Governments of Canada and Quebec Invest Nearly $1.4 Million in Affordable Housing in Saint-Aubert

SAINT-AUBERT, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Oct. 16, 2014) - It was with pride that the governments of Canada and Quebec today marked the opening of Villa du Piedmont, in Saint-Aubert. With the construction of these 20 affordable housing units, semi-independent seniors can now live in a quality environment adapted to their needs. This project, which required investments of more than $2.9 million, is the result of a great collaboration among the various levels of government, the Municipality of Saint-Aubert and numerous community partners.

To support this initiative, nearly $1.4 million was invested by the Government of Canada, through the Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014, and the Government of Quebec, under the AccèsLogis Québec program of the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ). As well, the project received an additional grant of $70,000 under the Renovation Québec program of the SHQ.

"The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. That's why our Government is glad to be involved in the Villa du Piedmont project, which allows seniors to stay in their community and pursue their activities in familiar surroundings," said Jacques Gourde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Member of Parliament for Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).

"Thanks to the Villa du Piedmont, members of this community can live in a friendly and safe environment adapted their needs, while staying in a municipality they cherish. Our government is very proud to have contributed to the development of this project, which helps seniors remain independent and age in place," said Norbert Morin, Member of the National Assembly for Côte-du-Sud, on behalf of Pierre Moreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the SHQ.

In addition to the funding provided by the governments of Canada and Quebec, community partners contributed over $507,000 to the project, including $373,000 from the Municipality of Saint-Aubert, $44,000 from the Caisse Desjardins de Trois-Saumons and $15,000 from the Centre local de développement L'Islet. Also, nearly $39,000 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, the SHQ has secured the mortgage loan taken out by the Office municipal d'habitation de Saint-Aubert to complete the financing of the project.

More than $172,000 in additional financial support over five years, assumed by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the Municipality (10 per cent), enables half of the tenants to benefit from the Rent Supplement program. This means that these low-income households 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.

Société d'habitation du Québec

The SHQ's mission is to facilitate citizens' access to appropriate housing conditions. Each year, thanks to its various 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 CMHC on social networks: Facebook (SocietehabitationQuebec) and Twitter (HabitationSHQ).