By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The governments of Canada and Quebec, in collaboration with Fondaction, have announced a $13 million investment to support affordable housing through the expansion of the Havre des Pins housing co-operative in Sherbrooke. This project represents an innovative approach to homeownership and is a first in Canada, according to an Aug. 16 press release.
The announcement was made on Aug. 16 during a press conference at the Havre des Pins co-operative site. Guillaume Brien, Executive Director of the Federation of Housing Cooperatives of Estrie, led the conference, and highlighted the significance of the project in addressing the housing crisis: “Havre des Pins is a unique project in Quebec. It is a significant innovation in the co-operative and housing sectors, particularly during this housing crisis,” he said.
Sherbrooke MP Élisabeth Brière, speaking on behalf of Minister of Housing Sean Fraser, underscored the importance of such projects to the local community. She noted in the press conference, “Over the past decade, many middle-income households have been left out of financial aid programs for housing while lacking the resources to become homeowners. Housing remains a key concern for the people of Sherbrooke, and projects like Havre des Pins provide a much-needed solution.”
Brière added that the federal government is committed to supporting these initiatives through the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund (AHIF), which is investing $6 million in the Havre des Pins project.
