Governments of Canada and Quebec Invest Over $1.6 Million in Affordable Housing in Saint-Marc-des-Carrieres

SAINT-MARC-DES-CARRIÈRES, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - July 15, 2014) - It was with pride that the governments of Canada and Quebec today opened the Pavillon André-Darveau, in Saint-Marc-des-Carrières. With the construction of these 26 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 $4.2 million, is the result of a great collaboration among the various levels of government, the Municipality of Saint-Marc-des-Carrières and numerous community partners.

To support this initiative, over $1.6 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).

"I am delighted to see that construction is complete on this project. The opening of the Pavillon André-Darveau brings more affordable housing to Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, allowing independent seniors to remain in the community, close to family and friends," 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 this housing complex, members of this community can live in a friendly, comforting and safe environment. And, the residents of the Pavillon André-Darveau have the opportunity to live in a stimulating environment, located near major amenities," said Michel Matte, Member of the National Assembly for Portneuf, on behalf of Pierre Moreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the SHQ, during the ceremony that took place in the presence of Guy Denis, Mayor of Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, and people involved in the project.

In addition to the funding provided by the governments of Canada and Quebec, community partners contributed nearly $960,000 to the project, including $585,000 from the Municipality of Saint-Marc-des-Carrières. Over $51,000 was also 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. As well, the SHQ has secured the mortgage loan taken out by the Coopérative de solidarité Le Pavillon André-Darveau to complete the financing of the project.

Nearly $224,000 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

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 600,000 households living in existing social housing, on- and off-reserve. In Quebec, this represents some 126,350 households. These investments are improving 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 CMHC is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.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. For more information on the programs and services offered by the SHQ, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html. To find out more about its activities and achievements, get advice on housing and much more, follow the SHQ on social networks:

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