Three levels of government celebrate inauguration of Maison Shelley

Montréal, February 9, 2024

The Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, the City of Montréal and the organization Maison St-Dominique have officially opened Maison Shelley, a 37-unit building constructed in Montréal at a cost of $18 million.

This project, located in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough, will soon welcome low-income individuals experiencing mental health issues. Residents will have access to psychosocial and community care, as well as other services. Maison Shelley will provide housing stability, which is critical for reducing the high level of insecurity experienced by the target clientele. It will also offer them better conditions to help them overcome their mental or physical health issues, which are often the source of problems with living in society.

Construction of this project began in April 2022, and was made possible through support from, among others, the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the City of Montréal under the Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement and the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) AccèsLogis Québec program.

Residents will also receive a rent supplement from the Government of Quebec, ensuring that they spend no more than 25% of their income on housing. This investment of more than $636,000 is covered by the SHQ (90%) and the City of Montréal (10%).

Quotes:

“The Government of Canada continues to work with its partners, such as the Government of Quebec and the City of Montréal, to create more affordable housing that addresses local priorities, including right here in my riding of Papineau, where needs are pressing. Our contribution to this project helped create 37 new homes that will make a real difference for people in Saint-Michel. I would like to thank Maison St-Dominique for the very important work they do in our community and for making Maison Shelley a reality.”
— The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Member of Parliament for Papineau

“The Rapid Housing Initiative allows us to deliver safe and affordable housing to those who need it most. Maison Shelley is a concrete example of the results of effective cooperation between all levels of government. This project will enrich our community and touch the lives of the Montréalers who live here by offering more than just a simple living environment: it will be a real home where solidarity and mutual support thrive.”
— The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie

“Maison St-Dominique’s official opening of Maison Shelley and these 37 new units that it’s making available to people experiencing mental health issues is excellent news for Montréal. The Société d’habitation du Québec’s $9.4-million contribution, along with the contributions of our partners, made possible the completion of this promising project that increases housing supply for vulnerable groups. I will also continue to work with all of the government’s partners to build more housing for all households in Quebec.”
— France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing

“I am so pleased to see this project completed; it will address a real need in the Montréal community and for those living with mental health and addiction issues. Here, they will have access to a range of services adapted to their reality, including permanent social housing, psychosocial support and a place to rest. I would like to thank Maison St-Dominique and the Société d’habitation du Québec for this wonderful initiative.”
— Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services

“This project is the result of two years’ work that led to the creation of 37 social housing units that will offer adapted services to meet the needs of people living with mental health issues, while taking into account their economic realities. Maison Shelley is a concrete solution to complex problems. The City of Montréal is proud to have invested more than $3.7 million in this important project that meets a pressing need in the metropolitan area. The community sector and all levels of government must continue their efforts, so that we can replicate projects like this one all across Montréal.”
— Valérie Plante, Mayor, City of Montréal

“Maison St-Dominique is proud to have a hand in improving the living conditions of people living with mental health issues. We’re proud to contribute to and to continue the efforts of a number of social and community organizations who are fighting to have housing recognized as a fundamental right. Today, thanks to the collective efforts of every level of government, 37 people will have access to safe, affordable homes and the community support they need to participate fully in society.”
— Marie-Maud Sylvestre Audette, Executive Director of Maison St-Dominique