By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
On Nov. 22, the Association des locataires de Sherbrooke (ALS) gathered at the Ste-Famille Church in Sherbrooke to discuss federal housing announcements and advocate for the site’s preservation as a social housing project. The event coincided with the federal government’s unveiling of two programs under the Canadian housing strategy aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis.
Normand Couture, speaking on behalf of the ALS, opened the conference with sharp criticism of the federal housing strategy. “After seven years and billions of dollars promised, housing remains inaccessible for too many vulnerable people,” Couture said, referring to the initial $40 billion investment announced in 2017. He attributed the crisis to the commodification of housing, which has driven up costs and displaced renters. “It’s time to take housing out of the market and focus on social needs,” he added.
The federal programs introduced on Nov. 22 include the Affordable Housing Fund (FLA), designed to boost affordable and community housing, and the Construction Loan Program (PPCA), which largely supports private developers. Couture emphasized that such funds should be reserved for non-profit and social housing projects. He warned that the current framework could worsen affordability by inflating costs and perpetuating market-driven policies.
Linking the federal programs to local concerns, Couture spotlighted the uncertain future of the Ste-Famille Church. Once proposed as a 30-unit social housing project, the church was later considered for conversion into a library. Both proposals fell through, and residents now fear the site could be sold to private developers for luxury housing, which would exclude low-income families and potentially displace existing residents.
The Fleurimont neighbourhood, where the church is located, is a key focus of the ALS due to its socioeconomic challenges. Many residents lack access to books, libraries, and reliable internet. Couture stressed the importance of ensuring the space serves community needs, whether through housing or other inclusive initiatives. “This neighbourhood doesn’t need gentrification; it needs revitalization that helps residents stay in their homes,” he said.
