The Espace+Village Community Complex in Montreal will become the first French-speaking 2SLGBTQI+ community centre in North America, featuring modern, inclusive, and multipurpose spaces, thanks to a joint investment of nearly $12 million from the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, the Government of Quebec through the Mesure d'aide financière pour l'Est de Montréal et le Quartier latin and the City of Montreal.
This was announced by the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier-Sainte-Marie, Mrs. Marie-Gabrielle Ménard, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga-Rosemont-Est, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State, Mrs. Chantal Rouleau, Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, Mrs. Martine Biron, Minister of Higher Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, M. Julien Héneault-Ratelle, Majority Leader on the City Council, City Councillor for Tétreaultville, and Designated City Councillor for the Ville-Marie borough, and Mrs. Désirée Nore Duchesne, Chair of the Board of Espace LGBTQ+.
Today's funding will make it possible to continue the building's renovation work and take a decisive step toward the complex's opening. More specifically, this funding from the Canada and Quebec governments will be used to upgrade the building's essential systems, including plumbing, electricity, and ventilation, while also strengthening its foundations and renovating the building envelope. The project also includes the addition of a third floor which will include a mezzanine, a green roof, and an elevator, and will create multifunctional spaces for reception, services, collaborative work, offices, events, and storage.
This announcement marks an important milestone for a project that Espace LGBTQ+ and its partners have been developing for several years. Thanks to the support of the Canada and Quebec governments and the City of Montreal, Espace+Village will be able to continue its implementation and, ultimately, offer a unique space bringing together community organizations, local services, and gathering spaces that promote well-being, solidarity, and the visibility for 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
The Espace+Village project will contribute to the vitality of Montreal's Village by providing a sustainable, accessible community hub that is open to the surrounding community. It will strengthen the capacity of 2SLGBTQI+ organizations to take action, foster collaboration among sector partners, and better address the growing needs of these communities.
Preparatory work for the construction site has already begun, and this new round of funding will enable the project to move forward according to schedule.
