Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter
On Thursday, January 23, the Mayor’s Luncheon was held at the Resto Bar Le Loft 1973 in Gatineau, presented by Multivesco Inc.
Many people were there for the occasion, including two special guests: Etienne Fredette, General Manager of the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce (CCG) and Guy Chiasson, Scientific Director of the Outaouais Development Observatory (ODO).
The lunch started with words of welcome and appreciation from Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette.
The presentation then began with the following question: Is Gatineau a business city?
“I sincerely want to answer, yes,” said the mayor. “[…] Gatineau has evolved to become one of the most dynamic cities in Quebec. According to the information collected as of December 31, 2024, there are more than 4,259 business establishments holding permits in the Gatineau territory.
“In terms of real estate, there are nearly 250 projects currently being analyzed by the Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Department (SUDD). There have been 3,081 new construction permits issued since 2019, which is equivalent to nearly 20,000 new homes.
“In addition, over the past seven years, there have been more than 200 companies supported by the economic development office for the purchase of industrial land. This represents more than 41 land sales completed for a value of $162 million in private investment as well as nearly 600 jobs created. ID Gatineau is the economic arm of the city and nearly 400 business projects benefit from expert and financial support, as well as support to promote their development. In addition, more than $726,475 was invested in regional business projects.
“Although experiencing rapid growth, Gatineau also has several major challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure, the complexity of urban planning and the increase in service needs. There is a strong dependence on the public service in our region and it is a challenge to diversify. There is a very complex ecosystem, as well as complexity in terms of economic development.”
Given the above, Mayor Marquis-Bissonnette took the opportunity to provide a brief update on economic development in Gatineau.
Then, a presentation on the issues and challenges facing the City took place. The mayor also expressed the importance of renewing the economic development strategy for Gatineau. “Economic development is a long-term project requiring a change in culture and a sustained vision,” she said. “[…] I believe I am the mayor who has talked the most about economic development in Gatineau for a long time, and I am proud of it […],” she added.
Finally, a group discussion with the mayor, Etienne Fredette and Guy Chiasson took place on the following question: how to attract people to come to Gatineau. The discussion concluded with questions from the guests.
Photo: From left to right: M. Guy Chiasson, Scientific Director of the Outaouais Development Observatory (ODO), Etienne Fredette, General Manager of the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce (CCG) and Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau, at the Mayor’s Luncheon (January 23, 2025) (MG) Photo: Mélissa Gélinas