Beaconsfield Community Housing Forum

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

When the Table de Quartier Sud de l’Ouest-de-l’Île (TQSOI) convened the Beaconsfield Community Housing Forum, they weren’t just hosting another meeting. They were peeling back the layers of a complex social challenge that’s been simmering beneath the West Island’s polished exterior, exposing the stark realities of housing insecurity that many residents face daily.

Despite the region’s reputation for affluence, TQSOI has been vocal about the “hidden pockets of poverty” lurking just beneath the surface. The forum brought these realities into sharp focus, highlighting how housing challenges are impacting local families in ways that often go unnoticed by the broader community.

“Affordable housing is challenging our community in ways many don’t see,” Alena Ziuleva, TQSOI’s Executive Director, told The Suburban. Her organization, which unites residents and stakeholders from seven municipalities, is committed to addressing systemic barriers that prevent meaningful housing solutions.

The organization’s priority projects focus on transportation, housing, poverty reduction, social inclusion, health services, and food security. Recently, they received funding from the Community Housing Transformation Centre, signaling a solid commitment to tackling these complex challenges head on.

Community workers like Jillian Lalonde from the West Island Community Centre painted a stark picture of the current landscape. Families are being systematically pushed out of their communities, with current housing options primarily serving seniors and leaving younger households struggling to find affordable living spaces.

The forum also confronted a significant roadblock that the organization calls “NIMBYism” in reference to “Not in my backyard-ism”. Several proposed affordable housing projects have stalled due to community resistance, revealing deep-rooted misconceptions about social housing and the diverse needs of West Island residents.

With their “Housing for All” initiative, TQSOI aims to address the systemic barriers limiting community housing development. Their approach combines strategic planning, community engagement, and a commitment to breaking down the social and economic walls that prevent equitable housing access.

As the West Island continues to evolve, organizations like TQSOI are ensuring that community voices aren’t just heard—they’re central to the conversation. By bringing together residents, stakeholders, and decision-makers, they’re working to create a more inclusive and supportive housing landscape for all community members. n