Gatineau Elections - Mitigomijokan
Candidate: Mark Buzan, Independent
Mark Buzan has over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector and all three levels of government. He has served as executive director for organizations, including the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada among others. His political background includes organizing for the Reform Party, Canadian Alliance, Action démocratique du Québec (ADQ), and the Conservative Party of Québec. He was the ADQ candidate for Hull in 1998 and sought the Conservative nomination in Pontiac in 2025. Buzan holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a master’s certificate in Government Relations from the University of Ottawa.
1. Why are you running for councillor, and what experience or qualities make you the right person for the job?
I’m running as an independent candidate because I believe Aylmer needs a councillor who answers to residents — not political parties, interest groups, or ideological agendas. I’m bilingual, detail-oriented, and comfortable navigating policy. I’m also known for following through; if a plan is approved, it needs to be respected. Above all, I believe the role of a councillor is to listen first, build consensus, and deliver practical results that make daily life better.
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?
Aylmer needs new housing, but it must come with the infrastructure to support it. My approach will focus on three things:
- Infrastructure first. Before approving large projects, we must ensure that roads, sewers, stormwater systems, and transit can handle the growth.
- Accountability. Developers benefiting from higher density should contribute fairly to the costs of those services.
- Planned growth. Densification should occur mainly where infrastructure already exists rather than stretching it thin across new areas.
Development must proceed responsibly and transparently, with clear public reporting on the city’s capacity to sustain it.
3. With increased development in the area, how will you protect the ecological corridors, such as the Champlain corridor in Aylmer?
Protecting ecological corridors is not negotiable. In Aylmer, too many residents have seen approved plans ignored once shovels hit the ground. The Connaught neighbourhood is a clear example; certain phases did not fully respect the originally approved plans for green buffers and open spaces. That cannot happen again.
As a councillor, I will insist that development respect environmental commitments already approved by the city. The proposed Champlain development must protect the continuity of the corridor, maintain proper hydrology, and avoid fragmenting wildlife zones. I also support stronger independent environmental monitoring, incentives for green infrastructure, and restoration of previously disturbed areas.
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 homes. What is your plan to protect and preserve Aylmer’s heritage?
We can protect Aylmer’s heritage, but we must be practical. Where historic homes are structurally sound and have potential for private or commercial reuse, the city should help preserve them through tax credits, renovation grants, or zoning flexibility. Where safety or viability is an issue, facade preservation and integration into new developments should be explored.
We also need a current inventory of heritage properties and stronger demolition review processes, ensuring public consultation before decisions are made. Aylmer’s charm and history are part of what makes it unique. Once lost, we cannot rebuild it.
5. Anglophones are numerous across Gatineau. How will you ensure they have equitable access to city information and services in English?
As an anglophone and a former board member of Outaouais Alliance (the organization that preceded the Regional Association of West Quebecers), I know how vital English-language access is for many residents. Within the limits of Quebec law, including Bill 96 and Bill 91, I will work to ensure English services remain available wherever legally permitted.
That means advocating for bilingual signage and communications, ensuring staff are trained to respond to English requests, and maintaining clear channels of information for the English-speaking community. The anglophone community has played a historic and essential role in Gatineau and I will make sure that role continues to be recognized and respected.
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?
As an independent candidate, I have no ties to developers or party donors. My only allegiance is to residents. I will insist that consultations happen early, not after decisions are made. Developers must meet the community in open forums, publish their studies in plain language, and listen to resident feedback.
When disputes arise, I would encourage mediation committees to bring residents and developers together to find practical compromises. Approval should include enforceable conditions and independent follow-up to make sure commitments are respected.
