Outaouais will get 139 new social and affordable housing units

Sophie Demers

 

Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) announced $6.4 million for the construction of 139 new social and affordable housing units in the Outaouais, under Seconde Entente Canada-Québec’s “l’Initiative pour la Création Rapide de Logements” (ICRL).
Four housing projects will take place in Gatineau. Project Lemieux-Tremblay will be realized with $2 million by Bureau Régional d'Action Sida. This project will create 24 units for people experiencing homelessness. The second project, Square Urbania, will be carried out with $1.4 million by l’Habitation de l’Outaouais Métropolitain. Fifty units will be built for the senior population.
Projet Les Apprentis will use $1.4 million to create 25 units for those with intellectual deficiencies. The final project for the Outaouais region, Habitation Morin, will be completed by l’Habitation de l’Outaouais Métropolitain who will build 40 units for the senior population. Habitation Morin will use $1.6 million from the ICRL agreement.
Two ICRL agreements will fund a total of 79 projects across Quebec and will facilitate the creation of more than 1,400 social and affordable housing units. These agreements represent a total investment of approximately $517 million. The Government of Quebec committed to funding rent supplements for certain projects. This assistance allows eligible tenants to pay rent equivalent to only 25% of their income.
Affordable housing is an urgent need in the region. According to Rentals.ca 2022 national rent report, Gatineau has had a 17.8% rent increase in the past year. This is the largest increase in rent compared to other municipalities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is now $1,657 a month as of January of this year.
According to Benoit Leblanc, Director Itenerance Zero, the most significant need for the homeless population is homes where follow-up services are provided, where individuals get help taking their medication and receive mental health support.