LEISURE, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – (CLSDC) – 2nd meeting – April 22, 2026 – 3:09 p.m. to 6 p.m.

6. Presentation – À Gatineau on bouge pour la vie

Jean-Christophe Gandubert presents the objectives of the initiative aimed at informing members of the findings of the Rapport sur l’avenir du sport au Canada (Report on the future of sport in Canada) and potential solutions to consider. Members review the main findings, particularly regarding citizen participation, infrastructure, safe sport, governance, the service model, and funding.

Madame Bettyna Bélizaire joins the meeting in person at 3:22 p.m.

Demographic issues, particularly related to the aging population, are presented. The discussions highlight that the current partnership system and service offering would benefit from being reviewed to better meet the needs of citizens, particularly adult clienteles, in a context where free access is primarily offered to those 17 and under. It is also mentioned that current facilities and infrastructure are not always adapted or accessible, which can limit participation, particularly among people 65 and older.

Adrian Corbo joins the meeting in person at 3:35 p.m.

Members recognize that organized sport remains relevant, but that a growing demand for free, flexible, and accessible practices is observed. It is suggested to diversify the offering and improve the visibility of the existing offering, particularly for free activities or those without recurring costs. The discussions also raise governance issues related to the balance between volunteer involvement and the professionalization of management, as well as issues of optimizing sports facilities, particularly regarding the monitoring of actual facility usage.

The presentation then addresses issues of equity and inclusion.

Anne-Sophie Lacroix joins the meeting in person at 3:50 p.m.

It is mentioned that certain clienteles, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds, face obstacles related to communication methods and financial realities. The discussions highlight the importance of developing an accessible, inclusive, and diversified offering to foster a culture of physical activity throughout life.

Finally, issues related to infrastructure are addressed. It is mentioned that the obsolete state of several facilities requires prioritizing activities that are less infrastructure-intensive and designing new facilities in a multidisciplinary way to maximize their use. The importance of supporting partner organizations in understanding the City's orientations is also highlighted.

The presentation concludes with the presentation of the proposed scenario, structured in four phases (training, collaborative workshops, Sommet À Gatineau, on bouge pour la vie !, and Déclaration de Gatineau), as well as the presentation of points of vigilance, actions, and timelines planned until spring 2027.

7. Presentation – Transformation plan for outdoor skating rink offerings

The presentation aims to report on the progress of work related to the development of the transformation plan for outdoor skating rink offerings and to validate certain strategic elements.

Catherine Lafrance and Jean-Christophe Gandubert leave the meeting at 4:40 p.m.

Anne-Sophie Lacroix reviews the last session and presents the proposed revision process, structured by phases. Members are invited to comment on its ability to meet the needs and priorities of the community. The discussions highlight the importance of evaluating alternatives to refrigerated rinks, given the high costs, and relying on reliable traffic data before any major decision, while ensuring an equitable level of service between sectors and taking into account the user experience. The possibility of integrating more animation and support services, particularly skating initiations, is also mentioned.

The presentation then addresses the categorization of rinks and the proposal for a new nomenclature. The discussions indicate that the names should be clarified and accompanied by precise descriptions in order to be understandable to citizens and to reflect concrete uses. It is mentioned that simplifying the nomenclature is relevant, provided that service levels are well described, and that an intermediate category between neighborhood rinks and facilities with a more marked vocation could be considered. The relevance of developing destination rinks is discussed, taking into account the infrastructure deficit and the City's maintenance capacity.

Benjamin Dumont leaves the meeting at 5:05 p.m. The quorum is maintained.

Members also discuss the exclusive vocation of certain rinks (hockey or free skating). It is mentioned that this approach could be considered if the level of service remains equivalent, while ensuring a balance between specialization and inclusivity. Finally, the discussions focus on communicating changes to citizens. It is emphasized that acceptability relies on a clear explanation of decision-making criteria, highlighting long-term benefits, using relevant quantitative elements, as well as proactive communication with volunteers and partner organizations. It is recalled that the inclusion of citizens in the process, particularly through the consultations already carried out, constitutes an important lever for social acceptability.

Willy Blaise Iranyibutse and Anne-Sophie Lacroix leave the meeting at 5:25 p.m. The quorum is maintained.

BREAK from 5:25 p.m. to 5:35 p.m.