Gatineau Municipal Council Highlights the Importance of Citizen Participation
Grace Richards
During Gatineau’s municipal council meeting on March 19th, 2024, a recurring theme emerged: the importance of citizen participation in shaping the city’s future. In particular, councillors discussed how citizens have shaped the development of 1771 Alexandre-Taché and pushed for the revitalization of Lucerne Boulevard.
Councillor Murray initiated the conversation by acknowledging the increasing interest among citizens in participating in public forums, neighbourhood associations, and municipal conferences. She noted citizens' valuable contributions to projects like the Alexandre-Taché development, which has seen drastic revisions thanks to community engagement. The community is helping adapt the project to better suit the needs of those living in the area.
However, Murray expressed concern over the developer's limited engagement with citizens regarding the Alexandre-Taché project: “In my opinion, this would allow the project to be carried out more quickly and in harmony with the neighbourhood while having citizen support. Involving citizens must be done in all spheres of municipal decision-making.”
Transitioning to the Lucerne Boulevard renovation, Murray acknowledged citizens' frustrations with the project's delayed progress and called for improved communication between the council and the public.
The Municipal Council President, Counsellor Boivin, echoed these sentiments, assuring citizens of the council's commitment to transparency and responsiveness. He acknowledged the complexity of the Lucerne Boulevard project and the building frustration of residents, sharing: “As you know, it is one of the worst roads in our city, and I remember as a citizen, before being here, I was promised that Lucerne Boulevard was coming. Today, it's me who promises it to you.” Boivin pledged to provide timely updates on the project as they become available.
The council collectively resolved to improve transparency by publishing Planning Advisory Committee documents alongside meeting agendas on the city's website. The next council meeting is on April 16 at 7:00 p.m. at 25 Rue Laurier. Anyone planning on speaking is asked to arrive half an hour before the council meeting begins.