MINUTES – PUBLIC – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION (PSC) – 3rd meeting – May 22, 2026 – 9:02 a.m. to 11:48 a.m.

Annual report of the Fire Safety Service – Presentation

Maxime Courchesne presents the 2025 annual report of the Service de sécurité incendie de Gatineau for information purposes. The Service, composed of approximately 360 to 370 employees, operates from 8 stations, with a 9th in planning to improve risk coverage. Prevention remains a priority, notably through awareness actions and inspections. No fire-related deaths were recorded in 2025. More than 1,000 information and inspection requests were processed. The Service responded to 9,211 calls, the majority of which do not concern fires, but include medical assistance and rescue operations. Interventions preserved approximately 99% of building value. The territory includes more than 73,000 risks, allowing for the adaptation of deployed resources. Specific intervention plans are also developed for more complex buildings. Furthermore, approximately 90% of the vehicle fleet is renewed or in the process of being so. The Service also emphasizes continuous training and staff health and safety, while maintaining active involvement in the community.

Discussion

Following the presentation, members discuss the planning of the new station, notably its location, numbering, and impact on risk coverage and response times. It is specified that this new infrastructure will improve service to certain sectors. Discussions also focus on prevention measures, including the obligation for smoke detectors, inspections, notices of violation, and awareness approaches for citizens. Members address the nature of the service's interventions, noting that they do not primarily concern fires. It is confirmed that firefighters intervene in various types of situations, notably in rescue and medical assistance. Questions are raised regarding resource and equipment planning, including the renewal of the vehicle fleet. Finally, exchanges focus on the evolution of risks, linked notably to demographic growth and urban development, as well as prevention actions for vulnerable clienteles and collaborations with partners.

Maxime Courchesne leaves the meeting at 9:45 a.m. Quorum is maintained.

BREAK from 9:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Bettyna Bélizaire leaves the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Quorum is maintained.

Annual report of the Police Service – Presentation

For information purposes, Mr. Simon Fournier presents the 2025 annual report of the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG), in connection with the 2024-2028 strategic plan. The SPVG has 836 staff members and processed more than 300,000 calls at the emergency center, of which approximately 83,000 were police calls leading to nearly 74,000 dispatches. The presentation highlights the diversity of interventions, including actions in security, prevention, and support for the population. Crime trends and emerging issues are addressed, as well as prevention initiatives and collaborations with partners, notably regarding domestic violence and victim support. The Service also emphasizes the importance of recruitment, training, and staff retention to ensure an adequate service offer. Interventions related to mental health and homelessness remain significant. Road safety actions are also carried out, although an increase in collisions is observed. The SPVG favors a proximity approach and maintains an active presence in the community. The report indicates a high level of satisfaction and public trust in the service. Denis Doucet joins the meeting at 10:29 a.m.

Discussions

Following the presentation, members discuss staff representativeness, notably the presence of women and people from diverse backgrounds. It is specified that efforts are being made in recruitment and awareness, although certain limits are linked to the access process for the police profession. Internal initiatives, such as mentoring, are also mentioned. Questions are raised regarding recruitment and retention strategies. It is indicated that adjustments were made following the 2025 collective agreement, contributing to improving the attractiveness of positions. Discussions also focus on prevention tools, including the surveillance camera registry, as well as certain police practices, notably regarding the detection of impaired driving and firearm seizures. Members address several public safety issues, including domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and youth crime. It is specified that prevention initiatives are in development in collaboration with partners. Finally, exchanges focus on interventions related to mental health and homelessness, as well as the difficulty of measuring the impact of prevention actions. It is mentioned that these interventions represent a significant part of activities, while highlighting the maintenance of a good level of public trust in the service.

Annual report of the Civil Security Office – Presentation

For information purposes, Claudia Cervellera presents the 2025 annual report of the Bureau de la sécurité civile, which acts as a municipal coordination structure. The small team has evolved in a context of reduced capacity, while maintaining its essential activities. The actions carried out cover the areas of prevention, preparation, intervention, and recovery. The Bureau notably participated in initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience to climate change, ensured continuous risk monitoring, and coordinated various actions in collaboration with partners. Preparation activities were carried out, notably in view of the spring freshet, and improvements were made to emergency measure coordination capabilities. The Bureau was mobilized during certain events, including the spring freshet and an ice storm, without major impacts for the population. Finally, it continues its involvement in the development of civil security practices, notably through collaborations, research activities, and awareness.

Following the presentation, members discuss the Bureau's ability to maintain its activities despite limited resources, as well as risk prevention and preparation measures. Discussions also focus on emergency situation management and coordination with partners. Finally, questions are raised regarding support for vulnerable clienteles and the continuous improvement of practices. Maxime Courchesne returns to the meeting at 11:17 a.m.