MINUTES — PUBLIC – RECREATION, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CLSDC)
⭐ Notable items (5)
The minutes from the previous meeting were filed. The city provided data showing that 99.5% of badminton court users are Gatineau residents, addressing public concerns about non-resident usage.
A resident requested the conversion of the Beaudry arena for pickleball. The city clarified that it is working with the regional pickleball association to increase court availability and will present a strategy for arena usage later this fall.
An update was provided on various infrastructure projects funded by a $10 million budget surplus, including soccer fields, the UQO dome, and boat launches. The discussion emphasized the importance of inclusive design, such as gender-neutral facilities, to encourage broader participation in sports.
The city plans to launch a two-year pilot project for a refrigerated skating rink at Parc des Cèdres in Aylmer, scheduled to open in November 2025. The project aims to provide an inclusive, family-oriented space for free skating, with potential for future expansion based on performance testing and public consultation.
The city provided an update on pool infrastructure, including a feasibility study for a new indoor pool in Hull and upcoming major repairs to the Paul-Pelletier Aquatic Centre and the Cégep de l'Outaouais pool. A technical audit of outdoor pools is also planned to guide future investment and maintenance.
The meeting was officially opened at 3:00 p.m. after confirming that a quorum was present.
The commission adopted the agenda with one addition regarding security fees for the Gatineau Police Service (SPVG).
No members declared any conflicts of interest regarding the items on the agenda.
The minutes from the previous meeting were filed. The city provided data showing that 99.5% of badminton court users are Gatineau residents, addressing public concerns about non-resident usage.
A resident requested the conversion of the Beaudry arena for pickleball. The city clarified that it is working with the regional pickleball association to increase court availability and will present a strategy for arena usage later this fall.
The commission received a presentation on the city's new 'opportunity file' approach, which is a structured process for evaluating, managing, and coordinating large-scale infrastructure projects involving partnerships.
An update was provided on various infrastructure projects funded by a $10 million budget surplus, including soccer fields, the UQO dome, and boat launches. The discussion emphasized the importance of inclusive design, such as gender-neutral facilities, to encourage broader participation in sports.
The city plans to launch a two-year pilot project for a refrigerated skating rink at Parc des Cèdres in Aylmer, scheduled to open in November 2025. The project aims to provide an inclusive, family-oriented space for free skating, with potential for future expansion based on performance testing and public consultation.
The city provided an update on pool infrastructure, including a feasibility study for a new indoor pool in Hull and upcoming major repairs to the Paul-Pelletier Aquatic Centre and the Cégep de l'Outaouais pool. A technical audit of outdoor pools is also planned to guide future investment and maintenance.
The commission discussed recent billing for police services at community events. While the city will absorb these specific costs, the administrative process for event security requirements is currently under review.
The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for September 17, 2025, where the 2024-2025 biennial report and the 2026 work plan will be presented.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:17 p.m.