Regional disparities and challenges

By William Crooks

Local Jounalism Initiative

The recent “Revenu Viable en Estrie 2024” report by the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS) offers an in-depth look at financial and social conditions in the Estrie region. While earlier chapters reported on previously highlighted general economic trends, Chapters 4 to 7 delve into the nuances of specific MRCs, uncovering disparities and challenges unique to local contexts. This article explores these chapters, shedding light on issues that resonate with seniors and young families alike.

Distinct demographics and economic profiles

Chapters 4 through 7 focus on the MRCs of Haut-Saint-François, Val-Saint-François, Coaticook, and Memphrémagog. Each MRC presents a distinct socio-economic profile, shaped by its demographics, geography, and economic drivers. For instance:

• Haut-Saint-François has a relatively young population, with 17.7 per cent under 15 years old. However, its economy faces challenges due to high unemployment rates and a reliance on industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
• Val-Saint-François combines higher-than-average employment rates with a significant proportion of families, making it one of the more stable areas economically.
• Coaticook, known for its agricultural strength, has the region’s youngest population, with an average age of 43.1 years and the highest percentage of children under 15 (18.4 per cent).
• Memphrémagog, on the other hand, has an aging population (29.9 per cent aged 65 and older), contributing to unique housing and healthcare pressures.

These demographic contrasts underline the importance of tailoring financial and social policies to address the specific needs of each community.

Housing: Affordability and adequacy concerns

Housing remains a persistent concern across these MRCs, with each area grappling with its own challenges:

• Haut-Saint-François and Val-Saint-François boast high homeownership rates, exceeding 74 per cent. However, many homeowners struggle with inadequate or unaffordable housing. In Val-Saint-François, 8.8 per cent of households spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.
• Coaticook has the highest rate of couples with children in Estrie (24.2 per cent), reflecting the area’s family-oriented nature. Despite this, housing stock is limited, and young families face difficulties securing homes that meet their needs.
• Memphrémagog struggles with housing accessibility for seniors, who often need specialized living arrangements or downsized homes closer to services. Its high proportion of older residents exacerbates this demand.

While subsidized rental options exist, they are insufficient to meet the needs of low-income families and seniors in these areas. Expanding affordable housing initiatives could alleviate some of these pressures.

The cost of transportation

Transportation is another critical issue highlighted in these chapters, particularly in rural MRCs where public transit is limited. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily commutes, shopping, and accessing services.

• In Haut-Saint-François, over half of the workforce commutes outside their MRC, often traveling long distances. The lack of reliable public transit places a heavy financial burden on families, who must budget for fuel, maintenance, and vehicle ownership.
• Val-Saint-François faces similar challenges, with 50 per cent of workers commuting out of the MRC. This reliance on cars is compounded by longer commute times, making transportation costs a significant component of viable income calculations.
• Coaticook stands out with relatively short commute times and a higher proportion of local employment. This reduces transportation costs for its residents, offering a rare financial advantage in Estrie.
• In Memphrémagog, the combination of an aging population and limited public transit services isolates seniors who no longer drive. This lack of mobility not only affects their access to essential services but also limits their participation in community life.

Improving rural transit options and developing localized services could significantly reduce transportation costs and enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly seniors and families.

Daycare: Opportunities and obstacles

Access to daycare services remains a pressing issue for young families across Estrie, with notable differences between MRCs:

• Haut-Saint-François and Val-Saint-François have some of the lowest daycare coverage rates in the region, at 80 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively. These shortages force many families to rely on costlier non-subsidized daycare or juggle work with childcare responsibilities.
• Coaticook and Memphrémagog fare slightly better, with coverage rates nearing 92 per cent. However, demand still outpaces supply, and waiting lists are common.

The lack of affordable daycare directly impacts household incomes, as families must allocate substantial resources to childcare or reduce working hours to care for their children. This dynamic disproportionately affects single-parent families, who often have fewer financial buffers.

Food and health care costs

The report provides detailed insights into the cost of living across MRCs, including food and healthcare expenses. These costs significantly influence viable income thresholds, especially for seniors and families.

• In Haut-Saint-François, food costs are among the lowest in the region, reflecting its strong agricultural base. However, healthcare access is a challenge, with residents often traveling long distances for specialized services.
• Val-Saint-François benefits from better local healthcare infrastructure, reducing travel costs for medical appointments. Yet, rising grocery prices strain household budgets, especially for low-income families.
• Coaticook enjoys lower-than-average food costs due to its agricultural output, but its healthcare services are limited, forcing many residents to seek care outside the MRC.
• Memphrémagog, despite being a relatively affluent area, has higher food costs due to its tourism-driven economy. Seniors, in particular, face challenges managing these expenses on fixed incomes.

Addressing disparities in healthcare access and food affordability could significantly improve financial stability for Estrie residents.

Income disparities and their impact

Income disparities across these MRCs are stark. While some areas, like Val-Saint-François, have relatively high median incomes, others, like Haut-Saint-François, struggle with poverty and economic instability. Single individuals and single-parent families are particularly vulnerable, with many falling below viable income thresholds.

The report highlights the importance of local employment opportunities in reducing income disparities. In areas like Coaticook, where local industries support a higher rate of employment, families tend to fare better financially. Conversely, regions with fewer local jobs, such as Haut-Saint-François, see higher poverty rates and greater reliance on government assistance.

Targeted solutions for diverse needs

The “Revenu Viable en Estrie 2024” report emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to address these challenges. For seniors, expanding affordable housing options and enhancing healthcare access are critical priorities. For young families, increasing daycare availability and improving transportation infrastructure could provide much-needed relief.

These chapters also underline the importance of regional collaboration. By pooling resources and coordinating policies, MRCs can address shared challenges while respecting their unique socio-economic contexts.

Moving forward

As Estrie continues to grow and adapt, the insights from Chapters 4 to 7 of the report serve as a call to action. Addressing disparities in housing, transportation, daycare, and healthcare will require concerted efforts from governments, community organizations, and residents themselves. By focusing on the specific needs of each MRC, Estrie can build a future that supports all its residents, from young families striving for stability to seniors seeking security and dignity.