SOPHIE DEMERS
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
SHAWVILLE – Residents may have noticed a recent increase in housing in the Shawville area with many new apartments.
Developer Les Maisons PAJ is responsible for creating this housing. Current projects include: four 2- bedroom units at 518 King Street, a multi-unit building at 360 King Street, and a triplex on Main Street across from the United Church. There are also plans to build 18 more units on King Street and 12 additional units in the area in 2025.
Two-bedroom units are currently listed for rent at $1,300 a month. Despite multiple attempts, Les Maisons PAJ didn’t respond to the Journal’s requests for information by press time.
“We’re finding there’s more interest in the Pontiac, especially from private builders and people looking to renovate,” said Rachel Soar-Flandé, economic development officer for housing with the MRC Pontiac.
When asked about affordable housing in the region, Soar-Flandé highlighted there are nine buildings totalling 121 units of social housing for seniors in the region. There’s currently no affordable housing projects for families or other low-income individuals.
“It’s quite a complicated process. But we’ve been discussing with certain municipalities the possibility of finding available land for an affordable housing project. There are other challenges as private buildings often don’t want to build these projects because of the high costs,” said Soar-Flandé explaining some municipalities are limited for projects like these because they don’t have adequate water or sewage infrastructure.
Shawville Mayor Bill McCleary echoed Soar- Flandé’s comments about the new construction. “It’s great because we need the housing and it’s good for the town. Most of the comments I get are good. I have an occasional person who doesn’t like the look of them, but we can’t keep everybody happy.”
When asked if the new apartments are affordable for Shawville residents, McCleary stated, “What are the options? If the rent is too low, it attracts the wrong sort of people.”
McCleary said it’s difficult to determine what affordable is as it depends on each individual’s income. However, he says the units will increase the population in Shawville, which he considers a net positive for the town.