Driven by a shared desire to increase housing supply, the governments of Canada and Quebec strengthened their collaboration in January to accelerate residential construction and support community development. Thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding setting out the principles of collaboration for the deployment of Build Canada Homes in Quebec, while respecting provincial priorities and jurisdictions, the two governments are now delivering concrete results by partnering to support nearly 865 new affordable housing units across Quebec, representing a total investment of $200 million.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, and Agnès Grondin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Member of National Assembly for Argenteuil on behalf of Caroline Proulx, Minister responsible for Housing and Minister responsible for Status of Women, announced the approval of three community-based residential projects that will result in the construction of 77 new housing units to meet the needs of the important housing for independent seniors, people in vulnerable situations and women living in violent situations.
The combined cost of these projects is estimated at more than $37 million and are part of the concerted efforts of both levels of government and municipalities to accelerate the construction of housing that provides a safe, dignified living environment adapted to the needs of those who need it most.
Led by community organizations that are firmly rooted in their communities, these projects will help improve access to quality housing for low- and moderate-income households, while strengthening the social and community fabric of the regions concerned.
The projects announced today are being carried out with joint funding from the governments of Canada and Quebec, particularly through the Quebec Affordable Housing Program (QAHP), including a federal contribution through Build Canada Homes.
Coopérative de solidarité Au cœur des Collines
The Coopérative de solidarité Au cœur des Collines project, in Saint-Calixte, is supported by the Coop de solidarité Au Coeur des collines. It provides for the construction of 28 housing units for independent seniors. The estimated cost of the project is just over $12 million. The project is supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund (FACL). The start of work could begin in the spring.
Collectif Amélie Fristel
The Collectif Amélie Fristel project, located in Joliette, is led by the Maison d'hébergement jeunesse Roland Gauvreau. It will include 38 housing units, including 30 permanent housing units and 8 transitional housing units, for people living with physical disabilities, behavioural disorders, or people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. For some, it will be a new long-term living environment; for others, a transitional housing environment that promotes a gradual resumption of autonomy. The estimated cost of the project is just over $19 million. The project could also benefit from the FACL. As for the start of work, it is envisaged for autumn 2026.
Maison d'Ariane
The project led by Maison d'Ariane involves the construction of 11 second-stage housing units for women and children who are victims of post-separation domestic violence. L'Avenue d'Arianne is a new living environment designed to provide a safe, confidential, and supportive setting that promotes empowerment and recovery for women and their children. The estimated cost of the project is $7.4 million.
