Lachine social housing project underway.
The Old Brewery Mission is embarking on a new Lachine-based project to provide housing for Montreal's homeless population. The Place Tenaquip project will include 18 housing units; 13 studios and five three-and-a-half-room apartments for couples.
The Mission purchased land at 605–615, rue William–MacDonald in Lachine in March 2022. The current building is being demolished, and if all goes according to plan, work on the apartments will begin in the spring, with occupancy anticipated for 2024.
Estimated at $8.3 million, more than half of the funding will come from the private sector, with the Tenaquip Foundation contributing over $4.5 million. The City of Montréal contributed a grant of $450,000 to finance the project.
The Mission has partnered with non-profit organizations to manage affordable housing and assist vulnerable clients—whether they are already homeless or at risk of becoming so. As of summertime, the organization's housing stock, which consists of 121 units spread over five boroughs, is expected to grow by 88 units. They also support renters living in private buildings across multiple boroughs.
PHOTO: L. McComber – architecture vivante
SOURCE: Old Mission Brewery
Housing projects can have a major impact on local communities, particularly in areas where finding suitable and affordable housing is becoming more difficult.
For people who are looking to move within a particular area, local knowledge can be just as important as knowing the basics of the housing market. A real estate agent with local knowledge may have useful insight into neighborhoods, available properties, and the practical differences between areas.
It’s encouraging to see projects like this moving forward, especially with a mix of public and private support. In my daily life, I often pass areas where housing feels out of reach for many, so initiatives like Place Tenaquip really matter. Even when I was researching housing options and reading things like nationstar mortgage reviews, it reminded me how complex the system can be. Creating stable, supported housing is such an important step toward real change in communities.