at different levels and that organizations are able to accompany people in the process.
Awareness activities Finally, the presenters recalled that awareness activities, webinars, and workshops are offered during the period surrounding June 15, including some activities in collaboration with local partners. It was mentioned that a follow-up would be carried out to transmit this calendar of activities to members by correspondence.
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8. The Gatineau Citizens' Advisory Committee for Seniors (CCC-PAG): A productive first year – Presentation
A presentation was made by Chantal Lalonde, of the Table des aînés de Gatineau and member of the Commission, aiming to take stock of the first year of the Comité consultatif citoyen des personnes aînées de Gatineau (CCC-PAG). This process is part of the Seniors' Commission Work Plan, file 2 "Social Participation," the CCC-PAG having the objective of promoting the speaking out, consultation, and representation of seniors.
The presenter recalled that the committee was set up to give a voice to seniors, allow them to actively participate in consultations, and better publicize their realities, needs, and concerns. Recruitment activities carried out in different sectors of the city, notably in certain living environments and gathering places, made it possible to bring together more than fifty interested seniors, 38 of whom have participated in at least one consultation to date. It is mentioned that the meetings generally bring together between 15 and 25 participants. The profile of the seniors involved shows a majority of people aged 70 to 79, including several over 80. A greater representation from the Hull and Gatineau sectors is highlighted. It is also noted that there is currently no representative from the Masson-Angers sector.
Since its creation, the committee has been consulted on numerous occasions on varied issues affecting seniors, such as ageism, access to services, digital transition, municipal planning, home support, as well as concrete projects like the mobile Internet café or universal accessibility of infrastructure. These consultations have led to concrete results, notably through the consideration of seniors' comments in certain municipal developments and projects, such as the addition of interpretation elements or improvements in public spaces. It was emphasized that the operation of the CCC-PAG is based on a participatory approach, the modalities of the meetings having been defined by the seniors themselves. This formula promotes strong involvement of participants and rich exchanges, contributing to strengthening their citizen engagement. The presentation also highlighted that participation in the committee encourages the mobilization and involvement of seniors in municipal life, notably through their contribution to consultations and public initiatives.
Finally, thanks to a collaboration with the City and funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), an evolution of the committee is planned. It will now be able to go and meet seniors directly in their living environments, in order to reach a greater number and a greater diversity of people, including certain less represented populations. This new approach, which will be deployed starting in the fall, aims to broaden the scope of consultations and strengthen representativeness.
In conclusion, the first year of the CCC-PAG is considered positive, and the committee intends to continue its efforts in terms of recruitment and increasing consultations in order to promote the participation and speaking out of seniors in Gatineau.
Exchange period General comments Congratulations are addressed to the Table des aînés de Gatineau for the establishment of the Comité consultatif des personnes aînées (CCC-PAG). Following the presentation, an exchange period allowed members to ask questions and clarify certain elements related to operation.
Citizen participation The discussions focused on best practices for citizen participation, with some members highlighting the committee's approach, comparable to a discussion group promoting in-depth exchanges. In response, it was explained that maintaining direct contact with seniors, notably by telephone, constitutes a preferred practice. It was also mentioned that a best practices guide could indeed eventually be developed, the idea being very good, especially since an additional full-time resource within the Table des aînés de Gatineau will allow for the continued development of this committee.
Representativeness The question of territorial representativeness was addressed, notably concerning the absence of participants from the Masson-Angers sector and the under-representation of the Aylmer sector. Challenges related to the participation of certain clienteles, including English-speaking seniors, were raised. It was mentioned that future steps aimed at going to meet seniors in their living environments should contribute to improving this representativeness. The upcoming deployment this fall of the committee directly in living environments, made possible thanks to NHSP funding, should contribute to improving representativeness, including the possibility of reaching more English-speaking seniors.
Intergenerational The exchanges also focused on the intergenerational dimension, with some members raising the challenges related to the cohabitation of uses and interests, including the sharing of spaces and activities between different generations. It was mentioned that this theme could be the subject of a future consultation in order to identify avenues for action to promote better intergenerational integration.
