Summary#
Montréal city council adopted a position supporting a one-time financial contribution to Coopérative d’habitation Monde-Uni for its Acadie project. The position also supports a contribution agreement between the City and the cooperative; the agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting. The goal, according to city staff, is to help make the housing project financially viable.
- The proposed contribution is up to $581,845 from a fund financed by contributions under the social-housing part of a city bylaw.
- The project is a 26-unit building at 7965, boulevard de l’Acadie, in Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough.
- The units are intended for people living alone and families with low incomes. The project includes 17 studios and 9 one-bedroom units.
- This decision is about financial support and an agreement. It does not itself set rents or create a process for people to apply for housing.
What it means for you#
- Coopérative d’habitation Monde-Uni: The City’s position is to provide up to $581,845, subject to the agglomeration council’s decision and the agreement’s terms.
- People seeking housing: If the project proceeds, it is intended to provide 26 homes for people living alone and families with low incomes. The decision does not set eligibility rules or explain how to apply.
- Taxpayers: City staff say the contribution would be paid by the agglomeration, which is responsible for social housing. The decision does not authorize a direct payment by individual residents.
Money#
The proposed contribution is up to $581,845 in 2026; the materials give no estimate of its net cost after any adjustment.
- City staff report total project costs of $10,189,608, including construction costs of $8,889,022. The City had previously transferred the land without monetary payment.
- The contribution could be reduced if the project receives additional capital funding.
- City staff say the grant would come from a fund fed by contributions under the social-housing part of the bylaw. The decision summary says the broader City contribution of $1,295,155 is reimbursed by the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal; it does not say that this grant is reimbursed.
What is unclear#
- The contribution agreement’s payment conditions and schedule are not included in the materials.
- The materials do not state the rents, income limits, or length of time the homes must remain affordable.
- The amount may be reduced if there is more capital funding, but the materials do not explain how that adjustment would be calculated.
Case for#
- City staff say a funding gap remains despite other grants and planned contributions and loans.
- Staff say the additional contribution is needed for the project to remain viable; without a complete financing plan, they say it could be abandoned and lose its base subsidy from the Société d’habitation du Québec.
- The proposed support is for a defined project with 26 homes intended for people living alone and families with low incomes.
Case against#
- One concern is that the decision commits public funds without showing the agreement’s payment conditions or the project’s full financing plan.
- The grant could be reduced if more capital funding arrives, but the adjustment method is not stated.
- The materials do not explain how rents and long-term affordability will be secured for the intended residents.