The Statistical Institute of Quebec has just unveiled its annual demographic sheets. Virtually all regions have seen their population increase from 2021 to 2022. Most of them, moreover, have experienced record growth.
The data show a significant migratory phenomenon from major centers to the regions. We can only rejoice. The regions of Quebec have always been exceptional living environments.
Not so long ago there was talk of devitalization, and now, for most regions, this trend has completely reversed.
It is not surprising to see that retirees, professionals and families are now choosing to settle in the regions. The attractions are innumerable, the municipal services are of high quality and the cost of accommodation is generally much more advantageous than in the large urban centres.
In Victoriaville and Centre-du-Québec, population growth forecasts have more than doubled recently. People from all over Quebec and elsewhere settle there every month and actively participate in the dynamism of our local community. This significant increase in the population led us to experience record years in terms of construction.
Along with this growth come many challenges. In terms of health care, population growth is increasing the pressure on the network. Imagine, still in 2023, several regions of Quebec do not have complete cellular coverage.
On the environmental front, the regions of Quebec are working like never before to offer a response to climate change and the protection of biodiversity. However, public transit in the regions is much more difficult to deploy.
In terms of land use planning, municipalities and RCMs are working within a 27-year-old straitjacket that considerably hinders the development of projects and greatly complicates the implementation of concrete actions to respond to the shortage. of accommodation.
What is interesting is that the Quebec Statistical Institute has just confirmed the unprecedented force of attraction of the regions of Quebec.
The pandemic was an important factor, as was the inflationary crisis we are going through, in particular. The big cities of Quebec have however monopolized most of the media platforms during the year 2022.
While it is true that their demographic weight is greater, the fact remains that the regions’ demographic growth is much greater.
In this new year, as mayor of a regional municipality, I am determined to offer a concrete, proactive and effective response to current issues by making our voices heard on the various forums and by raising public awareness of the current demographic phenomenon. . So let’s not forget to talk about the challenges and opportunities of the regional municipal world. There is no doubt in my mind: 2023 will be the year of the regions!