Construction of a 58-unit co-housing project is underway in Montreal. The building will be a mix of units, including 16 condos and 42 affordable non-market rentals.
The federal government and the Quebec government, together with the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the City of Montréal and Village Urbain announced the $29 million residence will have at its core the Maison commune and will include nearly 10,000 square feet of shared spaces (indoor and outdoor) imagined during participatory design workshops.
Co-housing is a living environment designed and managed collectively in which private units are arranged around common spaces to foster social ties and the sharing of objects and services. Residents get involved in committees, learn how to manage their living environment and strengthen their ties by meeting people and organizing social activities. This model differs from a housing co-operative in that the focus is more on creating common spaces designed to encourage discussions and the development of a cohesive intergenerational community.
“In a changing urban context marked by social, economic and environmental challenges, rethinking how we live is becoming an emergency,” said Charleine Coulombe, Village Urbain CEO. “We are therefore proud to implement an innovative housing model that fosters a true social mix through the co-housing of renters and owners.
Twenty-six units will be designed as three- and four-bedrooms. Structured common spaces to foster meetings and exchanges between neighbours include a multi-purpose room, kitchen, laundry, playroom, quiet space, and roof decks. The doors officially open in fall 2026.
“It’s excellent news that this modern architectural project, which is mindful of both social and environmental aspects, is being established on Notre-Dame Street,” said Maja Vodanovic, Mayor of the borough of Lachine. “It adds to the other projects currently under construction and contributes to the revitalization of our main street, which is attracting more and more businesses and restaurants. Notre-Dame Street will also be completely redeveloped, from 18th to 6th Avenue.”
Photo: At the Village Urbain project site in Lachine (Montréal), from left to right: Henri Chevalier (Treasurer, Village Urbain), MP Anju Dhillon, Mayor Maja Vodanovic, Charleine Coulombe (CEO, Village Urbain), Benoit Dorais (Head of Housing, City of Montréal), Omar Lamrissi (Advisor, Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ), and Josée Lagacé (VP, Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ).
