Social, community and affordable housing represent a real asset, both for those who reside there as well as for Montrealers who welcome them in their neighbourhood. The efforts of Ville de Montréal and its partners demonstrate that it is possible to create quality housing projects with a limited budget and to integrate them harmoniously into their environment. Here are a few of these award-winning projects:
Ville de Montréal – Site of the former LAVO plant
Brownie Award 2007- Canadian Urban Institute
The Ville de Montréal received the award for the best Canadian revitalization initiative in the “medium-scale” category for the redevelopment of the LAVO plant site. This former chemical plant was a disaster waiting to happen in the heart of a residential area. The site revitalization, focused on social mix, was made possible thanks to a partnership between the Ville de Montréal and the government of Québec.
Habitations Joseph-Le-Caron
Outside the Box 2007 – Building Magazine
This 19 unit affordable housing project, designed by Affleck + de la Riva, in collaboration with Martin Brière architecte, was chosen as the winner in the “Innovative Social Housing” category of the “Outside the Box” awards 2007 edition.
Au-pied-du-courant Housing Cooperative
2007 Architecture Awards of Excellence - Quebec Order of Architects
”The jury wanted to highlight the originality and ingenuity of this project as much through its response to the surrounding built environment as through the optimal use of available resources. Its street approach, characterized by recessed entrances, gives the project an inviting and friendly touch. The yard, providing a nice green space, becomes the living environment for the families residing in this cooperative. We witness the perfect transition from a sad and gray urban site to a bright collective space in this semi-open yard created by the building’s morphology. The urban revitalization effort of this housing development in a context of limited resources offers undeniable interest. This project is valiant!” Isabelle La Fontaine, jury member
Les Demeures Sainte-Croix
Mérite Municipal 2007 - Ministère des Affaires municipales et Régions – Gouvernement du Québec
Born from the initiative of citizens concerned about the quality of life of the elderly, the real estate project Les Demeures Sainte-Croix arrived at a timely moment in the development of Saint-Laurent. It answered some of the increasing needs of a group among the most vulnerable of society.
Solidarité 5 000 logements - Homelessness Component
Housing Awards - Best Practices in Affordable Housing - Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC)
From 2002 to 2005, the City of Montréal coordinated a fine example of housing partnership involving government, municipal, community and institutional stakeholders to produce 611 affordable housing units for homeless people. Rather than increasing the number of shelter beds, Montréal opted for the development of housing with community support services, a sustainable solution that promotes the social re-integration of these people.
Durocher d'Anvers Housing Cooperative
Housing Awards - Best Practices in Affordable Housing - Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC)
The project of the co-operative was built on a former residual lot owned by the City of Montréal in the Parc-Extension neighbourhood. It contributes to the revitalization of the neighbourhood by offering 60 new affordable housing units (30 units per project) to large families, along a new section of Durocher Street. This project results from a struggle of over 15 years by community groups in the neighbourhood. The project was designed and developed in compliance with the standards of the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique, with a Novoclimat accreditation.
Les maisons transitionnelles « 03 »
Housing Awards - Best Practices in Affordable Housing - Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC)
The first phase of the redevelopment of Benny Farm – a mix of affordable and subsidized housing including both rental and homeownership units, located in new and renovated buildings on Cavendish Boulevard – is nearing completion. These are significant initiatives in innovative affordable housing – renovation of existing structures, non-profit development and operation, community involvement, functional and efficient unit planning, as well as energy efficiency and sustainable development.
Award for Innovation – Eva’s initiatives
The goal of the award is to recognize innovative work with young mothers at risk of homelessness. It recognizes innovation in delivering integrated services that include adequate housing and support interventions to develop self-sufficiency, self-esteem and leadership skills, to pursue education and improve employability of these youngsters.
Résidence Jean-Placide-Desrosiers – Office municipale d’habitation (OMHM)
This home for the elderly received two architecture awards, one from Sauvons Montréal and the other from the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction.
