Gatineau growing
MRC Pontiac population still declining according to 'Panorama des régions du Québec'
François Carrier
The Quebec Institute of Statistics recently unveiled the ninth edition of the 'Panorama des régions du Québec'. According to the data collected, the Pontiac's demographic situation has not improved. “Population decline has accelerated, with a decrease of 5.7 people per 1,000 in the period from 2011 to 2016; a significant decline,” said Marie-Hélène Provençal, Institute project manager.
The MRC Pontiac reacted via a press release. “These statistics continue to be a concern for us, even if they present a two to three year-old portrait of the situation. We are currently working very hard to diversify our economy,” said Raymond Durocher, MRC Pontiac warden.
It appears economic growth was good in the MRC Pontiac, but per capita disposable income is still one of the lowest in Quebec.
The fourth poorest MRC in Quebec?
Some claim the MRC Pontiac is the fourth poorest MRC in Quebec. The main statistic used to support this assertion is disposable income per capita at $22,306. “This is one of the lowest rates, but between 2011 and 2015, per capita disposable income increased by 3.5% in the MRC Pontiac, one of the biggest increases for this period in Quebec,” explained Provençal. According to the Panorama data, in 2014 and 2015, the MRC Pontiac was ranked second last.
An MRC like no other in the Outaouais
Despite an increase in the Outaouais' population, that of the MRC Pontiac decreased.
However, while the median per capita disposable income increased in the Pontiac, it declined elsewhere in the Outaouais (-0.8%).
Solution to the demographic decrease
According to the MRC Pontiac's press release, the MRC Pontiac team is focusing on realizing certain projects, such as developing fibre optics, implementing new tourist projects (like the Chemins d'eau), developing tools to attract investors, and supporting new projects through the Economic Development 'SWAT' team.
In addition to economic and demographic statistics, the report also contained data on the cultural domain, land value of residences, new technologies, and access to electric transportation.
(trans. AB)
