Gatineau adopts its 2015 action plan for its housing policy

 

Laurent Robillard-Cardinal

Gatineau tabled the 2006-2013 report on its housing policy and adopted its action plan for 2015 on February 15. “For 2015, the action plan is ambitious and will need collaboration from all housing stakeholders. If our partners are open to listening and have a willingness to work together, we will be able to meet our objectives,” says Myriam Nadeau, Councillor and President of the City Housing Commission.

 

The City’s action plan has five major orientation components. The first aims to develop a tighter guidance for the development and creation of quality living environment. To do so, the City plans, amongst other, to implement a welcome guide for new buyers, continue the rolling-out of the Connaught development (dissemination, monitoring) and renew its agreement with Hydro-Québec for buildings within the zones identified for the older neighbourhood renovations’ program.

 

The second orientation aims to encourage residential intensification in existing neighbourhood and new developments. To do so, the City will continue its revitalization program for the Île de Hull and reflect on eco-neighbourhoods and performance criteria for new residential developments.

 

The third orientation aims to encourage a balanced and diversified housing offer for all Gatineau residents. The City therefore plans on promoting affordable housing in large development projects and reflect on ways to further engage the private sector in affordable housing. The City considers creating 10% of affordable housing units in AccèsLogis projects and renovating 75 adapted housing units.

 

As for the fourth orientation, it aims to encourage an adequate supply of quality social housing adapted to the needs of the population. To do so, the City plans on pursuing its service that helps people find housing and to set up a regional round table on social and community housing. The municipal council commits to completing a preliminary analysis for the creation of 280 affordable community housing units.

 

The action plan’s fifth orientation looks into the ensuring that housing units throughout the city remain in good condition. Municipal Council plans to do so thanks to an annual report on complaints regarding cleanliness/ sanitation. Gatineau plans on concentrating its efforts in areas identified in the Urban Plan. To do so, the City wants to develop a house renovation program and continue the renovations program for older Gatineau neighbourhoods, including Old-Aylmer, in which the City plans on injecting 1.2 million dollars in 2015.  (Trans.: CB)