Eleven regional initiatives will benefit from a financial boost for the construction of rental units.

This is Quebec City's response to the housing crisis.

"There is a huge need for housing in all 17 regions of Quebec. Here, it's no exception, so for our families and workers..." said the Minister of Municipal Affairs at a press briefing in Gaspé on Monday.

Among the large-scale projects: 32 housing units in New Richmond, 20 doors in Carleton-sur-Mer and 12 units at Faubourg Monseigneur-Ross in Gaspé.

"It's been a long time since we've seen such construction, such a large number of units with a clear plan, precise projects and concrete subsidies in Gaspé. This is very, very good news," enthuses Geneviève Guilbault.

The financial assistance comes from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation as part of the Fonds régions et ruralité.

Developers receive $10,000 per door.

It's a welcome boost, given that construction costs remain higher in the regions than in major urban centers, as Mathieu Lapointe points out.

"We've talked a lot to contractors in the region. It's a question of the down payment that was missing. And that $10,000 may seem like a small amount - $10,000 per door - but it made all the difference. It enabled us to raise 200 doors throughout the region, something that wasn't done in the past. "

The construction of new homes and the conversion of single-family units and non-residential buildings into rental units is good news, adds Daniel Côté.

However, the mayor of Gaspé was unable to specify the number of projects submitted.

"The Table des préfets made the choice to put a good portion of the FRR volet 1 birmes into housing. Several have been delivered, others are under construction, and the ministerial announcement is being made today. "

This announcement comes a few days after Minister Guilbeault announced on February 12 adjustments to the program to give municipalities and MRCs more latitude.

"It was my colleague Agnes Grondin, MNA for Argenteuil, who did this work and went to meet with several prefects. We told them: 'Tell us very concretely what we could change and improve in the program, and we'll do everything we can,'" says Ms. Guilbault.

A $1 million envelope has been set aside, as part of a sectoral development agreement, to support the construction of longer-term residential rental housing.

Some forty projects should be unveiled shortly, added Daniel Côté.

Source: cimtchau.ca/