Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

According to the recently released Panorama des régions du Québec report, the Outaouais,
including areas like Aylmer, Gatineau, and Pontiac, is undergoing rapid demographic and
economic changes that are set to impact residents. The report highlights key trends in
population growth, urban expansion, and environmental sustainability, reshaping the area and
raising critical questions about its future.

The population of the Outaouais has increased by more than 32% since 1998, a rate that has
outpaced much of the rest of Quebec. This growth has been particularly pronounced in
Gatineau, which now has nearly 299,000 residents. For residents of Aylmer, Hull, Buckingham,
Masson-Angers, and other neighbourhoods within Gatineau, this population boom has brought
both opportunities and challenges. Housing prices have surged, with the average price of a
single-family home rising fivefold since the late 1990s, reaching over $458,000 in 2024. For first-
time buyers and young families, affordability is becoming a growing concern.

In Aylmer, where residents are attracted by the suburban lifestyle and proximity to both
downtown Gatineau and Ottawa, the pressure on housing has been particularly acute. The
report indicates that new developments are pushing further into green spaces, raising concerns
about the loss of natural habitats and the preservation of the area’s unique character. This trend
has led to increased debate about how to manage the tension between maintaining the
environment and accommodating a rapidly growing population.

The impact of this urban expansion extends beyond Gatineau’s urban centre. In the rural area
of Pontiac, while the population growth has been more modest, with an increase of 4% in recent
years, similar pressures are being felt. Traditionally reliant on agriculture and forestry, Pontiac is
seeing a slow shift toward small businesses and eco-tourism. For Pontiac residents, the
development of tourism offers new economic opportunities, but it also poses risks to the natural
beauty that makes the area a draw for visitors. As more visitors come to explore the region’s
outdoor activities, from hiking trails to riverfronts, there is a growing need to balance
development with environmental protection.

The report also highlights demographic trends that will affect the local economy. The Outaouais
has a relatively young population compared to other parts of Quebec, with fewer residents over
the age of 65. This youthful demographic is a strength, supporting a strong labour force and
driving demand for services, particularly in education, healthcare, and retail. However, labour
shortages, especially in public services and skilled trades, are an ongoing challenge. This is
particularly relevant for local industries, from construction to government administration, which
form a key part of the region’s economy.

Gatineau’s dependence on public administration as a primary economic driver—largely due to
its close ties to Ottawa—means that the local job market remains robust. However, the report
suggests that further economic diversification will be crucial for long-term resilience. New ​
sectors, such as technology and green energy, are slowly gaining traction, but more support will
be needed to ensure these industries can thrive alongside the more established public sector
jobs.

Environmental sustainability emerges as one of the key issues in the Panorama report.
Residents are increasingly witnessing the effects of urban sprawl on their surroundings. The
conversion of forests and farmlands into residential and commercial developments, described in
the report as the “artificialization” of land, is particularly relevant for those who value the region’s
green spaces. There is heightened concern about how to manage future growth without
undermining the region’s natural assets.

To address these concerns, local governments are working on strategies to promote sustainable
urban development. This includes efforts to preserve green spaces, reduce the environmental
impact of new construction, and invest in public transportation to limit car dependency. The
expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, as highlighted in the report, is one such
initiative. In 2023, the Outaouais had over 450 EV charging stations, and this network is
expected to grow as the region pushes toward a greener, more sustainable future.

The information in the Panorama report underscores the need to stay engaged with local
development policies. As the area continues to grow, decisions made now—about housing,
infrastructure, and environmental protection—will have lasting effects on the quality of life for
future generations.

Photo: The Panorama des régions du Québec report highlights rapid population growth in the
Outaouais, driving up housing prices and raising affordability concerns. This expansion is also
triggering environmental sustainability issues as urban development increasingly encroaches on
green spaces. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo