To overcome the shortage of some 2,500 affordable housing units in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the non-profit organization Toit d'Abord, Habitations abordables Vaudreuil-Soulanges, was officially launched on Tuesday.

This non-profit organization is committed to contributing to the pressing need for housing for low-income clientele in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region.

"There isn't a single municipality in Vaudreuil-Soulanges that isn't affected by the issue of access to affordable housing. There isn't a single person, even in the smallest municipalities, who doesn't suffer. Toit d'Abord was created with a clear vision: to meet the crucial housing needs of our community. Our mission is to provide safe, affordable housing for people with modest incomes or special needs. This social economy initiative aims not only to increase the number of affordable housing units, but also to develop a virtuous circle in our society," said Toit d'Abord board chair and Saint-Lazare mayor Geneviève Lachance.

It's important to understand the housing issue in Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the needs of the population. Modest income" refers to families, young couples and seniors who spend more than 30% of their income on housing. That's almost one tenant in three. The vast majority of these people are workers, who make an important contribution to our regional vitality," adds Ms. Lachance.

With an average rent available on the market estimated at over $1,700 per month (4 1⁄2) and $2,200 per month (5 1⁄2) and a vacancy rate varying between 0.3% and 0.9% depending on housing type, the region stands out from the Greater Montreal average.

"Modest income definitely takes on a whole new meaning in Vaudreuil-Soulanges, as tenants' budgets are under pressure and the limited housing opportunities create a great deal of anxiety ," adds Ms. Lachance.

A flexible model combining diverse expertise

Toit d'Abord has established itself as a force for change in the real estate landscape, emphasizing its core mission: to build, buy, convert and renovate buildings in order to provide affordable, quality housing. To achieve this, the project's instigators have mobilized a wide range of expertise.

"We want to develop collective know-how. We have around the table players who know the needs of the community and who are familiar with municipal regulations, the real estate market, the construction process and project development," points out Olivier Van Neste, Director General of the City of Vaudreuil-Dorion and Vice-President of the organization.

For the vice-president, the time is right for this initiative. "We all stand to gain from working together. The will of governments and the programs are there! All that's needed is the right vehicle, and that's why Toit d'Abord was created.

The organization's first directors are Geneviève Lachance, mayor of Saint-Lazare (president); Olivier Van Neste, general manager of Vaudreuil-Dorion (vice-president); Jean Trudel, chartered appraiser (treasurer); Sébastien Legros, general manager of the Corporation de développement communautaire de Vaudreuil-Soulanges (secretary); Hans Gruenwald, entrepreneur and former mayor of the town of Rigaud (director); Marc Côté, project management and civil engineering professional (director); Véronique Girard, general manager of Hébergement La Passerelle (director); Jean-Charles Filion, general manager of the municipality of Pointe-Fortune (director); and France Pomminville, general manager of Maison de la Famille Vaudreuil-Soulanges (director). In addition, Mr. Philippe Roy, Director of Planning and Regional Issues at Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges, and a representative of the MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges are invited to attend meetings and contribute to working committees.

Manon Charest, General Manager, and Marie-Ève Brisson, Director of Business Development and Customer Service, of the Office régional d'habitation de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, ensure the development and management of operations and contribute to the organization's outreach.

A community development project

Toit d'Abord aspires to be much more than just a housing provider, and the organization aims to contribute to municipal development plans.

"Toit d'Abord habitation abordable Vaudreuil-Soulanges is committed to collaborating with local authorities, real estate developers, entrepreneurs, community organizations and business people to find solutions for providing sustainable social and affordable housing," adds the General Manager of the Office régional d'habitation de Vaudreuil-Soulanges, who is responsible for coordinating the project team.

"The Board's vision goes beyond the material aspect of housing. We are committed to creating inclusive, sustainable communities where every individual can thrive," adds Ms. Charest, "We are determined to be a learning organization, always looking for innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of our communities."

Announcement of first homes expected soon

Toit d'Abord is currently in the process of finalizing its first two projects. These projects, details of which will be announced shortly, illustrate the full potential of Toit d'abord.

Ultimately, these projects will add 30 new affordable rental units to the Vaudreuil-Soulanges territory.

"We're proud of these projects, which will mark a significant step forward in our mission to offer affordable, quality housing. We aim to make a real difference in people's lives," concludes Ms. Lachance.

A call for contributions from the public and private sectors

Finally, the organization took the opportunity to acknowledge the financial contribution of the cities and municipalities of Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the MRC Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the Alliances pour la solidarité fund, Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges and the Vaudreuil MNA, Marie-Claude Nichols.

A donations and sponsorship program was also presented. Recognized as a charitable organization, businesses and professional firms are invited to make monetary contributions, as well as contributions of goods and services.

To find out more about Toit d'Abord, Habitations abordables Vaudreuil-Soulanges: toitdabord.ca.