The City’s Accès Gatineau card grows in popularity

The total number of Accès Gatineau cards (free and those subject to a fee) issued by the City of Gatineau has increased by 10,000 in the last five years, despite a fee increase.

In 2015, Gatineau issued 97,473 cards compared to 86,770 in 2011. In 2014, Gatineau had issued 454 more cards than in 2015.

Two types of cards are available: Accès Gatineau and Accès Gatineau +(Plus).

The Accès Gatineau card is free for all residents and gives access to services such as the library and online services to register for cultural and leisure activities and to reserve arenas and sports fields.

The Accès Gatineau + card gives unlimited access to all sports and recreational activities that are open to all, to rental of outdoor activities equipment and three free accesses per year to eco-centres.

On January 1, 2016, fees for the Accès + card were increased: from $5 to $6 for those under 18, from $25 to $27 for adults and from $50 to $55 for families. Fees for age 65 and over remained the same at $22, while fees for non-residents increased by $5 ($75 for individuals, $130 for a family).

Fees for individuals with a gross income under $40,000 are maintained at $14. In order to benefit from this fee, residents must have their provincial or federal notice of assessment.

Upon showing his or her part-time or full-time student card or proof of registration in a recognized institution, a student (18 or over) can also pay $14 for the Accès Gatineau card.

The last fee increase before 2016 was in 2013. Fees had then jumped from $20 to $25 for adults and from $45 to $50 for families and a new fee of $20 for seniors had been introduced.
(Transl.: CB)