Montreal Invests in Preserving Affordable Housing Community
Martial Leclerc kneads a dust-covered table in an affordable housing complex, concerns about rising rents and renovations weighing heavily on her shoulders. The Quesque
“At a certain age, the stress of being kicked out of your home is just horrendous,” she says.
The group is working to revitalize the Habitations Le Domaine, a designated affordable housing community spanning 111 buildings and home to over 700 families.
“This impact goes beyond repairing leaky faucets and fixing broken elevators,” she said.
Leclerc stressed that Montreal is full of aging structures that require maintenance. Many tenants in these buildings pay rents below the market value, highlighting the city’s affordability issue. These problems are compounded by the city’s limited stock of family units.
“We need to prioritize existing residents,” Leclerc added. “Applying better thought to vulnerable families – it’s crucial.
Leclerc says it’s becoming increasingly challenging to find affordable housing because few new development projects cater to families, and landlords often discriminate against familes.
“Families are being pushed out of Montreal,” Leclerc said. “It’s vital for people to live near resources like schools, libraries, and parks.
The project to renovate Habitations Le Domaine received nearly $10 million in federal funding.
“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister responsible of the Economic Development Agency for Quebec. “It also about the right to housing.”
The Mayor of Montreal agrees.
“Besides the housing crisis, we’re facing a vulnerability issue in our city,” affirmed Mayor Valérie Plante.
“Below-market rents keep people housed, keeping people in less vulnerable situations.”
As winter descends upon Montreal and with the dismantling of some well-known homeless encampments, the city is working hard to house those in need and prevent future occurrences
“Homelessness is a crisis that demands immediate action. Waiting any longer is simply unacceptable.”
A cold front descends upon Montreal as residents in need are facing tempertures below freezing.
“We need a national strategy to end homelessness” added the Mayor.
What is the significance of Gérer son quartier’s involvement in the renovation project for the residents of Habitations Le Domaine?
Montreal Invests in Preserving Affordable Housing Community
**Host:** Joining us today is Martial Leclerc, a resident of Habitations Le Domaine, an affordable housing community in Montreal’s Hochelaga neighbourhood. Martial, thank you for being here.
**Martial:** It’s my pleasure.
**Host:** We’ve heard that Habitations Le Domaine is undergoing some exciting changes. Can you tell us about them?
**Martial:** Yes, it’s a relief actually. There’s been a lot of anxiety about the future of our homes. Over 700 families live here in 111 buildings [[1](https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/around-700-affordable-apartments-in-eastern-montreal-to-get-renovated-1.7136623)]. Many of us are seniors, and the thought of losing our affordable housing was really stressful. But now Gérer son quartier, the organization that runs our community, is working on renovations to preserve this valuable resource.
**Host:** What does this mean for the residents?
**Martial:** It means a lot. It means our homes will be updated and modernized, while still remaining affordable. It means we can continue living in our community, surrounded by familiar faces and the support network we’ve built over the years.
**Host:** That’s wonderful news. What impact do you think this will have on the larger neighbourhood?
**Martial:** I think it will have a positive impact. Habitations Le Domaine is a vital part of Hochelaga. Reviving this community sends a strong message that affordable housing is important, and that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your story, Martial. We wish you and your community all the best with the renovations.
