On Wednesday, August 13, the Municipalité régionale de comté (MRC) d’Argenteuil, alongside l’Office régional d’habitation d’Argenteuil (ORHA), unveiled its 2025-2035 Housing Strategy, including the creation of the non-profit La Clé d’Argenteuil. The announcement was held at the MRC d’Argenteuil municipal building in Lachute and drew approximately 30 attendees.
Feedback from the municipalities, community groups, developers, and employers was used to develop three housing priorities for Argenteuil. These priorities are exercising strong leadership in housing, diversifying the housing supply, and protecting and renovating affordable, social, and community housing.
The strategy then provides an overview of the current housing situation in Argenteuil and identifies the key issues faced by renters and homeowners. The report defines affordable housing as costing 30 per cent or less of gross household income before taxes.
The MRC d’Argenteuil and ORHA stated that Québec and Canada are facing an unprecedented housing crisis, affecting all regions, driven by several demographic, social, and economic challenges.
“Exceptionally low vacancy rates, steep increases in construction costs, and the scarcity of affordable housing are negatively impacting households in Argenteuil, many of whom are forced to pay substantial amounts for housing,” Acting Prefect Bernard Bigras-Denis said.
According to Statistics Canada and the Institut de la Statistique du Québec, as of 2021, Argenteuil is home to 34,752 residents, with the population expected to rise by approximately 6,500 by 2041, or an increase of 18.7 per cent.
Recent growth, however, has exceeded forecasts, with more than 1,200 new residents moving to the region between 2022 and 2023 alone. ORHA stated that, on average, 528 units have been built annually between 2020 and 2023, with a record year of 813 units built in 2021.
The 2025-2035 Housing Strategy aims to create between 2,000 and 3,000 new rental units by 2035 to support the expected growth in the region. This will include a combination of 1-bedroom units (35 per cent), 2-bedroom (40 per cent), and 3-bedroom (25 per cent).
One key initiative included with the Housing Strategy was the creation of La Clé d’Argenteuil in April 2025. La Clé d’Argenteuil will be developing, acquiring, and operating housing for low- and modest-income households and those with specialized needs.
Current average monthly rents are $1,050 for a 1-bedroom, $1,300 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,650 for a 3-bedroom. ORHA reported that over the past decade, single-family home prices in the region rose 90 per cent, while household incomes only increased by 41 per cent.
La Clé d’Argenteuil President Jean-François Brunet said, “It’s not just a response to the current crisis but a long-term vision to build inclusive living environments that foster community life.”
Researchers identified three priority housing groups during regional studies: seniors, very low- and low-income households, and single-income families.
Researchers found that the 65-and-older population is growing rapidly, with 22 per cent living below the report’s low-income measure of between $12,560 and $31,400 annually. Demand for smaller and affordable rental units for seniors accounted for 34 per cent of people on ORHA’s waitlist.
Additionally, there were approximately 230 households in Argenteuil making less than $12,560 (very low-income) and approximately 2,900 households earning between $12,560 and $31,400 (low-income).
Single-parent households accounted for 32.9 per cent of families with children under 18 in 2021 regionally.
ORHA Executive Director Marie-Christine Godin unveiled a master plan to transform Lachute’s Ayersville sector into low-rent housing to help address rising housing costs for these target groups.
Godin said this will involve the phased demolition and reconstruction of the area to improve safety, accessibility, and living conditions over several years.
Representatives concluded that the MRC d’Argenteuil intends to work closely and dynamically with the local municipalities, community organizations, and social and private housing partners to achieve its housing goals. The organizations will monitor progress and provide regular public updates.
