Le choix naturel
About us
Mission
Unite Outaouais communities together to strengthen the region’s identity, appeal and visibility.
Vision
Outaouais — a proud and motivated region, where nature’s abundance blends with the city’s energy, creating the natural choice for people to live, work and thrive.
Project History
Supported by the Conférence des préfets de l’Outaouais (Outaouais prefects’ summit) and coordinated by the Espace régional d’accélération et de croissance de l’Outaouais (Espace-O), this regional promotional campaign is the result of a consultation with regional players undertaken in 2022. Its goal is to be an inclusive and mobilizing project that ignites a movement where businesses, institutions, associations and private individuals can become brand ambassadors and proudly embody the values of the region.
Committee for the Outaouais Regional Identity (CIRO)
Benoit Lauzon
Conférence des préfets de l’Outaouais and Collines-de-l'Outaouais RCM (CRIO President)
Geneviève Ouimet
Espace-O
Benedikt Kuhn
Collines-de-l’Outaouais RCM
Émilie Vallée
Tourisme Outaouais
Francis Beausoleil
Pontiac RCM
Jean-François Guitard
ID Gatineau
Jessy Laflamme
Papineau RCM
Josiane Brûlé
Collines-de-l’Outaouais RCM
Kim Lesage
Pontiac RCM
Laurence Gillot
Office of Minister Lacombe
Marc Cloutier
Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM
Marie-Hélène Rivard
City of Gatineau
Patrick Duguay
CDROL and UQO
Roxana Merello
SITO
Project Objectives
Promote our territory
Mobilize our region
Attract new players to the Outaouais
OUTAOUAIS:
more than a brand, it’s a regional identity
The Outaouais regional identity is:
- A brand to represent the region;
- A territory marketing campaign that broadens the region’s appeal, instills pride and a sense of belonging, and promotes engagement and the federation of regional players;
- A guiding principle behind all communications that helps form a strong bond to the region;
- A local, provincial, national and international visibility made possible thanks to all the stakeholders showcasing the brand in their own communications;
- A toolkit available to all businesses, associations and public organizations wanting to champion the values of the Outaouais and bring up the territory in their messages to promote their local, provincial, national or international activities;
- A collective will to showcase our region and reveal this too well-kept secret.
Adopting the regional identity:
how do I benefit?
Championing the Outaouais regional identity means:
- Reaffirming and demonstrating your commitment to the region and local communities;
- Being part of a collective effort that benefits everyone: what is good for the area is good for its population, and vice versa;
- Enjoying additional visibility at the local, provincial, national and international level;
- Celebrating your personal successes that help promote our region and shape its identity;
- Attracting people, businesses or investors that will then open up new potential economic opportunities;
- Standing out from your competitors and benefiting from the region’s appeal and notoriety;
- Blending elements of the Outaouais brand to your own identity to benefit from increased reach;
- Exploring opportunities for collaboration with other regional players.
Why is Outaouais the natural choice?
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Abundant and accessible nature
Vast expenses of nature are scattered throughout the region, along with national and provincial parks, offering a variety of outdoors activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing and observing wildlife.
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Proximity to nature and city life
The Outaouais enjoys a unique balance of urban life and nature.
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Wonderful waterways
With 15,000 lakes and reservoirs plus seven rivers covering over 10% of the Outaouais territory, the region overflows with natural beauty ready to be discovered.
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Economic opportunities
A variety of sectors are featured in the region, including government, tourism, information technologies and agriculture, offering wide-ranging economic and professional opportunities.
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Market accessibility
The Outaouais is positioned near major markets — Ottawa-Gatineau, the Laurentides, Montréal and Eastern Ontario — and government clients.
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Innovation
The region boasts a dynamic ecosystem that fosters the emergence and development of innovative ideas through the synergy of its businesses, its strong network of organizations, its academic institutions and its unique natural resources.
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Quality of life
Easily accessible quality services such as schools, healthcare and leisure facilities.
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Genuine and warm reception
The Outaouais is characterized by its great cultural diversity, being the second-largest hub in Quebec for international immigration. The region is known for the warmth of its welcome and the strength of its communities, creating a favourable environment for families and anyone wanting to get involved locally.
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Culture and heritage
The region has a rich history and culture, with festivals, museums, and cultural events available year-round, showcasing the diversity and creativity present in our local communities.
