Nearly 900 Montreal households to benefit from new affordable housing projects

All three levels of government came together in Montreal for a collective $303-million investment on housing in the city and plans to create 889 new off-market units.

These units, expected to accommodate over 570 households by the end of 2025, are part of a broader strategy to provide stable and affordable housing to Montreal’s most vulnerable populations.

The housing projects will include a variety of living arrangements, from family units with one to four bedrooms to cooperatives designed for intergenerational living. Additionally, the initiative will provide specialized housing for individuals facing unique challenges, such as women who are victims of violence, youth at risk, and people living with mental health issues or autism spectrum disorders.

The Government of Canada contributing $112.3 million, the Government of Quebec providing $161.8 million, and the City of Montreal adding $29.4 million.

The housing projects, coordinated by technical housing groups Atelier Habitation Montréal, Groupe CDH, and Romel, are designed to cater to a wide range of residents, including families, people at risk of homelessness, and individuals with special needs.

With the support of the Quebec Rent Supplement Program, about 75 per cent of the targeted households will pay just 25 per cent of their income toward housing costs, with the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) covering 90 per cent of this assistance and the City of Montreal contributing the remaining 10 per cent. 

Alain Massé emphasized the importance of this initiative since moving three months ago, saying he feels lucky. 

He says his last apartment was more than double the current rent he pays now. 

“There is always hope. Always hope, that means you wish good luck to the one who is going to look for an apartment, and there is no fear of looking, there is always hope,” said Massé.

France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister responsible for Housing, emphasized the broader implications of the project, noting, “By bringing together many partners and leveraging financial tools, we’re making a real impact on Montreal’s housing landscape. Nearly 900 households with diverse needs will gain access to affordable housing here. These kinds of projects, which focus on building more housing more quickly, are happening across Quebec—and I am committed to seeing this momentum continue.”

Community organizations have also been central to this initiative. Martin Fournier, Executive Director of Atelier Habitation Montréal, spoke about the impact of these new housing units beyond just providing shelter. “These are not just walls and roofs—they represent our commitment to building a more equitable city. Every person should have the opportunity to live in dignity, and with the support of our partners, we are making that possible.”

Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal, highlighted the city’s key role in facilitating these housing projects, particularly the donation of land for several of the developments. “This is part of our administration’s ongoing efforts to provide housing for all Montrealers, no matter their income or personal circumstances,” said Plante. “These 889 units will help us meet our goal of having 20 per cent off-market housing in Montreal by 2050.”

“A project like this one will help the city of Montreal,” she said. “Is it enough? No.”

Plante added there is a political will to create more housing in the city. One of the other projects involved is women’s shelter Le Chaînon, which will provide homes for single mothers, and women who’ve experienced violence. 

“The nearly 900 households that will soon have access to affordable rents is an important step in meeting the housing needs of Montrealers,” said Rachel Bendayan, Federal Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety. “This is a great achievement, and it will make a real difference in the daily lives of those who need it most.”

Laurence Murielle Kwendé, Executive Director of Groupe CDH, expressed pride in the results achieved this far, while acknowledging that the work is far from finished. “Together, we’ve completed seven projects, providing 299 units for people who are often vulnerable and at risk of homelessness,” said Kwendé. “These are people who need our support to live with dignity in a stable, secure environment. While this is a significant achievement, we know the work for accessible and inclusive housing is ongoing.”

Mazen Houdeib, Executive Director of ROMEL, an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of continued partnerships in addressing Montreal’s housing challenges. “ROMEL is proud to support community groups that respond to the housing needs of vulnerable families,” he said. “With the help of all levels of government, we are making a tangible difference by creating more social and affordable housing for everyone who needs it.”