The new $159.9-million Angélique-Latimer affordable-housing complex in Montreal’s Saint-Michel area has broken ground.

The 281-unit development project is designed to serve as a model for inclusive, sustainable community development.

The project, led by the Black Communities Housing Society (BCHS), will include affordable housing, a community campus, neighbourhood commercial space and public areas intended to support civic participation, social development and community life. The complex is being designed to meet high energy-performance standards and pursue net-zero objectives.

“Our mission is to create living environments and build resilient, inclusive and proud communities where everyone can live with dignity,” said Neil Armand, co-founder and director of strategic initiatives at BCHS. “Every project is designed to meet the needs of families, low-income households and underserved populations. Our intention is to positively transform neighbourhoods so that everyone can thrive and prosper.”

The federal government said it has invested about $86 million in the project through the Affordable Housing Fund in the form of contributions as well as forgivable and low-interest loans.

“Our government is determined to help communities develop local solutions to housing needs,” said federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. “The Angélique-Latimer project announced today will provide more safe and affordable housing for some of Montréal’s most vulnerable residents. These initiatives reflect our commitment to increasing the housing supply and building an economy that works for everyone.”

The Société d’habitation du Québec provided an additional $51.8 million via its from the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) Programme d’habitation abordable Québec as part of the Canada-Quebec Agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and new matching investments announced by Quebec in its 2023 and 2024 economic updates.

“By supporting the construction of 230 of these affordable dwellings, our government is taking action to improve access to safe housing and meet the needs of the people of Montreal,” said Quebec Housing Minister Karine Boivin Roy.

The city is contributing about $20 million, and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ contributed to the project with two short-term loans totalling $10.9 million. The loans were used to acquire the site and launch the project.

BCHS said the development reflects its broader strategy of creating mixed, inclusive communities where the composition of residents mirrors the diversity of the surrounding neighbourhood. The non-profit organization plans to deliver 1,500 new affordable housing units across Quebec by 2029 through partnerships with governments, municipalities, institutions, community organizations, foundations and the private sector.

Pictured: Groundbreaking ceremony at Angélique-Latimer affordable-housing development site in Montreal.

Photo: CMHC