Start of construction on habitations au Cœur de la Vallée in Gracefield

Tashi Farmilo

The governments of Quebec and Canada, in collaboration with the City of Gracefield, have officially launched the construction of the Habitations au Cœur de la Vallée project, a significant initiative aimed at providing affordable and adapted housing to the community. The building will feature 26 units specifically designed for individuals living with disabilities and those with low or moderate incomes. The total investment for this project exceeds $13 million.

The announcement was made by Robert Bussière, Member of the National Assembly for Gatineau, who represented France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Housing. He was joined by Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, and Mathieu Caron, Mayor of Gracefield, reflecting the collaborative effort across different levels of government.

The Habitations au Cœur de la Vallée project is a pivotal part of the broader housing strategy aimed at addressing the housing needs of vulnerable populations in Quebec. The project has secured a $7.7 million contribution from the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) through its AccèsLogis Québec program, including $5 million from the Government of Canada under the third Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement. The City of Gracefield has also committed more than $3.9 million, with $3.5 million of that sum provided by the Government of Quebec through a tripartite agreement with the SHQ and the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation.

Scheduled to be completed by September 2025, Habitations au Cœur de la Vallée will offer housing to independent individuals and couples aged 45 and over with low or moderate incomes, as well as to people with reduced mobility who require adapted living conditions. The project emphasises inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the residents of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau region have access to safe and affordable housing.

The initiative has been met with widespread approval from government officials and community leaders. Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, praised the collaboration among partners, stating, "We continue to be committed to increasing the supply of housing adapted to individuals' needs. By joining forces, we'll be able to significantly and rapidly increase the housing supply across Quebec."

Echoing this sentiment, Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, called attention to the federal government’s dedication to providing safe and stable housing for all Canadians. "The federal government will continue to work hard toward ensuring that everyone in Quebec and across Canada has a safe and stable place to call home," he said, highlighting the importance of the Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative.

Sophie Chatel, MP for Pontiac, expressed pride in the federal government’s role in the project, noting that "Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home," and that this project is a testament to the community's values of mutual support and solidarity.

Local leaders also celebrated the milestone. Robert Bussière, MNA for Gatineau, remarked on the significance of the project for Gracefield’s residents, particularly seniors and those living with disabilities, saying, "This project promotes inclusion and is very important to the people and community of Gracefield."

Alain Labelle, a councillor for the City of Gracefield, expressed gratitude for the efforts that have brought the project to fruition, noting that the start of construction marks a significant achievement for the municipal council after many years of planning and effort.

Photo caption: Samonix Inc., has received nearly $100,000 in federal funding to support the development of a sustainable land-based salmon farming facility in Quebec's Pontiac region.

Photo caption: Courtesy of Sophie Chatel