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Types of file
Situation and role of the ombudsman

Unauthorized or non-compliant work

Situation:

  • A citizen requests the Ombudsman’s intervention because he believes that an individual or company has carried out construction or work without the necessary permits or authorizations.

Role:

  • The ombudsman intervenes with the Service de l’urbanisme et du développement durable to verify that the required permits have been obtained and that construction complies with regulations. If violations are found, he or she can work with the appropriate department to enforce the regulations.

Felling a tree without authorization

Situation:

  • A citizen requests the Ombudsman’s intervention, as she believes that an individual has felled a tree without obtaining the necessary authorizations.

Role:

  • The ombudsman intervenes with the Service de l’urbanisme et du développement durable or the Service de l’eau et des matières résiduelles to verify whether a certificate of authorization has been issued for the felling of the tree. If violations are found, he can work with the departments concerned to enforce the bylaw.

Inappropriate use of a building

Situation:

  • A citizen complains that his neighbor is using his residential property for noisy commercial activities that are not authorized under the zoning by-law.

Role:

  • The ombudsman examines the zoning by-law to determine whether commercial use is permitted in that zone. If it is not, he or she works with departments to ensure that the regulations are applied.

Maintenance of public spaces

Situation:

  • Citizens complain that their neighborhood park is poorly maintained and that the playground equipment is in poor condition.

Role:

  • The ombudsman investigates park maintenance. If negligence is observed, or if the service offer is not respected, he can recommend actions to improve park maintenance and safety.

Street lighting

Situation:

  • Citizens report that some streets are poorly lit or that streetlights are not working, posing safety risks.

Role:

  • The ombudsman verifies complaints and reviews the City’s street lighting standards. If deficiencies are identified, he can work with the departments concerned to resolve lighting problems.

Garbage collection

Situation:

  • Citizens complain that garbage collection is not carried out regularly, leading to odors, hygiene problems and the presence of vermin.

Role:

  • The ombudsman investigates delays by examining schedules and procedures. If deficiencies is identified, he may work with the department concerned to resolve the problem. If necessary, he can recommend adjustments to improve service.

Noise problem

Situation:

  • Citizens are complaining about excessive noise from a business located near their homes.

Role:

  • The ombudsman reviews noise regulations and investigates complaints. If the business does not comply with noise standards, he can recommend actions to reduce noise pollution.

Important information:

Before the Ombudsman de Gatineau can intervene or investigate in a file, as it is an authority of last resort, it is essential for citizens to have tried to resolve the situation with the municipality by contacting the 311 non-emergency call center. As a general rule, for a file to be accepted by the OG, it is sufficient to have registered two requests with 311. For more details, consult our complaint process by clicking here.