La Villa Saint-François, a low-cost rental housing project in Granby, Quebec, has received over $3.4 million in renovations. Upgrades to the building, which was constructed in the 1970s, were funded by the Government of Canada, Government of Quebec and the City of Granby.

“Our Government attaches a great deal of importance to the housing conditions of Quebec residents, especially those of low-income households,” says Pierre Moreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. “In addition to improving the quality of life for citizens and ensuring that the social housing stock is in good condition, our actions bring about significant economic benefits, particularly by maintaining and creating jobs. That’s why the Government of Quebec intends to continue investing in bringing low-cost rental housing up to standard.”

To complete the renovations at La Villa Saint-François, the Canadian government (through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation), Quebec government (through the Société d’habitation du Québec) and City of Granby contributed investments of $1.7 million, $1.4 million and $344,000, respectively. Upgrades to the aging building include:

• The rehabilitation of 40 seniors’ housing units and common areas;
• Insulation and decontamination work;
• Electrical, heating, plumbing and sewage system upgrades; and
• Balcony replacements.

Annually, the federal and provincial governments provide substantial investments to improve approximately 73,000 social housing units in Quebec.