A message from Anik Des Marais, city councillor
Hello,
I wish you happy holidays, fun and games with family and friends, and great outings in the snow, by the river, in the park or in the forest.
Lots of new real estate developments
The northern part of the Mitigomijokan1 district is still bustling with activity. Real estate developments continue to sprout up, project applications are being submitted and permits are being issued... it's all happening fast! I stay on top of things for you, sit down with developers and municipal departments to make sure projects meet your needs, and represent your interests when it comes time to vote at City Council.
In the absence of a formal consultation process, I have asked the developer of 435 Vanier to organize an information session to hear your concerns. I understand your frustrations with the traffic on Vanier and the lack of infrastructure in the west end. Together with my colleague from the Plateau, Bettyna Bélizaire, we are tirelessly looking for solutions. The widening of Chemin Vanier is progressing. Studies are underway to determine the best layout and whether BAPE hearings will be necessary. What's more, thanks to the work of the Finance Committee I chair, we have adopted development2 charges that will cover part of the cost of new infrastructure. In this way, growth pays for growth, enabling us to limit the increase in property taxes, and therefore in those of the people who already live in our neighborhoods. Finally, I supported STO funding to improve services and help people get out of their cars. There are several bus routes and good frequency on Boulevard du Plateau. We're exploring other transitional measures to improve mobility. We continue to strive for improvement.
I know that many of you would like to see development slowed down. However, there is a crying need for housing, especially affordable and social housing. Although we lack the tools to supervise developers, the latest projects presented in the District include a percentage of affordable housing. Density helps protect our natural environments like the Boucher forest and our farmland on the outskirts of the city, attracts local businesses and reduces the cost of car use. I'm involved in politics because I think there are ways of creating pleasant neighborhoods through gentle densification.
A mayor in action, a team effort
I've been lucky enough to work with most of the members of our new mayor's cabinet. This team, combined with a mayor who knows the Plateau well, municipal management, urban planning and immigration in cities, is working hard to move Gatineau forward. Maude is a dynamo who gets things done: she tackles homelessness, pushes ahead with social housing construction, secures funding for the tramway, and the list goes on. Always sensitive to the environment, with Maude, we're accelerating our city's resilience to climate change by giving muscle to the Ecological transition service.
2025 for greater citizen participation
My wish for 2025 is polite, constructive and productive dialogue and more places to meet. As spokesperson for the Citizen Participation Committee, proposals will be submitted to the City Council early in the new year, to better consult you. This is important to me because I believe that collective intelligence leads to better projects, better policies and a city that lives up to our ambitions.
Happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you in our beautiful city.
Anik Des Marais