A New Blueprint for Senior Housing Breaks Ground in Quebec

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC – December 08, 2025 – On a plot of land on Du Passage Road, a groundbreaking ceremony today signified more than the start of another construction project. It marked the tangible beginning of a new life for 100 independent seniors and, more profoundly, the implementation of an innovative model that could reshape how Canada addresses its affordable housing crisis. The 100-unit residence, a collaboration between the federal and provincial governments, the City of Trois-Rivières, and the charitable organization Mission Unitaînés, is a powerful case study in how corporate strategy, public funding, and philanthropy can converge to create lasting community impact.

This initiative moves the conversation about senior wellness beyond the confines of clinical care, recognizing that a safe, affordable, and stable home is one of the most critical determinants of health. As Canada's population ages, solutions like the one taking root in Trois-Rivières are not just welcome; they are essential.

Forging a Financial Foundation Through Collaboration

The project's $32.5-million financial structure is a masterclass in multi-level partnership. A significant $22.5 million is jointly invested by the governments of Canada and Quebec, drawn from the powerful combination of the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and matching provincial commitments. The HAF is a cornerstone of the national housing strategy, designed to provide incentive funding to municipalities that streamline zoning and accelerate the pace of home construction.

In a landmark November 2023 agreement, Canada allocated $900 million to Quebec through the HAF, an investment the province promptly matched, creating a formidable $1.8 billion war chest aimed at constructing 8,000 social and affordable housing units. The Trois-Rivières project is a direct result of this high-level strategy, demonstrating how federal policy can translate into local action.

Local leadership has been equally crucial. The City of Trois-Rivières is contributing $3.8 million through a combination of grants and tax credits. This local buy-in, which for Mission Unitaînés projects typically includes the provision of serviced land and a three-year tax holiday, is vital. As Mayor Jean-François Aubin stated, “In Trois-Rivières, we are actively working to find solutions to our housing challenges... The Unitaînés project is an excellent example. This type of partnership makes Trois-Rivières such a dynamic, innovative city that is attentive to the needs of its population.”

The 'Mission Unitaînés' Model: A Paradigm Shift in Development

At the heart of this initiative is the innovative and efficient model pioneered by Mission Unitaînés. Founded by philanthropist Luc Maurice, who built his career developing thousands of senior residences with Groupe Maurice, the charitable organization operates with a singular focus: to build quality, affordable housing for low-income, independent seniors, and to do it quickly.

The model's genius lies in its blend of business acumen and social purpose:

• Economies of Scale: By standardizing the design of its 100-unit buildings, Mission Unitaînés can leverage economies of scale in materials and construction, managing multiple projects across Quebec simultaneously. This approach has proven to deliver units at a lower cost than traditional public-sector projects.

• Speed and Efficiency: The organization's first project was completed in under 18 months. By applying rigorous private-sector project management, Mission Unitaînés avoids costly delays, ensuring that homes become available to those in need much faster.

• The Debt-Free Advantage: Critically, upon completion, Mission Unitaînés transfers ownership of the building to a designated municipal or non-profit entity for a nominal fee and, most importantly, with no mortgage. This single element transforms the long-term financial equation, freeing the operator from the largest expense that typically burdens affordable housing projects.

Rounding out the financial package is a personal philanthropic donation of $500,000 from Luc Maurice for each building, which seeds a reserve fund to enhance resident quality of life and support long-term maintenance. As Mr. Maurice explained, “This ambitious and innovative initiative...will be completed in record time and at record cost.”

Responding to a Pressing Need in an Aging Community

The urgency for this project in Trois-Rivières is starkly illustrated by local demographics. According to 2021 census data, seniors aged 65 and over make up 26.3% of the city’s population—significantly higher than the national average of 19.0%. Furthermore, with 3.4% of its population aged 85 and over, Trois-Rivières has one of the highest concentrations of very elderly residents in Canada.

This demographic reality places immense pressure on the housing market, leaving many low-income seniors who wish to remain independent with few viable options. The Mission Unitaînés residence, with its target rent of approximately $650 per month for a one-bedroom apartment including utilities, offers a lifeline. It makes dignified housing accessible for a senior whose income may solely be from government pensions, allowing them to live comfortably without spending a prohibitive portion of their income on rent.

The building itself is designed with this demographic in mind, featuring adaptable units for those with reduced mobility, two elevators, a scooter parking area, and an air-conditioned common room to foster social connection—a key factor in combating isolation and promoting mental well-being among seniors.

Building for Permanence: Local Stewardship and Long-Term Viability

With construction set for completion by winter 2027, the long-term success of the residence will fall to the Office municipal d'habitation de Trois-Rivières (OMHTR). As the designated manager, the OMHTR brings decades of experience in managing low-rent and social housing in the region.

The debt-free transfer from Mission Unitaînés fundamentally alters the OMHTR's ability to operate the building sustainably. Without the burden of mortgage payments, operational funds can be dedicated entirely to maintenance, utilities, and resident services. The $500,000 reserve fund provides an additional layer of financial security, ensuring the building remains a high-quality asset for the community for decades to come.

Amina Chaffai, President of the OMHTR, captured the project's deeper meaning: “This building is much more than just a place to live. It offers safety, well-being and dignity for our seniors who live on modest incomes. We are proud to take part in this achievement, which reflects our values of inclusion and accessibility.” By linking rent to income, often through programs that cap housing costs at 25% of a resident's earnings, the OMHTR will ensure the units remain truly affordable in perpetuity.

The Trois-Rivières project is ultimately a story of alignment. It showcases what becomes possible when federal funding initiatives, provincial cooperation, municipal leadership, and the innovative capacity of a philanthropic-driven private entity all point in the same direction. It serves as a compelling and functional blueprint, demonstrating a scalable and financially sustainable path forward in Canada’s quest to ensure every senior has a safe and affordable place to call home.