Funding commitment propels next step at Val‑Martin
Quebec City and Ottawa have committed funding to complete the final South Block phase of Val‑Martin, a long‑running social housing revitalization in Laval. The latest commitment will enable reconstruction of 140 low‑rent units, with procurement now under way to set the final budget and construction timetable.
Officials announced the move in Laval on July 13. The project team confirmed that the planned work will add to what has already been delivered in earlier South Block phases: 124 reconstructed low‑rent homes, 235 newly built units, and the Simonne‑Monet‑Chartrand Community Centre. The tendering process will determine when shovels go in the ground and what the final price tag will be.
One of Quebec’s largest low‑income housing sectors
The Val‑Martin renewal is described by the governments as a continuation of efforts to rehabilitate one of Quebec’s largest housing sectors serving low‑income families. While the latest phase centres on the South Block, officials framed the investment as part of a broader, staged revitalization aimed at replacing aging dwellings with safer, higher‑quality rental housing.
“Revitalizing Val‑Martin is an ambitious project that reflects our commitment to building safe, high‑quality living environments that meet the diverse needs of low‑income households. Val‑Martin embodies a long‑term vision that, with today’s announcement, is moving closer to becoming a reality. The Government of Quebec has supported the project at every stage. Once again, we are reaffirming our commitment to the people of Laval and Quebec to increase the supply of affordable housing.”
The announcement was made by a group of provincial, federal and municipal representatives, including Karine Boivin Roy, Quebec’s Minister Responsible for Housing; Caroline Desrochers, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; Christopher Skeete, MNA for Sainte‑Rose; Sandra el‑Helou, the City of Laval councillor responsible for housing; Ray Khalil, vice‑chair of Laval’s executive committee; and David Bélanger, general manager of the Office municipal d’habitation de Laval.
What has been delivered and what’s next
With tendering under way, the next milestone will be the selection of a contractor and confirmation of a construction schedule. The governments did not disclose a final construction budget, pending procurement. In the meantime, the count of completed homes and amenities in the South Block stands as follows:
| Component | Status/Quantity |
|---|---|
| Low‑rent units reconstructed (earlier phases) | 124 |
| Newly constructed units (earlier phases) | 235 |
| Community facility | Simonne‑Monet‑Chartrand Community Centre |
| Upcoming reconstruction (final South Block phase) | 140 low‑rent units |
Taken together, the earlier South Block work has brought 359 homes online to date, alongside a new community hub. The final phase adds another significant tranche of low‑rent apartments aimed at households with limited incomes.
Local stakes for Laval residents
The continued rebuild at Val‑Martin carries direct implications for tenants and households on wait lists in Laval. By focusing on reconstruction and new builds within a defined footprint, the South Block program is intended to replace outdated stock with homes that better meet current standards. The addition of a modern community centre suggests complementary programming space is already in place to support residents as more units are occupied.
- 140 additional low‑rent units will be reconstructed in the final South Block phase.
- Earlier phases delivered 124 reconstructed and 235 new units, plus a community centre.
- Tendering is active; final budget and construction schedule will be set after bids.
While specific delivery dates were not provided, the procurement step signals that design, scope and timelines are moving toward implementation. City officials at the announcement positioned the effort as a cornerstone of Laval’s affordable housing response, noting the partnership among municipal, provincial and federal actors behind the work.
