Governments of Canada and Quebec Invest Nearly $1.5 Million in Affordable Housing in Pont-Rouge

PONT-ROUGE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 20, 2014) - It was with pride that the Governments of Canada and Quebec today marked the opening of Les Appartements Sainte-Jeanne, in Pont-Rouge. With the construction of these 24 affordable housing units, people living with an intellectual or physical disability can now live in a quality environment adapted to their needs.

This project, which required investments of some $3 million, is the result of a great collaboration among the various levels of government, the Municipality of Pont-Rouge and numerous community partners. To support this initiative, nearly $1.5 million was jointly invested by the Government of Canada, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, and the Government of Quebec, under the AccèsLogis Québec program of the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ). As well, the SHQ has secured the mortgage loan taken out by the organization to complete the financing of the project.

"Our Government is dedicated to helping those in need. This housing project for troubled youth and people living with a mental health issue or an intellectual disability is more than just a place to live; it is the key to a better life for the individuals with special needs who will call it home," said the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament for Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).

"I salute the vision and commitment of everyone who took part in this great local initiative. A project like this promotes the stability and independence of people with disabilities, enabling them to participate actively in the economy and life of their community. Our government is very proud to have been a partner in this project," said Michel Matte, Member of the National Assembly for Portneuf, who participated in the ceremony in the presence of the people involved in the project.

In addition to the funding provided by the governments of Canada and Quebec, community partners contributed close to $609,000 for the construction of Les Appartements Sainte-Jeanne, including the Municipality of Pont-Rouge ($400,000), the Caisse Desjardins du Centre de Portneuf ($80,000), the Alcoa Foundation ($50,000) and the Fondation des services santé et sociaux de Portneuf ($30,000).

Also, nearly $42,000 was allocated by the Bureau de l'efficacité et de l'innovation énergétiques of the Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles to ensure that the building would meet the standards of the Novoclimat program. And, nearly $413,000 in additional financial support over five years, assumed by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the Municipality (10 per cent), enables all tenants to benefit from the Rent Supplement program. This means that these individuals pay a rent similar to that for low-rental housing, corresponding to 25 per cent of their income.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call 1-800-668-2642, visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca or follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_ca.

Société d'habitation du Québec

The SHQ's mission is to facilitate citizens' access to appropriate housing conditions. Each year, thanks to its programs and many partners, the SHQ helps more than 230,000 Quebec households. To find out more about the programs and services offered by the SHQ, as well as its activities and achievements, or else to get advice on housing, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html and follow the SHQ on social networks: Facebook (SocietehabitationQuebec) and Twitter (HabitationSHQ).