Full Breakdown
Montreal's New Housing Fund Aims to Address Homelessness
9/24/2025, 1:40:57 PM
Funding for Below-Market Housing Initiatives
Montreal has announced a new initiative to combat homelessness by allocating $2 million to four organizations focused on developing below-market housing. This funding is expected to facilitate the creation of approximately 6,300 non-market housing units over the next decade. The Old Mission Brewery, one of the beneficiaries, will receive $400,000 to add 237 units to its housing stock by 2028. Jean-François Degenais, who oversees the Brewery’s rehousing program, emphasized the importance of this funding in enhancing their capacity to address the housing crisis.
Luc Rabouin, the mayor of the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, highlighted the need for increased support for small organizations that acquire buildings to remove them from the private market or develop new units. Currently, affordable housing comprises about 7% of the city’s housing stock, with Rabouin's party, Projet Montréal, aiming for this figure to reach 20% by 2050.
Organizational Impact and Future Plans
The funding will not directly construct new housing but will enhance the operational capacity of the four selected nonprofits. Michel Taylor, president of Gérer son quartier, another recipient of the funding, stated that their organization plans to double its housing units from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 within two years. The other two groups receiving funds are Interloge Centre-Sud, which will receive $600,000, and Corporation Mainbourg, which will get $500,000.
Rabouin expressed hopes to increase the funding envelope to $5 million next year if re-elected, indicating a commitment to ongoing support for affordable housing initiatives.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the positive outlook, some critics argue that the funding is insufficient to tackle the growing homelessness crisis. Local leaders have called for more substantial provincial support to address the pressing housing gaps that have contributed to increased homelessness in British Columbia, highlighting a broader issue of inadequate funding for supportive housing across Canada.
Official Statements & Responses
In a recent statement, Rabouin noted, “We agreed that we needed to do more to help them grow,” referring to the small organizations involved in housing development. Taylor remarked on the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s a necessity, and we can see that with what’s happening right now. People are ending up on the street, people are no longer able to pay rent.”
What's Next
As Montreal moves forward with this initiative, the focus will be on the effective allocation of funds and the timely development of the promised housing units. The upcoming municipal elections will also play a crucial role in determining the future of housing policies in the city. Local leaders are expected to continue advocating for increased provincial support to complement municipal efforts in addressing homelessness and housing affordability.
