Power of recommendations

Water infiltration, odors and mold in an apartment building

Investigation report 2023-3435 (in French only)

It is recommended that the content of the mold inspection report be improved, incorporating the requirements of the standard work procedure, the calculation of affected surfaces and the interventions required according to the level of contamination.

• Mold inspection report

AWAITING RESPONSE FROM DIRECTION GÉNÉRALE

Water infiltration, odors and mold in an apartment building

Investigation report 2023-3435 (in French only)

It is recommended that the inspection file be reopened to ensure compliance with section 15 of by-law 538-2023, and that a follow-up with the building’s occupants be carried out within a reasonable time following receipt of this investigation report.

• Proof of cleanliness of dwelling and building;
• Written communication to occupants informing them of the situation and next steps.

AWAITING RESPONSE FROM DIRECTION GÉNÉRALE

Nuisances associated with the Scott-Fairview canine exercise area

Investigation report 2023-3355 (in French only)

The OG recommends defining standards for buffer zones to attenuate environmental noise, when it is not possible to comply with the 100 m separation distance between residences and a Level III canine exercise area.

• Reference document on standards and buffer zones.

BEING UPDATED

Nuisances associated with the Scott-Fairview canine exercise area

Investigation report 2023-3355 (in French only)

The OG recommends that a broader citizen consultation process be added to the petition as a mechanism to foster municipal democracy and the social acceptability of a canine exercise area to neighborhood and district residents.

• Citizen consultation procedure.

BEING UPDATED

Noise generated by a heat pump

Investigation report 2023-3300 (in French only)

The OG recommends scheduling a noise reading in winter, inside the citizen’s bedroom, without the Styrofoam panel in the window and, if possible, with the heat pump in defrost mode.

• Inspection report: heat pump noise reading – winter 2024

UPDATED

Noise generated by a heat pump

Investigation report 2023-3300 (in French only)

The OG recommends an overhaul of the noise by-law, taking into account WHO standards and best practices, to regulate environmental noise throughout Gatineau.

• Proposal for a new noise regulation;
• A procedural guide for the application of the regulation.

UPDATED

Illegal occupation of a vacant lot and nuisance

Investigation report 2023-3286 (in French only)

The OG recommends assessing the administrative and legal conditions for using technological tools such as drones and video surveillance devices to improve the efficiency of inspections, where required.

•  Procedures for the use of selected technological tools, such as drones and video surveillance devices.

BEING UPDATED

Illegal occupation of a vacant lot and nuisance

Investigation report 2023-3286 (in French only)

The OG recommends that a standing committee be set up with a mandate to establish a specific follow-up plan for disenfranchised occupants and to implement a supervision and authorization protocol, taking into account a risk analysis and the sharing of responsibilities between the municipal departments concerned and external partners, where applicable.

• Setting up the standing committee ;
• Framework and authorization procedure.

BEING UPDATED

Application of By-law No. 183-2005 for the processing of nuisance applications for excessive barking

Investigation report 2022-3057/75 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends evaluating the possibility of acquiring “Emili Gestionnaire Animalier” or any other computer application, in order to provide the Animal Control Division with modern technological tools to promote the digital shift.

• Identification of the chosen computer application.

UPDATED

Application of By-law No. 183-2005 for the processing of nuisance applications for excessive barking

Investigation report 2022-3057/75 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends that an information and accompaniment guide intended for citizens be drafted, in simple language, on the process of handling requests for nuisance caused by dogs, with particular emphasis on the witness statement and the constitution of proof.

• An information and support guide for applicants, available on the City’s website, which may include a video, etc.

UPDATED

Application of By-law No. 183-2005 for the processing of nuisance applications for excessive barking

Investigation report 2022-3057/75 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends revising the administrative processes, including the procedure for handling requests for excessive barking, with a focus on reducing the number of notices of violation.

• Administrative process optimization project (e.g. Lean / Kaizen approach).
• Revised procedure for handling excessive barking requests.

UPDATED

Compliance with drainage plan requirements in the development of residential projects

Rapport d’enquête 2022-3109 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends studying the possibility of putting in place additional protection mechanisms for citizens by evaluating, among other things, the subrogation of citizens’ rights, and this, by assuming a leadership role with the other municipalities for a concerted action of quality assurance of the work provided for in the agreements.