Recruitment Finally, questions were raised regarding recruitment strategies, notably in connection with local organizations and seniors' clubs. It is mentioned that there is a certain turnover at the level of the presidencies of the golden age clubs; it is important to communicate with them regularly. The need to diversify the means of communication and dissemination of information was highlighted. It was specified that recruitment activities have already been carried out in different environments and that the addition of resources within the Table des aînés de Gatineau will allow for intensifying these steps, notably by going to meet seniors in their places of frequentation. Registering this activity upstream in the planning of activities offered by golden age clubs is an idea raised. Finally, it was recognized that the development of the committee relies on the ability to adapt approaches, broaden participation, and maintain the engagement of seniors, while continuing efforts to better represent the diversity of realities experienced in the territory.
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1. Quorum check and opening of the meeting
The chair confirms the quorum and opens the meeting, held in a hybrid and public format, at 1:31 p.m. This is the third meeting of the year, which focuses in particular on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Seniors, and the theme "In Gatineau, we move for life!" (À Gatineau, on bouge pour la vie!).
A special mention is made to thank Mme Gisèle Bisson, an organizational member representing the Académie des retraités de l'Outaouais, Mme Anne Desforges, an organizational member representing the Société Alzheimer de l'Outaouais, and Mme Monique Guindon, a citizen member, who completed their terms last May after several years of remarkable involvement with the Commission. Thanks are also extended to the members who participated in the inter-commission meeting held on May 7.
Finally, two guests are introduced: M. Daniel Bélisle, from the organization Remue-Ménage de l'Outaouais, and Mme Gisèle Aubut, a citizen, who will soon join the work of the Seniors' Commission. Stéphanie Legault joins the meeting at 1:34 p.m.
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2. Adoption of the agenda
It is proposed by Chantal Lalonde Supported by Marc St-Amour And resolved that this Commission adopts the agenda as proposed.
Adopted
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3. Declaration of conflict of interest
No conflicts of interest are declared upon reading the subjects listed on the agenda.
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4. Filing and follow-up of the minutes of the March 30, 2026 meeting
Made by email, is filed. No follow-up is required.
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5. Public question period
Six (6) members of the public are attending the meeting and one of them speaks during the public question period.
1- Question from the public: Chantal Leblanc-Bélanger, citizen
The intervention by Mme Leblanc-Bélanger aims to introduce herself and express her interest in one of the seats currently vacant on the Seniors' Commission. Mme Leblanc-Bélanger mentions that she is interested in files dealing with seniors. She specifies that she is attending the meeting as an observer, as part of a learning process. Mme Leblanc-Bélanger expresses her gratitude to the Ville de Gatineau.
Exchanges or comments
The chair thanks Mme Leblanc-Bélanger for her intervention and presence and specifies that committees and commissions are always looking for people interested in submitting their candidacy and getting involved when positions are vacant. The chair also thanks the Department for having allowed the Commission to become better known, among other things, through the organization of events that took place in the different sectors of the City previously.
The vice-chair points out that a public assembly with the elected officials of Aylmer will be held on the evening of June 16, noting that it is an opportunity to create contacts and promote citizen involvement.
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6. Member roundtable – Information item
A roundtable of the members allowed for the introduction of the participants.
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10. Miscellaneous
10.1 Follow-up on recommendations, if any
As part of this meeting, a follow-up was carried out in connection with recommendation CA-2026-02. The Department indicated that the renewal of the Plan d'action intégré Familles, aînés et personnes handicapées was presented to the municipal council on May 12. It was also specified that the steering committee is now in place and that it will ensure the follow-up and implementation of the plan renewal process.
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11. Next meeting
It is indicated that the next meeting of the Seniors' Commission will be held on September 28, 2026.
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12. Adjournment of the meeting
It is proposed by Chantal Lalonde Supported by Marc St-Amour And resolved that this Commission agrees to adjourn the meeting at 4:08 p.m.
Adopted
DISTRIBUTION: To the members of this Commission, to the resource persons, to the members of the municipal council, and to the clerk
CHAIR: JEAN LESSARD SECRETARY: JOSÉE MARCIL