The high cost of living in Sept-Îles, Quebec, is a pressing issue that has newcomers rethinking their future on the North Shore. For N.H. and Y.D., originally from West Africa, their move to Sept-Îles in 2022 was driven by the promise of a better future for their family. However, the city's soaring costs have now become a significant challenge.
Y.D. highlights the financial strain, noting the high prices of groceries, housing, and transportation. The couple's struggle is exacerbated by the limited number of daycare spots, forcing Y.D. to work part-time and depriving the household of a full-time second income. This situation is not unique to N.H. and Y.D., as the high cost of living in Sept-Îles has been a persistent issue for years.
According to the Institut de recherche et d’informations socioéconomiques (IRIS), Sept-Îles has been Quebec's most expensive city to live in for nine out of the past 10 years. The think tank's study reveals that a two-parent household with two young children would need to earn $88,266 annually to live with dignity, just slightly below Montreal's $88,812 threshold. This financial burden is particularly challenging for families like N.H. and Y.D., who are living on a single income that falls below the threshold for a family of four.
The high cost of living in Sept-Îles is attributed to various factors, including the region's geographical location, the rising price of oil, and the mining industry, which serves as the city's main economic driver. The fly-in, fly-out model, where employers rely on temporary workers, further contributes to the high rental market prices. Landlords often take their rentals off the market to offer them to these temporary workers at higher rates, making it increasingly difficult for locals with average incomes to find affordable housing.
The impact of these challenges is evident in the growing need for support services. Local non-profit L’Envol, Maison de la Famille, has seen a tenfold increase in requests for aid since 2021, with over 70% of clients being newcomers. Early childhood educator Geneviève Poirier describes the distressing situation, where families are forced to make difficult decisions due to the limited availability of affordable daycare spots. This situation not only affects the families but also the employees of L'Envol, who become emotionally invested in the community.
Despite the challenges, N.H. and Y.D. remain determined to stay in Sept-Îles in the short term, thanks to the support provided by L’Envol. However, they emphasize the need for long-term solutions, including improved housing and child care options. Paul Lavoie, the general manager of Développement économique Sept-Îles, agrees, stating that better housing and child care are essential to preventing more families from leaving.
Y.D. expresses her commitment to finding ways to stay in Sept-Îles, believing that it is the best place for her family. She highlights the sense of community and acceptance she and her husband experienced upon their arrival, which has become a crucial factor in their decision to stay. The couple's story serves as a reminder of the human impact of the high cost of living and the importance of addressing these issues to ensure a sustainable future for all residents of Sept-Îles.
