Nelson Sergerie, LJI

CHANDLER: – A grassroots fundraising campaign for the 32-unit affordable housing project for people with disabilities was launched on March 18 in Chandler. 

The developer, Han Logements, must raise $400,000 from the community to complete the financial package for the project,which is estimated at approximately $10 million and will be located on Rue des Micmacs.  “We have an innovative model that involves a multitude of partners, including small and large donors from the community,” said Han Logements President and CEO Anik Roy Trudel. 

The project will consist of four eight-unit buildings, for each complex the community will need to raise $100,000.  Desjardins has already announced a contribution of $64,000, and a private contributor from Percé has contributed an undisclosed amount.  The total is already approaching $100,000, nearly a quarter of the fundraising goal.  The Town of Chandler donated the land, valued at approximately $100,000. 

“Once we have the community’s contribution, it’s the basis that allows us to go knocking on the doors of foundations and major donors, and  we tell them that the project is already supported by the Chandler community and the surrounding area; they want “We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a secthe project, and that puts their shoulder to the wheel,” notes Ms. Roy Trudel. 

“We want to start with a first phase of 32 housing units, and there’s the possibility of increasing to 56 units in a second phase,” adds Ms. Roy Trudel.  The goal is to begin construction this year once the financial package is complete. Initial studies had detected contamination on the chosen site, but further studies resolved the problem. 

“It took time, but we had the Town’s support. We conducted additional studies and, with the ministry, were able to determine that it was natural contamination. We can move forward,” explains Ms. Roy Trudel, who points out that this constraint has added minor delays. 

The units will accommodate people with physical or intellectual disabilities, those living with autism spectrum disorders, as well as seniors with certain physical limitations.  “We’re targeting people living with disabilities,” she says. The units are designed to make life easier for tenants, such as the absence of a door step for people with reduced mobility. 

For the mayor of Chandler, this project represents the culmination of a long process.  “We’ve been waiting for this day. Work should begin in April or May, with delivery within a year. We’re very happy,” says Mayor Gilles Daraîche. “We donated $100,000 worth of land, and that was our starting point for the project. We were very happy to contribute to it so our residents could benefit from it,” added the mayor. 

Phase 2 of the project will be built on the same lot. 

Boosting construction in Chandler 

This initiative is driving increased construction activity in the town of Chandler. “We see that people are starting to come. It’s just one start, and it’ll get the others going,” believes the elected official, who estimates that some 80 housing units will be built in his municipality by 2025. 

Another priority is expanding daycare spaces. 

A 71-spot daycare centre was built and opened last year, and a project for a 12-spot community daycare is currently being developed in the former printing plant. 

However, demand remains high. “We can never have enough (daycare spots). We hope that more people will settle in Chandler. We always need more daycare spaces, we always need more housing. We hope to have another mandate to do it,” notes the mayor who will be running for mayor next November. 

Other projects are progressing 

Construction of 32 housing units in Gaspé is progressing. “We’re aiming for early August, August 1, to welcome the first tenants,” emphasizes Ms. Roy Trudel. Construction on the Forest Street extension began in June 2024. “There’s also potential for a phase 2 there. The mayor would like us to start quickly. There’s space on the same lot. It’s being evaluated,” she says. 

In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, the municipality has donated land, and the project is now in the financing phase and in Haute-Gaspésie, plans are underway for a 48-unit, housing project valued at $15 million. 

New Richmond has been mentioned as the next development site. “I don’t want to comment, but it’s something we’re evaluating very seriously. We’re working with the municipality, but we’ll see about the timeline. There’s a lot of interest in the Gaspé Peninsula. Han Logements is continuing its momentum, and it’s important to meet the needs of the population,” says Ms. Roy Trudel. 

In Avignon, no projects are under development. “We’re always open. We go wherever there’s a community or a municipality that wants a project,” says the president and CEO.