A 15-storey office tower in Quebec City will be converted into 222 social and affordable-housing units under a project scheduled for completion by fall 2028, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced.

The project will transform the Catherine de Longpré building at 1075 chemin Ste-Foy into non-market housing for families and individuals, while a new 12-storey residential building will also be constructed on the site. Plans for the new building were not disclosed. The development represents a total investment of more than $79 million.

The initiative is being undertaken by Socialim in partnership with the federal, provincial and municipal governments. The official building has housed provincial government employees. The conversion project is part of the province’s effort to repurpose older buildings.

Socialim has received a $14.5-million grant through the Société d’habitation du Québec’s affordable-housing program, funded through the Canada–Quebec agreement under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and matching provincial investments. The city is contributing more than $7.5 million, while patient-capital loans worth $14.3 million and mortgage financing will complete the funding package.

“By pursuing the objectives of the government office space-optimization plan, the Société québécoise des infrastructures is contributing to a project that addresses housing concerns while generating savings for taxpayers,” said Eric Girard, Quebec’s finance minister and minister responsible for infrastructure.

The new community will include 105 one-bedroom units, 68 two-bedroom units and 49 three-bedroom units. The development will also feature 71 underground parking spaces, a community room and indoor and outdoor storage areas.

Of the 222 units, 118 will be offered at intermediate affordable rents and 104 at affordable rents. In addition, at least 52 eligible households could receive rent supplements that would limit housing costs to no more than 25% of household income.

The project is intended to increase the supply of affordable housing in Quebec City’s Upper Town and will be located near services, parks, public transit and the city’s planned tramway line.

Dany Caron, CEO of Socialim and director of Qubec’s municipal housing office called the project for the two agencies, adding that it is aligned with market needs.

“It meets a new need by transforming public infrastructure to provide shelter and residential stability to 222 low- and modest-income households,” he said.

Pictured: Catherine de Longpré Building and new tower slated for construction.

Rendering: CNW Group/CMHC

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