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Quebec Deputy Premier and Municipal Affairs Minister Nathalie Normandeau has confirmed that the provincial government has given the go-ahead for the construction of 3,000 new units of social housing.
In an announcement made by Normandeau in Montreal this week during a press conference attended by Laurier-Dorion Liberal MNA Gerry Sklavounos, Montreal mayor Gérald Tremblay and executive committee member responsible for housing Cosmo Maciocia, Normandeau said the project involves an additional $200 million from the government.
"This amount raises to more than $1 billion the total amount of aid accorded since 2003 towards affordable community housing, with the government's goal being 24,000 to 27,000 housing units," Normandeau said.
"Our government places great importance on the living conditions of Quebecers, especially those with low incomes," she added. "That is why we support the development of housing of this kind. It is a resource for our society that contributes directly to the improvement of living conditions of our citizens." Up to now, nearly 22,500 new social housing units have been or are in the process of being created across the province.
More housing for Montreal
At the same time, Normandeau confirmed that out of the 3,000 new housing units, the City of Montreal will be receiving 1,250 to meet its needs for social housing.
"By encouraging investments in affordable community housing, we are directly supporting low income households in the metropolitan area," said Tremblay. "It is notable that their housing conditions won't be the only thing to improve, but also their quality of life that will also benefit. This is a great step forward towards well-being for all."
The announcement was made on the Cremazie-Rousselot site, which is an innovative housing project built by the technical resource group Bâtir son quartier, in conjunction with the province's AccèsLogis Québec program.
"We have here a concrete example of the benefits that can come from this program," said Normandeau. "This important project represents investments of nearly $32 million and will make available 158 units of housing meant for seniors with loss of autonomy, as well as families and single persons. These households will be able to find homes that are welcoming and adapted to their needs. It is a way to conserve their dignity while offering them housing that is adequate."
In a related matter, Normandeau also confirmed an additional $30 million in funding over two years to Montreal, to allow the city to make improvements in certain residential sectors. Montreal is contributing $30 million of its own money towards the project. The province's money is being provided through a program known as Rénovation Québec, which is aimed at improving residential sectors that are going into decline.
"Having quality housing is part of the fundamental needs of all and this program allows us precisely to support households in their efforts to improve their housing conditions," Normandeau said. "It allows us to improve their quality of life and to support the economic activity of the construction sector. It is thus an important strategic lever which produces significant benefits."