Canadian Mortgage News

January 2004 National News Archive

20 New Social and Community Housing Units in Saint-Polycarpe in the Montérégie

SAINT-POLYCARPE, Québec, April 23, 2004 — M.P. for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, Nick Discepola, and M.N.A. for Soulanges, Lucie Charlebois, on behalf of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Sports and Recreation, Jean-Marc Fournier, proceeded with the official opening of the Résidence de la Seigneurie de Soulanges, which comprises 20 housing units for frail elderly persons. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Mayor of Saint-Polycarpe, Normand Ménard, and the chairman of the board of directors of the Résidence de la Seigneurie de Soulanges, Gilles Bissonnette.

This residence was developed, at a cost of $1.5 million, thanks to the involvement of public, community and private partners. The financial contributions for the construction and the rent supplement, which come to a total of $1,120,789, were provided under the Affordable Housing Agreement signed between Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ). They are being assumed in a proportion of 50% by CMHC and 50% by the SHQ and the community sector, including a contribution of $237,300 from the community. The other costs are being assumed by the organization through a mortgage loan secured by the Société d'habitation du Québec.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to work with the province, the municipality and community representatives to meet the housing needs of Quebec citizens," said Mr. Discepola. "The social housing units are a source of individual and collective pride. They enhance quality of life, stimulate commercial investment and contribute to the sustainable development of communities."

"The Résidence de la Seigneurie de Soulanges is an excellent example of a successful partnership between the community, the municipality and governments to enable seniors from Saint-Polycarpe to benefit from quality housing and services adapted to their needs, while allowing them to remain in their community," indicated M.N.A. Charlebois.

Among the residents, 10 households can benefit from the Rent Supplement program, which provides financial assistance to low-income people who would otherwise have to spend more than 25% of their income on housing.

It should be recalled that an Affordable Housing Agreement was signed between CMHC and the SHQ. It provides for a total contribution of $323.3 million to increase the supply of affordable housing in Quebec, with $161.65 million from the federal government, $104 million from the Quebec government and $57 million from the municipalities participating in the program.

Information:

Stéphane Gosselin
Press Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Sports and Recreation
(418) 691-2050
(514) 873-2622

Sources:

Yvon Marois
Communications Advisor
Société d'habitation du Québec
(514) 864-2655

Marie-Chantale Lortie
Communications and Marketing
CMHC
(514) 496-4025

Residents and Invited Guests

Left to right: Saint-Polycarpe's Mayor, Normand Ménard; Lucie Charlebois, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Soulanges; Nunzio Discepola, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges

Left to right: His eminence, Luc Cyr, Bishop of the Valleyfield Diocese; Saint-Polycarpe's Mayor, Normand Ménard; Lucie Charlebois, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Soulanges; Nunzio Discepola, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges; Gilles Bissonnette, President of the Board, La Résidence de la Seigneurie de Soulanges (at the podium)

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)