Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Gatineau Chamber of Commerce held a press conference on September 16 to unveil the
results of a survey outlining the business community’s top concerns heading into the municipal
elections. The findings show a clear demand for lower taxes, streamlined bureaucracy, and
faster housing development.

Over 70% of respondents said municipal taxes are too high, and more than half believe the
business climate has deteriorated in recent years. Many cited slow and inefficient permitting
processes as a barrier to growth, with calls for better coordination between city departments and
the use of modern tools like AI.

Affordable housing and homelessness emerged as major issues. Nearly 60% support faster
approval of residential projects, and 48% favour incentives for affordable housing. Public safety
concerns linked to homelessness were also raised.

On infrastructure, a majority back building a new bridge in the east end of the city, while views
on the proposed tramway remain split. The Chamber is urging all candidates to commit to fiscal
reform, governance transparency, and revitalization of the downtown core.

Photo: Gatineau’s business community is calling for urgent reforms ahead of the municipal
elections, with Chamber of Commerce General Manager Étienne Fredette urging candidates to
address high taxes, bureaucratic delays, and the need for faster housing development to restore
confidence and drive economic growth. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo