Governments of Canada and Quebec Open Affordable Housing for Families and Individuals in Levis

LÉVIS, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Nov. 14, 2014) - It was with pride that the Governments of Canada and Quebec today marked the opening of the Monseigneur-Bourget housing project, in Lévis. With the construction of these four buildings comprising a total of 72 housing units, families and individuals can now live in a quality environment adapted to their needs. This project, which required investments of nearly $10.8 million, is the result of a great collaboration among the various levels of government, the City of Lévis and numerous community partners.

To support this initiative, more than $4.6 million was jointly 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).

"I'm proud of our Government's investment in this project, a project that ensures more individuals are able to live in a new housing complex and enjoy great facilities. Monseigneur-Bourget will meet the needs of many people in Lévis and will continue to be of great value to our community," said the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Lévis-Bellechasse, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).

"Government investments combined with the work and commitment of the Office municipal d'habitation de Lévis allowed this significant project for the people of Lévis to become a reality. Thanks to this valuable collaboration, 72 households now have access to a new, safe and affordable place to live. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the development of this great local initiative," said Dominique Vien, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region, on behalf of Pierre Moreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and Minister responsible for the SHQ.

In addition to the funding provided by the Governments of Canada and Quebec, community partners contributed over $1.9 million to the project, including some $1.7 million from the City of Lévis. Also, nearly $166,000 was allocated by the Bureau de l'efficacité et de l'innovation énergétiques of the Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles to ensure the building would meet the standards of the Novoclimat program, and a sum of $16,000 was granted by Bell. And, the SHQ has secured the mortgage loan taken out by the Office municipal d'habitation de Lévis to complete the financing of the project. As well, to promote universal accessibility, the project received a home adaptation grant for 24 housing units, to provide an adequate environment for persons with disabilities.

Lastly, nearly $620,000 in additional financial support over five years, assumed by the SHQ (90 per cent) and the City (10 per cent), enables 36 tenants to benefit from the Rent Supplement program. This means that these low-income households pay a rent similar to that for low-rental housing, corresponding to 25 per cent of their income.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments are improving the quality of life for Canadians living in social housing and low-income households, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. November 22 is National Housing Day-celebrate with CMHC. Thanks to partnerships at all levels, we help Canadians meet their housing needs. To find out more, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642, visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca or follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_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. To find out more about the programs and services offered by the SHQ, as well as its activities and achievements, or else to get advice on housing, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html and follow the SHQ on social networks: Facebook (SocietehabitationQuebec) and Twitter (HabitationSHQ).