New residents
Gatineau is a city that abounds in outdoor and cultural events, with exciting shows and festivals that delight residents all year long.
More than ever, Gatineau's lifestyle and energy are irresistible. Newcomers and established residents alike all consider Gatineau a welcoming and youthful city. Without a doubt, Gatineau is a city where it feels good to live!
North America's first inhabitants, which included the Algonquins, used to trade along the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers. By the 17th century, these activities intensified with the arrival of the missionaries and coureurs des bois.
The first settlements started to crop up in the Outaouais in the 1800s, with the arrival of Philemon Wright and his wife Abigail Wyman. Mr. Wright recognized the economic potential of the huge red and white pine forests covering the territory. The region quickly became the hub of North America's forest industry. In the 19th century, the region was a lead player in the forest and pulp and paper industries, as well as in the hydroelectric and mining industries.
A neighbour of Ottawa and the biggest city in the Outaouais, Gatineau is indisputably a dynamic city that is making the most of its position in the heart of Canada's capital region.
Gatineau extends over 348.5 km2. This fourth largest city in Quebec has 292,000 inhabitants. Together with Ottawa it forms the fourth largest urban agglomeration in Canada, with a population of more than one million.
Gatineau's logo is a stylized “G” embracing its territory, a symbol with which everyone can identify. The three waves represent the rivers intersecting the city from west to east and from north to south. These three elements, combined with the green ribbons separating them, are reminders of the five municipalities from which the city was built: Aylmer, Buckingham, Gatineau, Hull and Masson-Angers. The blue evokes clear water and air, and the green is for nature, growth and safety.
These centres provide services on taxes and assessments, fine payment and plea submissions, by-laws and permits as well as recreation and culture.
Get our addresses and office hours
Gatineau's Municipal Council, which consists of the Mayor and councillors, represents the residents, legislators and administrators. For the names of the members of the Municipal Council and the Executive Committee, as well as the meeting schedule, consult the municipal Web site at www.gatineau.ca.
311 agents are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are connected to a database that enables them to answer requests for general information on City activities and services. More specialized requests are transferred to the appropriate units.
The 311 is not intended to replace the 9-1-1. Always call 9-1-1 to report an emergency to police, firefighters or ambulances.
You can submit a request or obtain information about the status of your request directly through www.gatineau.ca.
You can follow the live or recorded Executive and Plenary committee meetings through the municipal Web site. Municipal affairs have never been as readily accessible!
Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 292,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.