Gatineau moves to overhaul economic development structures

Tashi Farmilo

The City of Gatineau has announced an ambitious plan to reorganize its economic development structures, aiming to streamline operations and eliminate administrative hurdles that have long frustrated local entrepreneurs. This initiative is seen as a pivotal step toward addressing inefficiencies that have hindered business growth in the Outaouais region.

For nearly a decade, Gatineau's economic development efforts have been split between the Bureau de développement économique and ID Gatineau. While both organizations have achieved successes, their overlapping responsibilities have led to confusion and delays for businesses. Entrepreneurs have often struggled with duplicate services and unclear jurisdictions, complicating processes such as securing funding and obtaining permits.

The dual structure has drawn consistent criticism from the business community. The Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la capitale nationale (RGA), representing local entrepreneurs, has long called for reform. "The City has finally acknowledged the problem," said RGA Executive Director Pascale de Montigny Gauthier. "While both entities have made valuable contributions, the lack of clear boundaries between them has caused unnecessary delays in advancing key files."

In response, the City has committed to unifying its economic development efforts. The current model will remain in place until the new structure is fully implemented by 2026, but the City plans to adopt a cohesive approach across all levels of municipal governance. This represents a broader effort to not only address structural inefficiencies but to support a cultural shift toward growth. "Beyond reorganizing the system, we need a change in mindset at every level of administration," added de Montigny Gauthier.

As part of the transition, the City will establish a governance committee in 2025 to oversee the reorganization. This committee will define roles and responsibilities, coordinate actions, and address potential overlaps to ensure the new structure functions effectively. Additionally, the City will implement tracking tools and proactive communication strategies to maintain transparency and provide regular updates to stakeholders. The reorganization will unfold in phases, with short, medium, and long-term goals designed to ensure measurable and progressive progress.

The City has also committed to maintaining a high level of service throughout the transition. In partnership with ID Gatineau, it aims to create an environment conducive to investment and innovation by simplifying administrative procedures and strengthening collaboration between businesses and economic development organizations. To ensure broad input, consultations and participatory workshops will be held to integrate feedback from businesses and partner organizations.

The Gatineau Chamber of Commerce expressed strong support for the plan, calling it an opportunity to address longstanding issues such as fragmented governance and administrative complexity. "This shift represents an exceptional chance to reposition Gatineau as a key player in the regional and national economy," said Maryse Lacelle, Strategic Communications Advisor at the Chamber.

The Chamber emphasized the potential benefits of simplifying governance, which would eliminate inconsistencies and make administrative processes more accessible. Strengthening internal resources and focusing on local needs were also highlighted as critical to enhancing support and reinforcing ties with the business community.

Despite its support, the Chamber warned of challenges that must be addressed to ensure a smooth transition. These include potential disruptions to services during the restructuring process and the risk of weakening ID Gatineau’s direct connection with entrepreneurs. Clear communication will be essential to avoid confusion, and successful initiatives by ID Gatineau must be preserved and integrated into the new structure.

To mitigate these risks, the Chamber recommended involving the business community in strategic discussions, simplifying administrative procedures to reduce bureaucracy, and maintaining ID Gatineau’s field teams to ensure continued proximity to businesses. "It is crucial for Gatineau to maintain its economic appeal during this transition to stay competitive with other regions," said Lacelle.

As Gatineau embarks on this reform, stakeholders agree that the next two years will be critical. The success of the reorganization depends not only on structural changes but also on fostering a culture that supports innovation and growth. "This reorganization has the potential to make Gatineau a truly business-friendly city where enterprises can thrive," concluded Lacelle. For a region that has long faced administrative bottlenecks, the overhaul offers hope for a more streamlined and dynamic future for the business community.