Sophie Demers

LJI Reporter

The Des Rapides affordable housing complex has finally been cleared to welcome tenants by July 1, as the project received its Certificate of Substantial Completion in early April. The certificate means that the necessary construction needed to welcome tenants is completed.

According to Habitations de l’Outaouais métropolitain (HOM) communications officer and spokesperson, Karina Osiecka, there are still some final touches needed, such as landscaping and greenery, but it does not interfere with tenants’ ability to reside in the units.

“We know that this announcement has been eagerly awaited by the community, and we’re delighted that we’ll soon be able to deliver the 30 homes to the public,” said HOM General Director, Anne Robinson.

Work for the complex began in 2019, but progress was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The delays continued due to supply chain and delivery issues, as well as scheduling issues with the construction company that had other engagements.

The project, located at 34 rue Deschênes, is made up of six maisonnette-style buildings for a total of 30 units of mixed affordable and subsidized housing. Some of the buildings are twostoreys while the others are three storeys. Of the available units, 20 are two bedrooms, four units have three bedrooms, four will be four bedrooms, and two of the units will be five bedroom apartments, for larger families that need more space. This is HOM’s first real estate project with four- and five-bedroom units in Aylmer.

“Units with more than three rooms are needed by many families, but are especially difficult to find, and almost impossible to find at an affordable price,” said Osiecka. “Although the project is just a drop in the ocean compared to people’s needs due to the housing crisis, every project counts. Many aspects of the project meet the needs of the community.”

Of the 30 units, the project offers four accessible apartments for individuals with reduced mobility. The project has 30 parking spaces for residents, including four accessible parking spots. Fifteen of the units are subsidized housing for individuals and families with low income, and rent is calculated based on 25% of their earned income. While the other half of the units are affordable housing, Osiecka states that a two-bedroom unit would cost approximately $1,320, utilities included. This is much cheaper than the market rate in the area which Osiecka states is approximately $1800 for a two bedroom apartment, utilities not included. Tenants are selected from the wait lists for affordable housing.

HOM is an independent nonprofit organization with a mission to increase the availability of affordable housing in the Outaouais. HOM works with the Office d’habitation de l’Outaouais, which manages HOM’s buildings and tenant selection. HOM has many upcoming projects, some of which have yet to be announced. Based on HOM’s current calculations, their planned project will provide 600 affordable and subsidized units over the next two years.

Photo caption: May 16, the Des Rapides affordable housing project ready to welcome its first tenants on July 1.

Photo Credit: Sophie Demers