L’Isle-aux-Allumettes chosen for major affordable housing project
Mélissa Gélinas
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on September 10, 2025.
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – A major affordable housing development is moving forward in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, part of a province-wide initiative to speed up the construction of prefabricated homes. The federal government transferred $992 million to Quebec through the Canada-Quebec Agreement to support 11 such projects, one of which is Habitation L’Isle-aux-Allumettes, announced in August in the Upper Pontiac
The project will be developed under the Affordable Housing Program of Quebec (PHAQ) and led by Habitation de l’Outaouais métropolitain (HOM). It will include 24 units for low- to
moderate-income households. “In all our affordable housing projects, we try to ensure a portion of units can be subsidized under the Rent Supplement Program for low-income tenants,” explained Karina Osiecka, communications advisor and spokesperson for HOM.
Location and design
The complex will be built in a future subdivision sector near Centennial, Rochon, and Front streets, identified in the municipality’s preliminary urban development plan.
This site not only supports the immediate housing project but also
positions the municipality to offer future serviced lots for families and new
residents.
Different unit types, including family and individual housing of varying sizes, are planned. HOM has conducted a needs study to determine the best configurations for the
community. According to Osiecka, strong demand is expected among seniors. “There is only one residence in the area, and many seniors are already on a waiting list,” she said
Municipal commitments
The municipality has pledged its support by donating two lots for construction, committing to provide water and sewer infrastructure, and considering a property tax credit for several years after the building is completed. According to the municipality, these commitments reflect council’s recognition of the critical housing shortage identified in a recent municipal survey, which showed strong demand among seniors, families, and workers.
To complete the necessary infrastructure, L’Isle-aux-Allumettes has applied for funding under the Federal Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund and continues to explore other financing solutions to keep the project on track
Broader benefits
Mayor Corey Spence emphasized both the immediate and long-term impact. “This 24-unit development is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about allowing seniors to remain in our community, supporting young families so they can thrive, and welcoming new residents whose presence will spark growth and create a ripple effect in our local economy,” he said
Spence also highlighted the significance of being chosen: “Being one of only 11 municipalities selected across the province shows how ready and capable we are to adapt
quickly and deliver affordable housing solutions for our
community”
Next steps
HOM is currently in the design phase. The final details—including unit sizes, number of bedrooms, and rental amounts—are not yet available. Once determined, the public will be able to register their interest through the HOM website (www.homgatineau.com) and Facebook page.
Construction for all projects is scheduled to begin in summer 2026. Because these are prefabricated buildings, the timeline will be shorter than conventional builds, though no exact start date has been confirmed. “We are still at the preliminary stage, and many details remain to be worked out,” said Osiecka
According to a press release from the municipality, “The project, backed by provincial and federal investments, municipal commitments, and HOM leadership, represents a major step toward building a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant community in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes.”
