138 affordable housing units for vulnerable individuals in Montréal
MONTRÉAL, Feb. 20, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, the governments of Canada and Quebec and the City of Montréal announced combined funding of more than $10 million for the Maisons de l'Ancre project. The funds will be used to build 24 rooms with private bathrooms for women and trans and non-binary individuals who are facing severe hardship, are victims of violence or are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Government of Canada also announced $11.6 million to supplement the funding already announced by the Government of Quebec and the City of Montréal for Le Christin, a project of the Société d'habitation et de développement de Montréal. With 114 units, this real estate project--entirely dedicated to combatting homelessness--is managed by Accueil Bonneau, a non-profit organization whose mission is to welcome, accommodate and support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The announcement was made at Maisons de l'Ancre by the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada; Karine Boivin Roy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Quebec Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, on behalf of Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women; and Caroline Braun, Head of Housing on the City of Montréal Executive Committee.
Governments, cities and municipalities are working together to accelerate the supply of affordable housing, particularly for populations with special needs, such as those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Quotes:
"Our government is determined to help communities develop local solutions to housing challenges. This project is an example of what we can achieve when governments work together. It's also another step in our bold and ambitious plan to build a strong Canada." – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
"The Maisons de l'Ancre project is exactly what our government wants to see more of: safe living environments rooted in the community. This project reflects the strength of our partnerships and our shared desire to improve access to housing adapted to each person's needs." – Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
"Through investments in affordable housing, our government is providing assistance to those who need it most, here in Montréal and across the country. This housing project will provide more safe and affordable housing for some of our community's most vulnerable residents. Our government is proud to be one of the partners who have made these projects possible." – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie
"The Government of Quebec is pleased to contribute to the Maisons de l'Ancre project. This living environment will give people in vulnerable situations renewed hope and meaningful support that can truly change their lives. I applaud their courage and want to thank our partners in the project." – Chantal Rouleau, Quebec Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, Minister Responsible for Social Solidarity and Community Action and Member of the National Assembly for Pointe-aux-Trembles
"I'm very proud of our government's contribution to this promising project. Well done to all the partners who believed in the importance of this living environment and have carried it through to this stage. Let's continue working together to quickly increase the supply of housing for those who need it." – Karine Boivin Roy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Quebec Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Member of the National Assembly for Anjou–Louis-Riel
"In Montreal, our priority is clear: everyone must have access to adequate housing. By joining forces with the federal and provincial governments and our community partners, we are moving ahead with projects that truly change lives. This funding allows us to act quickly, build more, and provide safe living environments for women, trans and non-binary people, and all those facing homelessness. Montreal must play its full role and leverage all the tools at its disposal to respond to the housing emergency." – Caroline Braun, Head of Housing on the City of Montréal Executive Committee
"Thanks to this funding, 24 new spaces in first-stage housing will be created. In concrete terms, this means that, every year, dozens of women and trans individuals will have access to a safe and warm place to live and non-judgmental support." – Julie Chevalier, General Director, Maisons de l'Ancre
"The SHDM is proud to be completing projects like Le Christin at a time when the need for social and affordable housing is so great. It's together, working with our community partners from the public and private sectors that we're able to develop affordable housing projects that meet the needs of a diverse clientele, including vulnerable individuals. Le Christin is an excellent example of this." – Sophie Rousseau-Loiselle, Executive Director, Société d'habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM)
Quick facts:
- The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) has provided funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partner organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing affordable and community housing. The AHF was a $14.6 billion program that prioritized housing projects for those who need it most: women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous people, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans and young adults. The AHF is now closed to new applications as all available funds have been committed.
- As of September 2025, the federal government had committed $13.72 billion to support the creation of over 54,100 units and the repair of over 174,600 units through the AHF.
- On September 19, 2025, the Government of Canada announced a top-up of $1.5 billion in loans for the New Construction Stream of the AHF to support the construction of more than 5,000 housing units starting in 2025–2026. In addition, the Rapid Housing Sub-Stream of the AHF will be accelerated by pulling $385 million in funding from future years.
- Funding provided for the Maisons de l'Ancre project is as follows:
- $3 million from the federal government, through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
- $5.3 million from the Société d'habitation du Québec
- $2 million from the City of Montréal
- $1.4 million from Maisons de l'Ancre
- Funding provided for the Le Christin project is as follows:
- $11.6 million through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF)
- $5.9 million from the Société d'habitation et de développement de Montréal (announced in February 2024)
- $5.1 million from the City of Montréal (announced in February 2024)
Additional information:
- Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information.
- CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. CMHC's mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply, CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government and the private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.
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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Contacts: Renée LeBlanc Proctor, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]
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