• Evaluation of additional protection mechanisms for citizens and
  subrogation ;
• Consultation with the Union of Quebec Municipalities.

UPDATED

Compliance with drainage plan requirements in the development of residential projects

Rapport d’enquête 2022-3109 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends amending By-law No. 501-2005, to better frame the requirement to provide the drainage compliance report, including the respect of the slopes and the soil bearing capacity report, in order to reinforce the enforcement powers of the by-law.

• Proposing an amendment to By-law No. 501-2005 to City Council.

BEING UPDATED

Compliance with drainage plan requirements in the development of residential projects

Investigation report 2022-3109 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends establishing a specific procedure to obtain the “documents to be provided” required in the construction permit and to ensure a follow-up for the renewal of the permits, when the work is not carried out, taking into account the legal aspects.

• Regulatory analysis document and proposed amendments, if any;
• Procedures for obtaining the required permit documents and for renewing
  renewal of these documents.

BEING UPDATED

The right to train in French

Investigation report 2022-3072 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends that Ville de Gatineau include in the annual evaluation of organizations, the respect of linguistic requirements, as prescribed by the Charter of the French Language.

• Include a specific evaluation criterion for the use of French in the annual evaluation form.

UPDATED

Conformity of the earthwork plan of Georges-Lebel Street

Investigation report 2022-3067

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends to identify solutions to the problem of construction site supervision within the framework of a residential development project carried out by promoters, in order to determine the control measures to ensure the conformity of the work.

• Procedure for the application of control measures

BEING UPDATED

Conformity of the earthwork plan of Georges-Lebel Street

Investigation report 2022-3067

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends identifying the best practices to ensure efficient and sustainable drainage of properties during a residential development project, taking into account the geomorphological characteristics of the environment, the specific conditions of the project and the standards in effect.

• List of selected best practices

BEING UPDATED

Notice of Violation Concerning the Expansion of a Parking Lot

Investigation report 2022-3016 (in French only)

The Ombudsman de Gatineau recommends to verify the relevance of clarifying Section 296 of the Zoning By-law No. 532-2020, so that it is easy to understand for the reasonable person.

• Decision on the revision of section 296.

UPDATED

Illegal felling of trees on private property on Audet Street, near a marsh.

Investigation report 2020-2785 (in French only)

It is recommended that the division of roles and responsibilities between the Service de l’urbanisme and Service de l’environnement staff be clarified as part of the work plan objectives for the revision of tree and canopy protection regulations on private property.

• Document on shared roles and responsibilities.

UPDATED

Illegal felling of trees on private property on Audet Street, near a marsh

Investigation report 2020-2785 (in French only)

It is recommended that a knowledge base and specific templates be developed to handle requests for wetland, ecoterritory and green corridor protection, in order to optimize processing by the relevant departments.

• Descriptive documents of the knowledge base and associated templates
  templates;
• Date of implementation in the CANU Pivotal system.

UPDATED

Incessant noise from the industries on Jean-Louis-Malette Street.

Investigation report 2021-2805 (in French only)

It is recommended that municipal bylaws be revised to address industrial noise, taking into account provincial standards and evidence.

• A new by-law or amendment to a municipal by-law.

UPDATED

Enforcement of animal control regulations for off-leash dogs and the resulting nuisance.

Investigation report 2021-2832 & Investigation report 2021-2842 ( in French only)

It is recommended that the possibility of including a dog training course in the Culture and Recreation program programming be evaluated.

• Feasibility analysis document.

UPDATED

Enforcement of animal control regulations for off-leash dogs and the resulting nuisance.

Investigation report 2021-2832 & Investigation report 2021-2842 ( in French only)

It is recommended that park wardens be trained and involved in the education and promotion of the “code of conduct” for dog owners.

• Training plan;
• Job descriptions for park supervisors.

UPDATED

Nuisance caused by tall grass on vacant lots

Investigation report 2021-2922 (ref. 2020-2682 (in French only))

It is recommended that an assessment be made of the measures and resources required to ensure a maximum five-day turnaround time for requests in order to optimize the processing of requests and improve service to citizens.

• Assessment of the measures and resources needed.

UPDATED

Animal control enforcement following a report of a dog bite.

