The city of Gatineau has announced a significant housing initiative aimed at creating 1,500 additional housing units over the next four years. This development was confirmed during the first meeting of the Comité-choc de la ville de Gatineau on Housing, held on March 9, 2026.
Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonette emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the city is committed to ensuring that “no one sleeps on the streets.” To support this initiative, more than $20 million has been allocated from the 2026 municipal budget for non-market housing projects.
The task force has identified over 1,600 units targeted for development into concrete projects, which will be facilitated by upcoming zoning changes under the new Special Urban Planning Program (PPU). Additionally, incentive zoning is being considered to ease certain restrictions for housing construction projects.
In a related development, Mobilité Infra Québec is overseeing the tramway project in Gatineau, which is projected to cost between $3.5 to $4.5 billion for a 24 km route. The project aims to enhance public transportation in the region, further supporting the housing initiative by improving accessibility.
Current monthly expenses for the tramway project office have reached nearly $1.8 million, which includes both internal resources and external contracts. However, current ridership data is based on the year 2022 and needs to be updated to reflect recent trends.
Caroline Murray, a key figure in the housing initiative, remarked, “The zoning incitatif is a way for us to give back to the community in exchange for having more floors.” This reflects the city’s approach to balancing development with community needs.
As the city moves forward with these ambitious plans, the transfer of activities to Mobilité Infra Québec is progressing in an orderly manner, ensuring that both housing and transportation projects are aligned with the city’s growth objectives.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the completion of these housing units, but the city’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis is clear.
