Gatineau Council moves forward with 2025 budget amid debate over timing

Tashi Farmilo

On November 4, Gatineau’s City Council convened to discuss the proposed 2025 budget, opening with a debate over the timing of its presentation. Councillor Denis Girouard from the Lac-Beauchamp district requested a delay, citing that the budget documents were received late and required additional time for review. He was supported by Councillors Chagnon, Blondin, Lessard and Aubé, all of whom raised concerns about the time needed to thoroughly assess the budget.

Councillor Steve Moran of Hull–Wright, representing Action Gatineau, opposed the delay, arguing that the schedule was consistent with previous years and that adequate time had been provided. Following a brief discussion, a majority vote led to the decision to proceed with the meeting as scheduled, moving into budget discussions.

The 2025 budget proposal totals $887 million, marking a 10.4% increase from the previous year’s $803 million. The proposed budget includes a 3.18% increase in residential property taxes and a 4.18% rise for commercial properties. Additionally, new taxes on vacant lots and vehicle registrations are expected to generate around $23 million, part of an effort to reduce the city’s reliance on property taxes as a primary revenue source.

Several areas of the budget show increases compared to last year. Public Works is set to receive $138.6 million to maintain infrastructure and expand winter services, including purchasing additional snow-clearing equipment as part of a $55 million annual road paving plan in a five-year, $210 million infrastructure initiative. Affordable housing also receives a boost, with $7 million allocated for 2025 and 2026 to address the housing crisis and facilitate the creation of 1,137 new affordable housing units, a $3 million increase over previous commitments.

The budget for public safety, covering police and fire services, is set at $145.3 million to support emergency response as the city’s population grows. Environmental initiatives see $79.7 million allocated to climate action and sustainability projects, including public transit improvements, like new electric buses and expanded waste management services. The budget sets targets to reduce city-operated greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and citywide emissions by 35% by 2030, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. This year, Gatineau has introduced measures for urban reforestation and a biodiversity charter to improve environmental resilience, along with close to $5 million dedicated to upgrading and securing the cycling network.

Infrastructure development is also a focus, with $117.7 million designated for facility upgrades, road repairs, and enhancements to parks and public spaces. An additional $4 million is allocated for land acquisitions to support future urban development. The city also emphasized revenue diversification through new fees, including development charges and a tax on non-residential parking lots, to reduce the property tax burden on residents, bringing the property tax share of revenue down from 84.4% to 80.1%.

Social services funding has increased to address community needs, with $5 million earmarked for homelessness services, in partnership with local organizations, and $1 million allocated for the revitalisation of historic neighbourhoods. Cultural and recreational infrastructure projects are also in focus, with ongoing development of the Lucy-Faris Library, funding for a new sports dome, and support for modernizing the Cégep de l'Outaouais auditorium to broaden cultural and recreational offerings for residents.

On November 7, the council held an indicative vote on the proposed 2025 budget, with a majority voting to move it to the next stage. The final adoption of the budget is scheduled for December 10, following public consultations where residents can provide feedback on the proposed initiatives.

The Ville de Gatineau has organized two public consultation sessions for residents to review and discuss the budget. These sessions will be held on November 12 and 14, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The November 12 session will take place at Maison du Citoyen, 25 Laurier Street, Gatineau, and the November 14 session will be at Centre Communautaire Père-Arthur-Guertin, 16 Rue Bériault, Gatineau. Further details are available on the city’s official website.