Investigation report 2021-2983 (in French only)

It is recommended that the case be reopened to complete the dangerousness investigation and re-evaluate whether a behavioral assessment by a veterinarian is required.

• Decision following the reopening of the dangerousness investigation file

UPDATED

Animal control enforcement following a report of a dog bite.

Investigation report 2021-2983 (in French only)

It is recommended that the investigation procedure and minimum requirements for the maintenance and management of dangerousness investigation files be reviewed.

• The Investigation Procedure for Dog Aggressive Behavior Report Cases;
• The list of essential documents to be filed with the files (examples: evaluation grid, decision tree, interview guide, etc.);
• Evaluation of the possibility of computerizing the files through the development of an application or through the acquisition of the CIM software.

UPDATED

Animal control enforcement following a report of a dog bite

Investigation report 2021-2983 (in French only)

It is recommended that an ongoing training plan be established for the animal control section team, including at a minimum the basics of normal aggressive behavior and screening for abnormal aggressive behavior in dogs.

• Training plan;
• The list of protocols for the different ratings of dangerousness (low, medium and high).

UPDATED

Street cleaning (nuisance).

It is recommended that the Service de l’environnement revise by-law number 658-2010 to define vehicle soiling and to determine the accountability of contractors when their subcontractors soil the public roadway during construction work.

• Resolution to Council to amend nuisance by-law number 658-2010.

UPDATED

Nuisance caused by tall grass on vacant lots

Investigation report 2020-2682 (in French only)

Evaluate the relevance of having a different standard of 40 cm for built lots (20 cm) and vacant lots of less than 2000 m2 (60 cm), and this, in an urban environment.

• Evaluation completed.

UPDATED

Nuisance caused by tall grass on vacant lots.

Investigation report 2020-2682 (in French only)

Allowing officers to issue a statement of offence, without prior notice of offence, where the owner of a built or vacant lot has received more than one consecutive notice of offence over a minimum two-year period.

• Proposal of an amendment to by-law 658-2010 concerning nuisances.

UPDATED

Presence of bulky items and other waste materials in inappropriate locations.

It is recommended that the management of the Environment Department implement interdepartmental coordination and consultation mechanisms to manage problematic and recurring situations related to the management of residual materials and nuisances by:

1. Developing a specific annual action plan to manage the most problematic addresses and “illegal dumping” sites on Gatineau’s territory;
2. The identification of a file holder responsible for coordinating interventions and interdepartmental collaboration (e.g.: Environnement, Infrastructures, Travaux publics, Urbanisme);
3. Temporary installation of a surveillance camera on illegal dumping sites, if the situation requires it.

• Consultation and coordination mechanism (number of meetings and services involved);
• Person responsible/leader of the file;
• Reduction/list of illegal dumping sites.

UPDATED

Application of the building code regulations for the installation of a vent for a pellet stove

It is recommended that the Service de l’urbanisme require the model number or manufacturer’s manual reference when applying for a permit involving the installation of a solid or liquid fuel burning appliance.

• The addition of a section to enter the model number on the permit application form.

UPDATED

Regulatory compliance in a Service de l’urbanisme notice of violation.

It is recommended that the Service de l’urbanisme remove from the notice of violation the demolition of the landscaping (flower box) located at the front of the property.

• Modified notice of violation.

UPDATED

Regulatory compliance in a Service de l’urbanisme notice of violation.

It is recommended that the Service de l’urbanisme improve the form entitled “Document required when applying for a building permit for a residential project – accessory constructions” by adding a space for the signature or the name of the urban planning technician who completed the form and that a copy be kept in the citizen file.

• Intervention grids with the names of the employees.

UPDATED

Regulatory compliance in a Service de l’urbanisme violation notice

It is recommended that the Service de l’urbanisme assess the appropriateness of amending Section 39.26 of the PIIA regulations to clarify that Schedule H also applies to the Faubourg de l’île sector of the Downtown Consolidation Area.

• Resolution to Council amending the PIIA by-law.

UPDATED

Docks not adapted to non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, etc.) following the redevelopment of Jacques-Cartier Street.

For the year 2020-2021, it is recommended that the infrastructure required for safe launching be evaluated and adapted to the different types of non-motorized boats, including rowing boats.

• List of potential sites;
  Evaluation of the required infrastructure and the types of infrastructure selected.

