Unified regional identity to grace Outaouais
Taylor Clark
The Comité d’identité régionale de l’Outaouais officially unveiled a regional identity to unite the Outaouais and promote the region as a hotspot for prospective families, businesses, and tourists.
The Outaouais’ new slogan “The natural choice” highlighted the region’s perfect balance of nature and city.
“It’s true, your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card. What people represent after an experience with you becomes your brand. Let’s be a natural choice. Let’s be Outaouais,” said Benoit Lauzon, president of the Comité d’identité régionale de l’Outaouais, during a press conference on March 2.
The regional promotional campaign was supported by the Conférence des préfets de l’Outaouais and received nearly $100,000 in financial support from the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, covering 80 per cent of the project costs.
Fueled by the results of a consultation in 2022, the advertising agency Orkestra was tasked to curate a brand that would unify the region’s rural and urban identity.
Although he was not able to attend the press conference, the Minister responsible for the Outaouais region Mathieu Lacombe shared a few words in a video. “We know very well that our beautiful Outaouais region offers an extraordinary environment for families living here and great opportunities for businesses established here,” he said.
Not only was the campaign aimed to instill a sense of regional pride but also to strengthen Outaouais’ appeal, visibility, and competitiveness.
“I think that over the years, we will be proud of it,” said Lauzon. “I say to businesses, to the education sector, to all territories, to elected officials, take this image, and bring it to life.”
Photo caption: Artist Julien Morissette is joined by Benoit Lauzon, president of the Comité d’identité régionale de l’Outaouais, and Julie Kinnear, president and chief executive officer of Tourisme Outaouais, in revealing Outaouais first brand identity on March 21.
Photo credit: Taylor Clark