Three Levels of Governments Mark Opening of Residence Saint-Gabriel


QUÉBEC CITY, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - July 11, 2014) - It was with pride that the governments of Canada and Quebec and the City of Québec today opened the Résidence Saint-Gabriel, located in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhood. With these 18 transitional housing units, women experiencing difficulties now have access to a safe, quality environment. This project, which required investments of more than $3.5 million, is the result of collaboration among the various levels of government and numerous community partners.

To support this initiative, nearly $1.3 million was invested by the Government of Canada, through the Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014, and the Government of Quebec, under the AccèsLogis Québec program of the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ).

"Our government is giving a hand-up to those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project here in Québec. The Résidence Saint-Gabriel plays a vital role in the community and is more than just a safe and affordable place to live; it is the key to a better life for the women who will call it home," said the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse and Les Etchemins, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).

"Thanks to this residence, women can access lower-cost housing in an environment that provides them with stability. The opening of the Résidence Saint-Gabriel today allows us to send a message of hope to women in difficulty-that they can count on a dynamic and dedicated community that is sensitive to women's needs. Our government is proud to contribute to this great initiative," said André Drolet, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Regulatory Streamlining and Regional Economic Development and Member of the National Assembly for Jean-Lesage, on behalf of Pierre Moreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the SHQ.

The City of Québec, for its part, contributed more than $514,000 to the project. Some $30,000 was also allocated by the Bureau de l'efficacité et de l'innovation énergétiques of the Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles to ensure that the building would meet the standards of the Novoclimat program. Lastly, the SHQ has secured the mortgage loan taken out by the Société immobilière YWCA - Québec, which completed the financing of the project.

"In a context where there are few vacant dwellings, it is important for the City to improve the housing conditions of citizens and enable them to remain in their community. I would like to recognize the efforts made by the YWCA Québec team in order to develop the Résidence Saint-Gabriel project. For several years, the City of Québec has been a front-line partner in promoting the development of social housing. This is a key factor in the health and well-being of individuals, which is why housing assistance is one of our primary concerns," said Chantal Gilbert, Executive Committee member responsible for social development and City Councillor for the District of Saint-Roch-Saint-Sauveur.

The Résidence Saint-Gabriel is an initiative of the YWCA Québec, which offers various residential and support services for women in homeless or vulnerable situations. The development of the project has allowed the organization to add another string to its bow by providing affordable housing, for up to five years, to women who have become independent.

Nearly $310,000 in additional financial support over five years, assumed by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the City (10 per cent), enables all tenants to benefit from the Rent Supplement program. This means that these households pay a rent similar to that for low-rental housing, corresponding to 25 per cent of their income.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 600,000 households living in existing social housing, on- and off-reserve. In Quebec, this represents some 126,350 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

To find out more about how CMHC is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

Société d'habitation du Québec

The SHQ's mission is to facilitate citizens' access to appropriate housing conditions. Each year, thanks to its programs and many partners, the SHQ helps more than 230,000 Quebec households. For more information on the programs and services offered by the SHQ, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html. To find out more about its activities and achievements, get advice on housing and much more, follow the SHQ on social networks:

SocietehabitationQuebec

HabitationSHQ

Contact Information:

Sources:
Genevieve Lafleur
Communications, Quebec Region
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
514-283-9008
glafleur@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Catherine Poulin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs
and Land Occupancy
418-691-2050

Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924

Information:
Andree Boulanger
Communications Advisor
Societe d'habitation du Quebec
418-643-4035, ext.: 1049
andree.boulanger@shq.gouv.qc.ca

David O'Brien
Communications Advisor
City of Quebec
418-641-6210
david.obrien@ville.quebec.qc.ca