Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

CARLETON-SUR-MER – A new $7.7 million student residence was inaugurated on August 11 in Carleton-sur-Mer.

Owned by Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles and built on land that belonged to the Centre de services scolaire René-Lévesque as part of a partnership, 24 apartments will be available to students.

Nineteen apartments are reserved for CEGEP students, while the remaining five are reserved for the Centre de formation professionnelle l’Envol du Centre de services scolaire René-Lévesque.
The new residence is located about half-a-kilometre from the Carleton-sur-Mer campus and just across the street from the ENVOL trade school.

“We are aware of the housing shortage in the Gaspé Peninsula, particularly in Carleton-sur-Mer. We are convinced that there were students who had to put their studies on hold because they couldn’t find housing. This is a breath of fresh air for the area,” says CEGEP director Yolaine Arseneau.

She adds that the residence supports recruitment efforts. “We recruit internationally, outside the Gaspé Peninsula, and have partnerships with urban CEGEPs for student mobility. Offering accommodation close to campus is a positive factor for the CEGEP’s development,” she says.

The apartments rent for $695 per month, including all services such as internet and air conditioning.
“Of course, the cost may come as a surprise. These are beautiful apartments with a closed bedroom, an open-plan kitchen and living room, and a bathroom. Since it is owned by the CEGEP and funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, there is an operating budget. Of course, this has an impact on the cost charged to students,” explains the executive director.

The project was completed in 10 months, with only exterior finishing work remaining. The $7.7-million budget was respected, with Quebec covering 75 per cent of the construction cost.

Initially, the CEGEP and the school service centre each had their own student residence projects. “For the moment, we think it will meet the need. We’ll see what happens next,” said Ms. Arseneau. Of the 24 units, 19 are earmarked for CEGEP students and five for ENVOL ones.