VICTORIAVILLE, QC, Sept. 3, 2025 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec, in collaboration with Mission Unitaînés and the City of Victoriaville, officially broke ground this morning on a 100-unit affordable housing project for independent seniors. The construction of this new living environment on Lactancia Street is part of the second phase of projects led by Mission Unitaînés, which aims to deliver 600 additional affordable housing units in 6 cities in Quebec over the next 2 years.
Construction will begin in late September and is expected to be completed in winter 2027.
Eventually, the Innov Habitat Victo organization will manage the building and maintain the building.The $32.5 million financial package includes investments totalling $22.5 million from the governments of Quebec and Canada. This amount stems from the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the Housing Accelerator Fund (HLF) and the equivalent new investments announced by Quebec in its 2023 and 2024 economic updates. The City of Victoriaville will transfer the land, offer certain tax holidays and assume the costs of connection. A philanthropic donation of $500,000 from Mr. Luc Maurice, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mission Unitaînés, completes the financial package.
The event was attended by Sébastien Schneeberger, Member of Parliament for Drummond-Bois-Francs, on behalf of the Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, along with Antoine Tardif, Mayor of Victoriaville, Caroline Sauriol, President and CEO of Mission Unitaînés, Patrick Paulin and Sébastien Brière, respectively president and general manager of Innov Habitat Victo.
A multi-stakeholder and innovative partnership
The first phase of the Mission Unitaînés project, which began in 2024, aimed to quickly add 1,100 affordable housing units to Quebec's housing stock by building 11 new homes in 11 different cities, thanks to a total investment of $235 million from both levels of government.
The second phase, announced on August 28, 2025, is a continuation of collective efforts to meet the growing demand for affordable housing for low-income, independent seniors. Thanks to an additional investment of $135.1 million by the governments of Quebec and Canada, 6 more residences will be built in Valleyfield, Quebec City, Victoriaville, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay and Laval.
The contribution of each municipality involved in a construction project represents between $3 million and $5 million, in kind or in the form of a grant. This includes the transfer of land ready for construction, a tax holiday for a period of three years from the date of transfer of the land with the building, a building permit (or equivalent subsidies) and connections to services.
As for the charitable organization Mission Unitaînés, it is in charge of the development and realization of the buildings. At the end of the construction, he or she hands over to the municipality or to a non-profit organization designated by the municipality - in the case of Victoriaville, the Innov Habitat Victo organization - a building ready to be put into service for a symbolic sum, without a mortgage. In addition, each of the buildings has a reserve fund of $500,000 from a philanthropic donation from Mr. Luc Maurice. Other partners will complement the funding with philanthropic contributions to improve the quality of life of residents.
Thanks in particular to the economies of scale achieved and the expertise of the partners, the innovative and efficient model that is Mission Unitaînés has the advantage of creating 1,700 housing units at a lower cost than the housing units currently under construction by the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ). It also ensures that the buildings will be debt-free.
Quotes:
"Our government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing challenges. Today's announcement illustrates what can be accomplished when governments work together. It is also another step forward in our bold and ambitious plan to build a strong Canada. »
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
"I've often said it: we have to innovate to build more and better, especially in the context of a housing crisis. This collaboration with Mission Unitaînés is proof that our government is taking concrete action, in conjunction with our federal partner and municipalities, to better house seniors in Quebec." I'm excited about this project because it mobilizes the expertise of stakeholders to build quality, affordable housing in a very short timeframe. We are committed to delivering results through this partnership. »
France-Élaine Duranceau, Minister Responsible for Housing
"I salute the concerted work of our various partners that made the innovative Unitaînés project possible. These 100 new affordable housing units and their socialization spaces will allow residents to enjoy the best possible living environment. I am delighted with this addition for Victoriaville and Centre-du-Québec. »
André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region and Member of the National Assembly for Johnson
"In Victoriaville, we are actively working to find solutions to housing challenges. In recent years, we have put in place several initiatives to respond to the housing crisis. Our efforts are also reflected in the development of affordable housing projects and in collaboration with committed partners. This Unitaînés project is a good example of this. It is this kind of partnership that makes Victoriaville such a dynamic, innovative city that listens to the needs of its population. »
Antoine Tardif, Mayor of Victoriaville
"It is with great enthusiasm that we are committed to this project, which will certainly contribute to the well-being of our community. This building is much more than a roof: it is a promise of safety, well-being and dignity for our seniors who live on modest incomes. We are proud to be part of this success that is in line with our values of inclusivity and accessibility. »
Patrick Paulin, President of Innov Habitat Victo
"This new project, which adds to the projects currently underway, perfectly embodies the commitment I have made to improve the well-being of seniors by providing them with an environment where they feel safe, free and happy. We are particularly proud that governments have renewed their confidence in us to allow new projects such as the one announced today to start. More than 100 more seniors will be able to have quality housing at a low cost. I salute the City's leadership, and I would like to express my gratitude to all those involved in this ambitious and innovative initiative, which will come to fruition in record time and at record costs. »
Luc Maurice, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mission Unitaînés
Highlights:
- The financial model was designed to be able to provide long-term housing at 30% of residents' rents. Rent is set at an average cost of $662 per month for a one-bedroom, heated-lit unit with Wi-Fi included. Rent increases will be limited by agreements with the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) in order to maintain affordability for years to come.
- Equipped with two elevators, sprinklers and a parking area for scooters, the building will also include a multifunctional common room, an outdoor terrace and landscaping, promoting the socialization of residents.
About the Société d'habitation du Québec
As a reference in housing, the SHQ's mission is to meet the housing needs of Quebecers through its expertise and services to citizens. It does this by providing affordable and low-income housing and a range of assistance programs that support residential construction and renovation, home adaptations and home ownership.
To learn more about its activities, visit the
About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote the stability and sustainability of Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage default insurance products promote home ownership and the creation and preservation of the supply of rental housing. In addition, we are actively supporting the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. We facilitate cooperation between all levels of government, the private sector and the not-for-profit sector. In doing so, we are helping to advance housing affordability, climate compatibility, and housing equity. Follow us on
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