The federal government is investing $33.7 million in three community centre projects in Montreal’s Parc-Extension and Saint-Michel districts.

Two of the projects, the Parc Extension Community Centre and Saint-Michel Community House, are new carbon-neutral facilities. The other project is a major renovation of a building which will serve as the new home of the Afrique au féminin community organization, an African immigrant women’s group.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose riding is in Montreal, and MP Patricia Lattanzio, announced the projects during a recent news conference.

Ottawa is providing the funds through the $1.5-billion Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, which aims to improve the places in which Canadians work, learn, play, live and come together. Afrique au féminin and other local groups are also investing in the renovation project.

The federal government said the developments will benefit Parc-Extension and Saint-Michel, and foster social inclusion, by addressing the lack of community spaces in the neighbourhoods. And, the two new carbon-neutral facilities will provide residents with quality meeting places that will help strengthen the sense of belonging of many immigrants and visible minorities in the neighborhoods.

“The Parc-Extension Community Centre is not just a financial investment, it’s a powerful symbol of support and development for our neighborhood,” said Salwa Ben Belgacem, executive-director of the Table de Quartier de Parc-Extension.

The three-storey Saint-Michel Community House will feature an industrial kitchen, as well as a multifunctional room accessible to both resident organizations and members of the public, among other amenities.

“The construction of the Saint-Michel Community House marks a crucial step towards a sustainable and inclusive future for our neighborhood,” said Isabelle Tremblay, who chairs the board for Saint-Michel, Quartier de l’innovation sociale. “This green, innovative building will become a true living environment where citizens of all ages and backgrounds can access essential resources and forge strong ties for generations to come.”

The other building’s renovations will include the construction of a third floor, an extension to the north side of the building, a green roof, new windows, improved insulation, and the installation of modern mechanical and electrical systems. Paved areas will also be converted into green spaces.

“This new location will enable the organization to serve the residential, low-income population of northern Parc-Extension, which lacks community resources,” said the federal government.

Afrique au féminin is contributing $1.6 million to the project, while La Table de quartier Parc-Extension and Saint-Michel, Quartier de l’innovation sociale are contributing $16.6 million and $10.4 million “for the time being,” said the federal government.