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. Photo: Tashi Farmilo
Gatineau business community demands action ahead of Municipal Elections
Tashi Farmilo
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.
