DORVAL, October 13, 2006 Seniors now have more affordable housing options to live independently thanks to the construction of the 76 units of the Maison Donalda-Boyer, in Dorval. This announcement was made today, on the occasion of the opening of this residence, by the Honourable Michael M Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister responsible for the region of Montréal, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, by François Ouimet, MNA for Marquette, on behalf of Nathalie Normandeau, Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Regions, and by Edgar Rouleau, Mayor of the City of Dorval. In addition to François Ouimet and Edgar Rouleau, Émile Lacoste, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Maison Donalda-Boyer was present, as were representatives from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, residents and community partners. "Canada's New Government is pleased to work with the Government of Quebec and the municipality of Dorval to provide seniors with these new housing units that will allow them to remain in their community, close to their families and friends," said the Honourable Michael M Fortier. "The development of these 76 new housing units definitely represents the outcome of an exemplary partnership. But, above all, this is good news for many of our seniors who can now live in healthy, safe and comfortable housing, at a cost in line with their financial capacity," commented the MNA for Marquette, François Ouimet. "My colleagues from the council and I are very proud to mark the official opening of the Maison Donalda-Boyer that will even further enhance the social and community aspect of the City of Dorval. We would like to welcome all the new residents of Dorval who chose this great place to live'," said Edgar Rouleau. The development the housing project required investments of more than $10.8 million on the part of public, private and community partners. The financial contributions for the completion of the project, totalling $7,146,470, were made under the affordable housing agreement signed between Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ). CMHC is providing $2,264,175 in financial support to the group developing the project, while the SHQ is granting a subsidy that will total $2,566,065. The community sector, for its part, is contributing a sum of $1,410,560, including $1,207,560 from the Agglomeration of Montréal out of the social housing fund of the Montréal Metropolitan Community to which the City of Dorval contributes. As well, an amount of $905,670 in financial assistance was granted under the Renovation Québec program. This sum was provided in equal shares by the SHQ and the Agglomeration of Montréal out of contributions paid by member municipalities, including the City of Dorval. The balance of the investment is being assumed by the organization through a mortgage loan secured by the SHQ. The development of this project is part of the Government of Quebec's initiative to produce 20,000 social, community and private housing units for low- and moderate-income households, by 2009. This initiative is notably supported by federal funds made available under affordable housing agreements. The Governments of Canada and Quebec signed two agreements to increase the supply of affordable housing in the province. These agreements provide for a total contribution of $473 million, with $236.5 million from the federal government and an equivalent sum on the part of the Quebec government and the municipalities participating in the Affordable Housing Québec and AccèsLogis Québec programs. The Maison Donalda-Boyer project is part of the Solidarité 5000 logements operation that increased the number of affordable housing units for low-income households. Sources: Hélène Bégin Communications Advisor Communications Société d'habitation du Québec 418-643-5033 Michel Hébert Municipal Councillor City of Dorval 514-487-1080 Sophie Crête Communications and Marketing Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 514-496-4025 Information: Jonathan Trudeau Press Assistant Office of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Regions 418-691-2050 514-873-2622 Jean-Jacques Bédard Communications Officer Communications and Citizen Relations City of Montréal 514-872-3393
