Gatineau Election: Le Plateau 

Candidat : Shomba Lomami, Équipe Mario Aubé

Shomba Lomami, Le Plateau candidate with Équipe Mario Aubé, has a master’s degree in law and a bachelor’s degree in criminology. The candidate works as a mental health human relations officer with the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais (CISSSO). He is a co-founder of La Voix de l’Immigrant in Gatineau where he advocates for the recognition of internationally trained immigrants. He is a published author and has worked with various organizations such as Réhabex Outaouais, The ONE Campaign, the Comité consultatif pour la clientèle judiciarisée adulte du Québec, and La Manne de l’Île.

1. Why are you running for councillor, and what experience or qualities make you the right person for the job?

I'm running to restore confidence in Le Plateau residents and bring rigour and transparency to municipal management.

I hold a master's degree in insurance law and economics, as well as a specialized bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in social work – a dual expertise in responsible management and a human approach.

With my community experience in prevention, rehabilitation, and social support, I want an administration that protects citizens' wallets as much as their quality of life.

2. How do you plan to balance the need for housing with the pace of development, given that infrastructure has not kept up, resulting in service gaps?

The Plateau is growing fast, sometimes too fast for its roads, schools, and services. I want planned development, aligned with our actual capacity.

Before building more, let's make sure we build better: affordable housing, well-located, and integrated into neighbourhood life. It is with greater administrative rigour and less political improvisation that we will preserve the Plateau's balance.

3. With increased development in the area, how will you protect the ecological corridors, such as the Champlain corridor in Aylmer?

Our green spaces are the lifeblood of the Plateau and essential to our quality of life. I want projects that respect biodiversity and decisions made with citizens and municipal regulations. Protecting our natural environments ensures the health, beauty, and sustainability of our neighbourhood.

4. With increased development in Aylmer, there is growing concern about the preservation of local heritage, especially as many historic homes are neglected, then demolished to make way for multi-unit buildings. What is your plan to protect and preserve Aylmer's heritage?

Aylmer's heritage is our collective memory. I want clear rules before any demolition, and above all, an active promotion of our architecture, our spaces, and our history. Preservation doesn't mean slowing down development; it means giving it meaning and pride.

5. Anglophones are numerous across Gatineau. How will you ensure they have equitable access to city information and services in English?

The Plateau is a deeply bilingual and inclusive sector. I am committed to ensuring that municipal communications and services are clear and accessible in both French and English. Linguistic accessibility is not an option; it is a matter of respect and common sense that ensures everyone's participation in the life of our district.

6. Aylmer’s residents are passionate about their community. When new development projects are proposed, how will you engage with both developers and residents to address any concerns that arise?

I want to put an end to top-down projects. From the outset, citizens, developers, and the city must work together around clear and realistic objectives. This will lead to greater social acceptability, less mistrust, more buy-in, and better projects for our district.