Once upon a time…

August 2007 , Gabriela Jamett , a former member of the Regional Solidarity Market of Estrie, freshly arrived in Outaouais, wishes to allow the citizens of her new region to benefit from the benefits of such an initiative. It is with a lot of will, time and energy that it invests in the creation of a Regional Solidarity Market.

Success assured, will you believe? Nothing is less sure…

Our informed citizen quickly realizes that alone, she will not succeed. She must find partners , local politicians, donors and above all, volunteers wishing, like her, to invest body and soul in this project.

Melissa Bergeron from the Community Development Assistance Society (SADC) Papineau supported him in his efforts: little by little, people from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Quebec (MAPAQ), the Table de concertation agroalimentaire de l’Outaouais (TCAO) and the Local Development Center (CLD) of Papineau come to him lend a hand . Without them, this project would probably never have seen the light of day.

December 2007 , a group of volunteers is formed, as if by miracle, one stormy evening when everything led to believe that no one would respond to the invitation. This is how people from various backgrounds come together to share their expertise in accounting, management, communication, social economy, etc. in order to carry out this project.

The region’s producers answered the call and the race to find subsidies bore fruit. The group succeeded in opening the doors of the Outaouais Regional Solidarity Market on July 17, 2008 . July 2009 , the Outaouais Regional Solidarity Market celebrates its first anniversary of existence in its permanent premises. The members of the Board of Directors are encouraged by the good results obtained and the recognition awards received during the year:

• “Desjardins-Innovations” scholarship, during the Valuation Action Evening organized by the TCAO (February 2009). This scholarship highlights agri-food innovation projects.
• TJO scholarship , during the 11th Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest – Social component (May 2009).

October 2009 , after several meetings between board members, consumer members, producers and workers, a strategic plan (2010-2013) is developed. The medium-term future of the Market is thought out!

May 2011 , one million sales ( $1,000,000 ) are made at the Outaouais Regional Solidarity Market! There is something to be proud of!

In 2012, International Year of Cooperatives , everyone is on board: the CLDs of the Outaouais, the SADC of Papineau, the MAPAQ, the CRÉO, the TJO, the producer members of Greater Gatineau, Pontiac, the Petite Nation , the Hills and the Gatineau Valley (42 producers in total) and almost 2,300 members . Not to mention our extraordinary and valiant volunteers who make it all possible.

After several moves, the MSRO is going through difficult years and it must renew itself.

First with a name change and a new image. The Outaouais Regional Solidarity Market becomes the Outaouais Market.

In 2020 , as the Covid-19 pandemic rages, the Marché de l’Outaouais is developing 2 new pick-up points in Gatineau as well as home delivery to be closer to its members. It is also expanding its product range by welcoming the region’s micro-breweries.

In 2021 , the Marché de l’Outaouais is getting a makeover with a new online sales site to meet the growing demand for local products. At a time when cooperatives are gaining in popularity and are an economic model that meets the needs of the community, the Outaouais Market is developing partnerships with housing cooperatives to increase its pick-up points. The solidarity cooperative also sets up ECO-dollars to support food security in the region and implement sustainable development projects.

At the end of 2021, all of Gatineau, from east to west, will be served by home delivery .

Over the next 3 years , the Marché de l’Outaouais aims to be present throughout the Outaouais region.

The cooperative is growing and it is thanks to your support that it continues its activities so well! Committed and devoted, the members of the board of directors put forth fresh ideas. They deploy time and energy toensure a promising future for the Outaouais Market.

The Marché de l’Outaouais warmly and joyfully welcomes all those who want to be part of the rest of the story.