SAINT-FRANÇOIS-D’ASSISE, QC, Nov. 28, 2025 – An expansion of Villa Rayon de Soleil, providing 14 new social and affordable housing units for independent and semi-independent seniors in Saint-François-d’Assise, was officially opened today. This addition of 12 rooms and 2 studio units builds upon the existing 9 units. The project represents a collaborative investment exceeding $4.3 million from the Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec, the Municipality of Saint-François-d’Assise, and the Office d’habitation Baie des Chaleurs (OH).

Among those present at the inauguration were Catherine Blouin, Member of the National Assembly for Bonaventure, representing Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. Also attending were Rémi Lagacé, Mayor of Saint-François-d’Assise; Jacques Rivière, President of the OH Baie des Chaleurs; and members of the Board of Directors from the former Office municipal d’habitation (OMH) Saint-François-d’Assise.

The Government of Canada allocated $2.1 million to the initiative through the second Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement. The Government of Quebec provided more than $2 million via the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), which also guarantees the OH’s mortgage loan. Additionally, the Municipality of Saint-François-d’Assise, in collaboration with the Fabrique de la paroisse de Saint-François-d’Assise, contributed land and is offering the OH a 35-year tax rebate.

Quotes:

The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, emphasized the government’s resolve to assist municipalities in addressing local housing shortages. He noted that the expansion swiftly meets critical housing needs for Saint-François-d’Assise’s most vulnerable, especially seniors, and contributes to strengthening Canada.

Caroline Proulx, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, highlighted that the expansion underscores their dedication to offering safe and affordable housing for seniors throughout Quebec. She added that partner collaboration is significantly enhancing the quality of life for those most in need.

Catherine Blouin, Member of the National Assembly for Bonaventure and Parliamentary Assistant to the Quebec Minister of Health, stated that the project addresses a genuine community need and exemplifies the importance of collective effort in supporting seniors with suitable and accessible housing. She remarked that expanding housing options allows more seniors to stay within their cherished community, extending gratitude to all partners.

Rémi Lagacé, Mayor of Saint-François-d’Assise, attributed the project’s realization to a significant collective effort. He noted that for more than 40 years, municipal councils and members of the former Office municipal d’habitation Saint-François-d’Assise have championed social housing development as a key contributor to community vitality.

Jacques Rivière, President of the Office d’habitation Baie des Chaleurs, praised the former OMH Saint-François-d’Assise for its excellent work in developing the project. He added that the Office d’habitation Baie des Chaleurs, formed recently from the merger of several OHs, is committed to maintaining quality service for all residents.

Highlights:

• The newly expanded area has been named the Ghislain-Michaud Pavilion, honoring Mr. Michaud, who served as mayor of Saint-François-d’Assise from 2005 to 2023.
• A minimum of 11 of the 14 qualifying households may access the Société d’habitation du Québec’s (SHQ) Rent Supplement Program, guaranteeing that their rent will not exceed 25% of their income. This supplementary aid is funded primarily by the SHQ (90%) and partially by the Municipality of Saint-François-d’Assise (10%).
• Financial contributions to the OH for this project included $100,000 from the Avignon RCM and $40,000 from Caisse Desjardins Vallée de la Matapédia.
• Initially spearheaded by the OMH Saint-François-d’Assise, the expansion project is now part of the new OH Baie des Chaleurs, formed on January 1, 2025, through the integration of OMH Saint-François-d’Assise and former OHs from Maria, Pointe-à-la-Croix, Matapédia, New Richmond, Bonaventure, Paspébiac, and Carleton–Saint-Omer. This merger aims to streamline housing management and enhance tenant services.

About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

For key housing information from the Government of Canada, visit .

CMHC serves as a vital national facilitator, fostering stability and sustainability within Canada’s housing finance sector. Its mortgage insurance offerings facilitate homeownership and support the development and upkeep of rental housing. Furthermore, CMHC actively assists the Government of Canada in fulfilling its objective to enhance housing affordability. The corporation’s research and data contribute to shaping housing policy. Through encouraging collaboration among all governmental tiers and private and non-profit entities, CMHC helps advance housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Connect with us on , , , and .

About the Société d’habitation du Québec

The SHQ is dedicated to addressing Quebecers’ housing requirements, partly by expanding housing availability across the province for individuals with low to moderate incomes and those requiring specialized accommodations. It supports its partners in areas such as construction, renovation, property administration, and home modifications. Additionally, the SHQ offers direct financial aid to low-income households to help them cover rental costs.

For further details on its initiatives, visit .

SOURCE: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)