Investment of Over $5.2 million : Facelift for 107 Social Housing Units for Baie-Comeau Families

BAIE-COMEAU, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 25, 2014) - Thanks to joint investments of more than $5.2 million by the governments of Canada and Quebec, 107 social housing units in Baie-Comeau, divided among 21 buildings, were rehabilitated. Passing through Baie-Comeau, Sylvain Gaudreault, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) marked the completion of the major renovations to the Habitat 72 housing project, managed by the Office municipal d'habitation (OMH) de Baie-Comeau.

The financial assistance was granted under the replacement, modernization and improvement budget of the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ). Of the total investment, over $2.6 million was provided by the Government of Canada, while the Government of Quebec contributed nearly $2.1 million. The City of Baie-Comeau, for its part, invested some $523,000 in the project.

"The objective of this vast revitalization plan consisted in doing everything possible to provide the families living in these buildings with a healthy and safe environment. Today, we can say: mission accomplished. In addition to improving the quality of life and housing conditions of many households, these major renovations are ensuring the sustainability of the social housing stock in Baie-Comeau," said Minister Sylvain Gaudreault, during the announcement, which took place in the presence of Marjolain Dufour, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for René-Lévesque and responsible for the Côte-Nord region, and Claude Martel, Mayor of Baie-Comeau.

"Our government is committed to making communities stronger. Significant investments are being made in Quebec for the modernization and improvement of existing social housing to help enhance the quality of life of families, individuals and seniors across the province," 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).

"The investment clearly demonstrates the importance that our government attaches to ensuring the wellness of the citizens of the Côte-Nord region, and I am delighted. I believe that it is essential to support the work of those who make every effort needed to provide less fortunate households in the region with an adequate living environment where they can thrive," said MNA Marjolain Dufour.

These investments allowed for the renovation of the housing units as well as the exterior restoration of the buildings of this housing stock constructed in 1971. The sums also served to rehabilitate the grounds and improve the safety of the buildings.

"These renovations were long awaited by our clients. They not only helped improve the quality of life of the tenants but also contributed to enhancing the appearance of the neighbourhood," said Jean-Paul Fouquet, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the OMH de Baie-Comeau.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

The Government of Canada, through 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 social housing. In Quebec, this represents some 127,150 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. You may also visit Espace Habitat, the SHQ's Web magazine (in French only) that features, among other things, the benefits of this agency's initiatives on all of Quebec society.