Affordable housing planned for Ste Agathe

The RM of Ritchot is looking to build affordable housing in Ste Agathe.

The property, a 1.29 acre plot adjacent to Samoiset Ave., has been approved for use in developing affordable, supportive, and mixed-income housing.

“Where we see kind of a gap right now, and it was a part of a needs assessment we had done in the recent past, is kind of that housing for people who are just starting out,” said economic development officer Ryan Faucher. “So, the single person or the young couple, but also the retiree or the widower, or the senior person looking to downsize housing. I think all communities have that kind of niche of housing that they’re trying to fill.”

Developers are invited to submit proposals outlining their vision for the site, including project timelines, affordability models, and community benefits. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 15 with a decision made by Dec. 31.

“We are more concerned about the type of units they will build, the affordability of the units that they will build, the quality of them as much as we are about the price,” said Faucher.

“We do want it to fit into the neighbourhood, not be something that stands out. But at this point in time, I don’t discourage anyone from putting in their ideas and proposals. It gives us more opportunities to meet with ambitious people who want to build homes and see what their visions are.”

The RM has launched the multi-family sustainable housing infrastructure program, a $100,000 funding stream designed to help offset the costs of water, wastewater, and drainage infrastructure required for new high-density, sustainable housing.

The program, funded through the housing accelerator fund, will provide up to $5,000 per unit (to a maximum of $50,000 per project) for eligible developments that demonstrate readiness to build and include affordable housing components.

Faucher said Ste Agathe was chosen because it had land that was easy to develop.

Faucher said the incentive program deadline is Dec. 31 with a decision made by March 31, 2026.

“Our goal on the property is to have that decision made by year end so that, hopefully, the successful builder can get themselves underway. We do require the project be done by December of 2026.”

For more information about the expression of interest or the multi-family sustainable housing infrastructure program, visit www.ritchot.com.