Regional disparities and challenges
By William Crooks
Local Jounalism Initiative
The recent “Revenu Viable en Estrie 2024” report by the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS) offers an in-depth look at financial and social conditions in the Estrie region. While earlier chapters reported on previously highlighted general economic trends, Chapters 4 to 7 delve into the nuances of specific MRCs, uncovering disparities and challenges unique to local contexts. This article explores these chapters, shedding light on issues that resonate with seniors and young families alike.
Distinct demographics and economic profiles
Chapters 4 through 7 focus on the MRCs of Haut-Saint-François, Val-Saint-François, Coaticook, and Memphrémagog. Each MRC presents a distinct socio-economic profile, shaped by its demographics, geography, and economic drivers. For instance:
- Haut-Saint-François has a relatively young population, with 17.7 per cent under 15 years old. However, its economy faces challenges due to high unemployment rates and a reliance on industries like agriculture and manufacturing.
- Val-Saint-François combines higher-than-average employment rates with a significant proportion of families, making it one of the more stable areas economically.
- Coaticook, known for its agricultural strength, has the region’s youngest population, with an average age of 43.1 years and the highest percentage of children under 15 (18.4 per cent).
- Memphrémagog, on the other hand, has an aging population (29.9 per cent aged 65 and older), contributing to unique housing and healthcare pressures.
These demographic contrasts underline the importance of tailoring financial and social policies to address the specific needs of each community.
Housing: Affordability and adequacy concerns
Housing remains a persistent concern across these MRCs, with each area grappling with its own challenges:
- Haut-Saint-François and Val-Saint-François boast high homeownership rates, exceeding 74 per cent. However, many homeowners struggle with inadequate or unaffordable housing. In Val-Saint-François, 8.8 per cent of households spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.
- Coaticook has the highest rate of couples with children in Estrie (24.2 per cent), reflecting the area’s family-oriented nature. Despite this, housing stock is limited, and young families face difficulties securing homes that meet their needs.
- Memphrémagog struggles with housing accessibility for seniors, who often need specialized living arrangements or downsized homes closer to services. Its high proportion of older residents exacerbates this demand.
While subsidized rental options exist, they are insufficient to meet the needs of low-income families and seniors in these areas. Expanding affordable housing initiatives could alleviate some of these pressures.