UPDATED

Error in billing for tree trimming work.

It is recommended that the Service de l’environnement provide detailed information on the nature of the work to be done following a notice of violation issued under section 3 of By-law 658-2010 concerning nuisances on the territory of the City of Gatineau.

• Addition of detailed information in the notices of violation.

UPDATED

Communication following an inspection for tree nuisance.

It is recommended that Service de l’environnement revise the communication procedure by replacing the use of the business card with a door hanger to allow the individual to contact the inspector.

• Printed version of the door hanger.

UPDATED

The quality of information received on:

• The announced savings for the 4000 seat arena and community ice project;
• The “Road Master Plan” in reference to the Long Range Financial Plan Committee report of November 9, 2010.

It is recommended that the Direction générale improve by-law number 717-2012, concerning the code of ethics and professional conduct for municipal employees of the City of Gatineau, by specifying the title of the person or body responsible for receiving and handling the complaint.

• Proposed amendment to the Code of Ethics to add the position title of the person responsible for handling ethics complaints.

UPDATED

Nuisances caused by wood heating.

Develop a regulation specifically for wood burning appliances and environmental impacts.

• Proposal for a new regulation or amendment of an existing regulation to regulate wood burning appliances and environmental impacts.

UPDATED

Nuisances caused by a long-term construction site in a high-density urban environment.

It is recommended that the Direction générale develop a by-law that specifically addresses the management of nuisances caused by a long-term construction site in a high-density urban environment.

• Revision of by-law number 98-2003.

BEING UPDATED

The delays in replacing burned out lights in parks and the resulting safety issues.

It is recommended that the Direction générale identify priority parks for lighting replacement and develop a program that takes into account the Community Investment Plan.

• Prioritization of lighting system replacement for sports fields in the 2021 Community Capital Plan;
• List of fields.

UPDATED

Nuisances caused by a long-term construction site in a high-density urban environment.

It is recommended that Direction générale improve the business processes between the Service de l’urbanisme et du développement durable (SUDD) and the promoters of major projects in high-density urban areas by including specific clauses:

1. A social acceptability process before the project begins;
2. The identification by the promoter of a person responsible for the management of dissatisfactions and conciliation and arbitration mechanisms;
3. The development of a communication plan for citizens and the territorial director concerned.

• Awareness Guide for Developers

UPDATED

Turnaround time for processing a septic tank non-compliance request.

It is recommended that the coordination mechanisms between the Service de l’urbanisme and the Service de l’environnement be reviewed.

• Confirmation of the creation of a joint committee

UPDATED

Damage to the property caused by the emptying of water from a pool located on another property.

It is recommended that the Service de l’urbanisme to better inform citizens on the best practices to follow when emptying water from residential of residential pools.

In concrete terms, the addition of information on the website should, among other things, encourage citizens to:

• Avoid discharging pool water into a watercourse, including a stream or river; and stream or river;
• Stop adding chemicals two weeks before emptying;
• Encourage draining of water on the lawn of the property when the soil has the capacity to absorb it, as the water will be Encourage draining of water onto the lawn when the soil has the capacity to absorb it, as pool water contains nutrients;
• Consider the flow rate of the drain water and the slopes of the land to avoid Consider the flow rate of the drain water and the slopes of the land to avoid water migrating onto the neighbors’ land.

   

• Pamphlet on swimming pools including the section “Respect and good neighbourliness”.

UPDATED

Nuisance caused by the unauthorized presence of machinery and equipment belonging to a business owner on residential property.

It is recommended that an internal procedure be established to provide inspectors with tools to more efficiently follow up on individuals who regularly violate Zoning By-law No. 502-2005.

• Implementation of a software allowing to have a history of the interventions for each address,

UPDATED

Addition of signage in the Aylmer sector

It is recommended that the Service de l’urbanisme establish a consultation process, in collaboration with the Traffic and Road Safety Division of the Service des infrastructures, to identify procedures to address atypical intersections and developments.

• Setting up the consultation process

NOT RETAINED

Difficulties encountered in documentary research

It is recommended that Direction générale (1) develop a thesaurus (common terminology) to facilitate document retrieval and (2) determine the priorities for the “Electronic Document Management” (EDM) project.

• Thesaurus;
• List of “EDM” project priorities.

NOT RETAINED