Addressing Estrie’s economic and social inequalities
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The recent “Revenu Viable en Estrie 2024” report by the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS) concludes with an in-depth analysis of the remaining MRCs and a broader examination of the factors influencing income viability. This article, building on two previous reports, focuses on Chapters 8 to 10, highlighting key findings that are particularly relevant to seniors and young families. With unique insights into housing, transportation, daycare, and regional economic disparities, these chapters underscore the need for tailored strategies to improve quality of life across Estrie.
Exploring Brome-Missisquoi and La Haute-Yamaska
The MRCs of Brome-Missisquoi and La Haute-Yamaska feature prominently in the final chapters of the report, presenting contrasting challenges and strengths:
- Brome-Missisquoi stands out for its relatively high-income levels and employment rates, driven by a vibrant local economy. However, these advantages mask challenges for low-income families and seniors, particularly in accessing affordable housing.
- La Haute-Yamaska, home to Granby, also benefits from economic vitality but struggles with daycare shortages and transportation issues, making it harder for families to manage work-life balance.
Both MRCs share a mix of urban and rural characteristics, with pockets of affluence alongside areas of significant financial strain. This duality highlights the importance of localized solutions to address diverse community needs.
Housing challenges for families and seniors
Housing affordability and adequacy remain critical concerns in these MRCs, despite their relative economic strength:
- Brome-Missisquoi has one of the highest rates of homeownership in Estrie, yet the cost of homes and rentals is rising due to demand from commuters and retirees. Seniors seeking to downsize often face limited options, while families struggle to find affordable rentals in proximity to schools and daycare.
- La Haute-Yamaska also sees high housing costs, particularly in Granby. Subsidized housing is scarce, leaving low-income households vulnerable to financial strain.
The report emphasizes the need for increased investment in affordable housing, particularly units designed for seniors and young families. Addressing this gap could reduce financial pressures and foster greater economic stability in these communities.
Daycare access: A recurring issue
Daycare availability continues to be a major challenge for families, particularly in urbanized MRCs like Brome-Missisquoi and La Haute-Yamaska:
- In Brome-Missisquoi, coverage exceeds 100 per cent, yet many of the available spots are in non-subsidized facilities. This creates financial stress for families unable to secure subsidized daycare, pushing them toward more expensive options.
- La Haute-Yamaska faces a daycare shortfall, with Granby particularly affected. Waiting lists are common, forcing families to rely on informal childcare arrangements or reduce working hours.
For single-parent households, the lack of affordable daycare options exacerbates financial precarity, making it harder to achieve economic independence. Expanding subsidized daycare and streamlining access processes are critical steps toward supporting families in these areas.
