Building with 100 social and affordable housing units for independent seniors to be built in Laval thanks to an innovative partnership

LAVAL, QC, Feb. 16, 2026 /CNW/ – The governments of Canada and Quebec, in collaboration with Mission Unitaînés and the City of Laval, are breaking ground on a 100-unit social and affordable housing project for independent seniors. This new living environment on Saint-Elzéar Ouest Boulevard is part of the second phase of projects led by Mission Unitaînés, which aims to deliver 600 additional affordable housing units in six Quebec cities over the next two years.

Construction will begin in the coming days and is expected to be completed by winter 2027. The Office municipal d’habitation de Laval will ultimately be responsible for managing and maintaining the building.

The $32.5-million financial package includes investments totalling $22.5 million from the governments of Quebec and Canada. This amount stems from the Canada-Quebec Agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and new matching investments announced by Quebec in its 2023 and 2024 economic updates. The City of Laval is supporting the project with a grant, to which a land donation and a tax credit will be added, for a total contribution of almost $9.6 million. A philanthropic donation of $500,000 from Luc Maurice, Chair of the Board of Directors of Mission Unitaînés, will round out the financial package.

The event was attended by Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women; Madeleine Chenette, Member of Parliament for Thérèse-De Blainville; Sandra El-Helou, City Councillor for the District of Souvenir-Labelle; Caroline Sauriol, President and CEO of Mission Unitaînés; and Danielle Lavoie, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Office municipal d’habitation de Laval.

An innovative, multi-party partnership

The goal of the first phase of the Mission Unitaînés project, launched in 2024, was to quickly add 1,100 social and affordable housing units to Quebec’s housing stock by building 11 new buildings in 11 different cities, thanks to a total investment of $235 million from both levels of government.

The second phase, announced on August 28, 2025, is a continuation of the joint efforts to meet the growing demand for affordable housing for low-income, independent seniors. Thanks to an additional investment of $135.1 million from the governments of Quebec and Canada, six more buildings will be built in Valleyfield, Québec, Victoriaville, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay and Laval.

The charitable organization Mission Unitaînés is responsible for designing and constructing the buildings. At completion, the organization will provide the municipality, or a non-profit organization designated by the municipality — in the case of Laval, the Office municipal d’habitation de Laval — with a building ready for commissioning for a nominal fee and no mortgage. In addition, each building has a $500,000 reserve fund stemming from a philanthropic donation by Luc Maurice. Other partners will complement the funding with philanthropic contributions to enhance the residents’ quality of life.

Thanks in particular to economies of scale and the partners’ expertise, the innovative and efficient Mission Unitaînés model has the advantage of creating 1,700 units at a lower cost than the units the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) is currently building. It also ensures that the buildings will be debt-free.

Quotes:

“I’m delighted to see the Mission Unitaînés project becoming a reality here in Laval. This is a wonderful demonstration that, when we innovate and work together with our federal partner and the municipalities, we can quickly build quality, affordable living environments. The well-being of our seniors is something that’s especially important to me, and I am proud to see that this project will make a real difference by providing them with better housing in an environment that reflects who they are.”

Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

“Our government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing challenges. Today’s announcement shows what can be done 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

“Building more quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of those who built today’s Quebec is a mission our government is committed to every day. The Mission Unitaînés project is much more than just a building–it is a warm, modern community environment where our seniors can live with dignity and comfort. Hundreds of Laval residents will now enjoy a home where they will feel fulfilled, energized and supported. I’m thrilled at this wonderful news for the residents and seniors of the region!”

Christopher Skeete, Quebec Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region

“Our government is proud to support Mission Unitaînés, whose mission contributes to our ongoing efforts to build strong and affordable communities across the country. This residential complex will not only provide affordable housing for seniors in Laval, but also the opportunity to age well within their community. Building a strong Canada starts with having a home that fits every Canadian’s budget and needs.”

Carlos Leitão, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin

“Our government is determined to provide housing solutions for the people of Laval, and supporting Mission Unitaînés is a concrete example of our commitment. I’m proud of our participation in this project and the big difference it will make for seniors in this community.”

Madeleine Chenette, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister Responsible for Official Languages, and to the Secretary of State (Sport), and Member of Parliament for Thérèse-De Blainville

“Aging with dignity in Laval and keeping our city affordable are priorities for my administration. Housing issues call for multiple innovative solutions that are adapted to today’s realities. I’m proud that the Mission Unitaînés project is taking shape here, at home, to provide Laval seniors with a quality and affordable place to live.”

Stéphane Boyer, Mayor of Laval

“The Office municipal d’habitation de Laval is very proud to partner with Mission Unitaînés. This 100-unit building will provide seniors in Laval with a safe and affordable living environment adapted to their needs. It’s a forward-thinking initiative that helps mitigate the effects of successive rent increases for many seniors. Fully in line with our mission to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in Laval, it shows a common desire to take concrete action for the well-being of our seniors. We would like to thank all the partners involved for their contribution to this promising initiative for the Laval community.”

David Bélanger, Interim General Manager, Office municipal d’habitation de Laval

“This new project, added to the projects already under development, is a perfect example of my commitment to improving the well-being of seniors by providing them with an environment where they feel safe, free and happy. We are particularly proud that the governments have renewed their trust in us to launch new projects such as the one announced today. More than 100 additional seniors will have access to quality, low-cost housing. I applaud the City’s leadership and would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this ambitious and innovative initiative, which will be completed in record time and at record-low cost.”

Luc Maurice, Chair of the Board of Directors, Mission Unitaînés

Highlights:

The Mission Unitaînés building coming to Laval will include 100 adaptable housing units for people with reduced mobility. Equipped with two elevators, sprinklers, an emergency generator and a scooter parking area, it will also include a multi-purpose air-conditioned common room, an outdoor patio and landscaping to foster socialization among residents. The first tenants will move in in winter 2027.

About the Société d’habitation du Québec

The SHQ works to meet the housing needs of Quebecers, including by increasing housing supply throughout the province for people with low or moderate incomes and for those with special needs. It supports its partners in the fields of construction and renovation, property management and home adaptation. It also provides direct financial assistance to low-income households so that they can pay their rent.

To find out more about its activities, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/english.html.

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