The City of Montreal announced Wednesday that it will grant 6.3 million to the Work Unit for the Implementation of Student Housing (UTILE) to support the realization of a non-profit project in the borough of Ville- Married.
Le Méridien will open on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, at the corner of Ontario Street, and will be able to accommodate up to 281 students for the 2026 school year, announced the office of Mayor Valérie Plante. “The student population will be housed close to educational establishments, public and active transport routes and essential services,” he said in a press release.
Not far away are the University of Quebec in Montreal, McGill University, as well as the Saint-Laurent metro station and several bus lines.
This is the largest non-profit housing project dedicated exclusively to UTILE student clients in Montreal. Two other projects of the organization have in the past received funding from the City, increasing the latter’s investment with UTILE to more than 12 million. All of this should allow “586 students to find decent accommodation at an affordable cost”.
The development of Le Méridien is also made possible thanks to the contribution of the McGill University Student Association (1.5 million) and a loan from the FTQ Real Estate Solidarity Fund (8.2 million).
” Excellent news ”
“We are proud to support and increase the supply of affordable rental housing in the city center to meet the growing needs of the student population,” said Benoit Dorais, responsible for housing at the City.
At UTILE, general director Laurent Levesque estimated that “thanks to the continued support of the City and other levels of government, rapid solutions can be put in place”, noting in passing a “particularly difficult “.
“This is excellent news for access to affordable housing for students! », rejoiced Mayor Valérie Plante, on the social network
This investment is part of the initiatives taken by Montreal to counter the effects of the housing crisis plaguing its territory.