Quebec and Montreal confirmed on Monday the safeguarding of 93 affordable housing units at Manoir Lafontaine, in the Plateau-Mont-Royal. The financial package will enable the Interloge organization to not only acquire the building, but also to ensure its renovation to provide housing at a lower price than the market price.
“The Lafontaine Manor could have been a symbol of renewal. […] I think we can talk about a fight of David against Goliath because it was not won, ”commented Mayor Valérie Plante during a press conference at Parc La Fontaine, located opposite Manoir Lafontaine, with the Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau. “It gives courage to those who go through similar situations and wonder if there is hope. »
Minister Duranceau indicated that Quebec would contribute $16.8 million for the project. For its part, Desjardins will grant financing totaling $15.4 million and the City of Montreal, an amount of $5.6 million. In total, the cost of the project will reach 38 million dollars.
Recall that a group of tenants had fought an epic battle against the owners of the building, developers Jeremy Kornbluth and Brandon Shiller, who wanted to evict the tenants to renovate the building and make their investment profitable. Some tenants left the premises, but others refused to leave their place of residence.
We are thirteen activists who made billionaires bend
The building was finally relisted for 28 million last August. The social economy organization Interloge, which has 730 housing units, will eventually acquire it with the financial support of its partners.
Relocated tenants
The thirteen tenants who are still in place will be temporarily relocated and will be able to return to their accommodation under similar conditions, with an adjustment determined by the Administrative Housing Tribunal (TAL), once the renovation work is completed in the building that counts. a dozen floors, said the general manager of Interloge, Mr. Louis-Philippe Myre. New tenants will pay $1,029 per month for a one-bedroom unit and $1,158 for a two-bedroom unit, he said.
“Our action makes it possible to provide quality housing at an average of 36% below the market price, which represents savings of just over $3,000 per year per household”, added Mr. Myre about the park. interlog real estate.
The plans and specifications for the project will be produced in the fall and the renovation work, whose cost is estimated at 12 million, could take 24 to 36 months, he said.
The mayor acknowledged that the City was not in a position to come to the aid of all tenants in difficulty or to replace all private landlords, but that it took action when possible. “There are certain practices that we must denounce — for me, renovations are unacceptable — and we must encourage all public partners to assume their responsibilities when it comes to the fundamental right to have a roof over his head,” she explained.
She recalled that the City had set aside $600 million in its Ten-Year Capital Assets Program for the purchase of land for affordable and social housing. “We will continue to buy land and buildings to make affordable housing,” she promised.
For Nadine Fréville, this outcome puts an end to a difficult fight. “We know we won, but it was a very painful journey,” she said, referring to the “harassment” of which the tenants were victims. “It was a constant fight. But it is what must be done. You must never let go. We must cultivate solidarity. We are thirteen activists who have made billionaires bend. »