Gatineau Council prepares for key votes on housing, traffic, and development

Tashi Farmilo

Gatineau’s municipal officials convened on November 19 to prepare for a pivotal city council meeting, addressing major issues on housing, traffic regulations, and zoning amendments. The discussions highlighted both urgency and the need for careful consideration as councillors debated measures that could significantly impact residents.

Councillor Jocelyn Blondin (Manoir-des-Trembles–Val-Tétreau) pushed for a delay on amendments to reserved lane regulations, specifically regarding carpooling requirements. “We need a full analysis to ensure these measures align with long-term transit goals,” he argued, highlighting collaboration with the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO).

In contrast, Councillors Bettyna Bélizaire (Plateau) and Steve Moran (Hull–Wright) advocated for immediate action. Bélizaire highlighted pressing safety concerns at intersections such as Pink Road. “This is about securing key routes for public safety,” she stated. Moran agreed, urging that delays be avoided to address urgent community needs.

The council also discussed zoning adjustments, including increasing parking capacity at 279 Alexandre-Taché Boulevard. Councillor Gilles Chagnon (Lucerne) expressed concerns about the impact on neighbourhood dynamics, while Caroline Murray (Deschênes) stressed the importance of policies supporting family-oriented housing developments to address growing demand.

Affordable housing initiatives were another major focus, with officials examining funding strategies for social housing projects. Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette reaffirmed the city’s commitment to balancing fairness for taxpayers with the need for sustainable, inclusive growth. “These projects are central to ensuring a vibrant and accessible community for all residents,” the mayor noted.

As the session concluded, councillors underlined the importance of collaboration in crafting policies that address both immediate concerns and the city’s long-term development goals.

Residents are encouraged to watch the council session live or access recordings at Gatineau’s official website: https://villes.pqm.net/gatineau/index.php?lang=ang.