Last month, members of the Réseau québécois des OSBL d’habitation (RQOH) and key players in the sector convened at the “Parce que l’avenir nous habite” symposium. This pivotal event highlighted innovative ideas, inspiring projects, and bold solutions to a critical question: how can we attain 20% community rental housing in Quebec within the next 15 years?

A sector undergoing transformation

Since 1996, the social economy and community housing sectors have made significant strides. During the symposium, participants reflected on the sector’s identity. They aimed to shift from crisis management to providing a comprehensive, systemic response to the structural issues of housing accessibility.

Some, like the Centre, believe that this transformation will occur by shifting from a reactive approach to a proactive, propositional one.

The ambitious 20% target is grounded in a long-term vision, which requires a new way of thinking. For many at the conference, it is no longer just about asking what governments can do, but about collaborating to provide concrete, sustainable solutions for communities.

“Objective 20%” workshop: balancing ambition and pragmatism

The workshop focused on the steps needed to achieve 20% community rental housing, offering a platform for rich and diverse discussions. Several speakers shared their visions, highlighting the structural challenges and potential solutions to make this ambition a reality.

Estimates suggest that between 10,000 and 12,000 non-profit housing units would need to be built annually to reach this goal. This requires unprecedented sector mobilization, self-managed funds, and enhanced collaboration with governments and the private sector. It also demands a stronger commitment from governments to invest in community housing.

A diversity of solutions tailored to local realities

Louis-Philippe Myre from Interloge advocated for a pragmatic and systemic approach, emphasizing the need for diverse strategies to address the varied needs of communities. He believes that simply aiming to construct more units is insufficient; we must also strengthen existing organizations and incorporate a generational perspective on development. His vision includes forming strategic partnerships, where housing non-profits that build extensively, collaborate with organizations specializing in psychosocial intervention to support clients with special needs.

Myre also cautions against an over-reliance on public funding: “The ideal program offers abundant, predictable funding and promotes the recycling of capital from one project to the next.We need to reduce our reliance on subsidies by leveraging the value of community real estate assets. It’s also essential to expand community housing to serve the entire middle class, not just the most disadvantaged.”
Drawing inspiration from international examples, he suggests creating a true community housing ecosystem that can generate wealth and ensure long-term affordability.

Emphasizing affordability

A major point raised by participants was the importance of maintaining housing affordability over time. Organizations like Interloge suggest a scalable approach rather than focusing solely on ultra-low rents. This model involves renting some units at 150% of the median market rent and others at 25%. This balanced strategy ensures the financial viability of projects while addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Beyond construction: consolidating for sustainable growth

Another key idea from the workshop was the importance of consolidating existing structures before launching large-scale projects. This involves reflecting on the professionalization of the sector and pooling resources. Real estate development should be integrated into a comprehensive plan for organizational management and intergenerational transfer to ensure the sustainability of projects.

With this in mind, Michel Côté, general manager of Immeuble Populaire de Quebec, emphasized that initiatives like the PLANCHER Fund are crucial catalysts for driving this transformation. By providing flexible, customized financing solutions, these tools help accelerate real estate development and enhance the capabilities of organizations. As he reminds us, “The best program is the one that allows me to build homes.”

This approach, which balances innovation with pragmatism, offers a realistic and inspiring perspective for the sector.

A call for innovation and resilience

Workshop discussions emphasized the need to break down silos, pool resources, and develop innovative financing mechanisms. By using self-managed funds, organizations can achieve greater financial autonomy and bolster their resilience against political fluctuations.

While some speakers advocate for an entrepreneurial approach or the establishment of growth funds, many emphasize the importance of respecting the diversity of models, as each community has unique needs that require customized solutions.

Many participants in the discussion believed that Quebec needs to design programs that not only focus on building but also on maintaining and evolving services. As Marie-Maude Silvestre-Audette, executive director of Maison St-Dominique, pointed out, this holistic approach is essential.

Inspiration and future prospects

Projects like the Saint-Michel initiative of Société d’habitation des communautés noires, which integrates affordable housing, a community center, and sustainable development, demonstrate what the sector can achieve with a unified vision. With strong community involvement and innovative approaches, we can envision a future where community housing is commonplace rather than a rarity.

Another notable example is Foncier solidaire Brome-Missisquoi, which provides a unique solution to real estate speculation. By separating land ownership from the buildings through long term leases, this project ensures long-term land accessibility. This innovative model shows that solidarity-based approaches can not only counteract speculative trends but also foster inclusive and sustainable communities.

Building the future together

By showcasing ambitious initiatives, innovative solutions, and bold visions, the symposium underscored that achieving 20% community housing relies on collective, determined action. To reach this goal, we must strengthen collaborations, consolidate existing structures, and engage all key players—from community organizations and governments to citizens.

Together, we can reshape the housing landscape in Quebec and across the country, ensuring that community housing becomes a cornerstone of social and economic inclusion.