Housing
Living and developping housing in the Pontiac
As we all know, the lack of housing in the Pontiac is becoming a critical situation. All categories of people are affected, including single people, families with children and the seniors. This is having a huge impact on the region’s economy, especially on our businesses, which are sorely lacking in manpower.
Indeed, if job seekers can’t find housing, they end up looking elsewhere, resulting in a talent drain and a lack of dynamic economic development.
Pontiac businesses (both private and public) in all sectors that want to welcome new employees and their families are hit hard by the lack of adequate housing. This shortage is also leading to a significant rise in rents and sales prices → the law of supply and demand is becoming increasingly unbalanced.
Quebec’s housing crisis is having a serious impact on the well-being of the entire population. People are struggling to find decent housing in living environments that allow them to flourish.
All this has a significant impact on the availability and quality of services in our region.
This page, divided into several sections – Owners, Tenants, Developers and Newcomers – aims to provide information on renovation grants, building construction grants, rent registers, TAL, real estate network links, NPO contacts and more.
In 2024, the MRC Pontiac organized a survey to better understand the housing needs on its territory, in response to a complex and critical situation. The survey, available in French and English, was distributed online via the MRC website, local media, social and economic development partners, and social networks. A collaboration with a community organization provided assistance to those without Internet access. A total of 219 responses were collected, representing 1.48% of the population.
The results, presented by category, will serve as a reference to support reflection on the state of housing in the MRC. This statistical report is now shared to support future actions and strategic decisions relating to the housing situation.
If you have any questions about housing in the MRC Pontiac, contact André Piché, Economic Development Officer (Housing) at (819) 648-5689, ext. 302 or by email.
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For home owners and landlords
The MRC Pontiac has set up a “Property Rental Hub” to connect tenants and landlords in our region. If you would like to list your rental property with us, please contact us by e-mail.
Looking to buy property or land in the MRC Pontiac? Consult the Realtor and Centris search engines to discover homes for sale.
Do you know your rights and duties as a landlord? Visit the Tribunal administratif du logement website to find out about your obligations and recourses. You’ll also find important information on drafting a lease and the dispute resolution process.
ARE YOU LOOKING TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OR ACCESSIBILITY OF YOUR HOME?
If your home needs work to correct major defects or adapt it to enable you to continue living there independently, there are renovation assistance programs to help you finance it. See our Renovation Programs web page for more information.
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For renters
Did you know that there is a Quebec-wide rental registry? It aims to curb soaring rental prices by promoting transparency in the rental market.
The Rental Registry (Registre des loyers) is an open data platform that aims to preserve affordability in the residential market, by providing access to important rental information.
Free and secure, the Rental Registry platform lets you :
- Register a rent (anonymously) and other information about a rental unit, such as monthly electricity costs, permission to have pets, and other unit characteristics;
- View all listed rents, which are the result of user surveys and listings;
- Find out about your rights as a tenant in Quebec.
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Do you know your rights and duties as a tenant? Visit the Housing Administrative Tribunal website to find out about your obligations and recourse. You’ll also find important information on drafting a lease and the dispute resolution process.
LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION?
The MRC Pontiac has set up a “Property Rental Hub” to connect tenants and landlords in our region. Contact us by e-mail for more information.
If you find yourself in a difficult personal situation, you can contact AutonHomme Pontiac or L’Entourelle.
ARE YOU LOOKING TO IMPROVE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OR ACCESSIBILITY OF YOUR HOME?
If your home needs work to correct major defects or adapt it to enable you to continue living there independently, there are renovation assistance programs to help you finance it. See our Renovation Programs web page for more information.
For real estate developers
The geographical location of the MRC Pontiac, 50 minutes west of Hull/Aylmer and close to Renfrew and Pembroke, offers excellent opportunities for residential, commercial and industrial development.
Large lots, less expensive than in major urban centers, many buildings to renovate, a healthy living environment with plenty of outdoor activities and nearby services make Pontiac a region that’s ripe for development.
If you have any questions about housing development potential in the MRC Pontiac, contact André Piché, Economic Development Officer (Housing) at (819) 648-5689, ext. 302 or by e-mail.
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For newcomers
The Carrefour jeunesse-emploi du Pontiac (CJEP) offers services designed to improve people’s living conditions by helping them find a job, return to school, engage in youth entrepreneurship, volunteer work or acquire personal skills. CJEP is also responsible for the Place aux jeunes en région program, which aims to facilitate the professional integration of young people in the regions, stimulate the creation of businesses in the regions, raise awareness among young people, their entourage and local players of the benefits of migration, and encourage and promote the social involvement of young people in the regions.
CULTIVATING DIVERSITY, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY – ACTION PLAN FOR INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE WELCOMING IN THE MRC PONTIAC
The MRC Pontiac recognizes the importance of immigration in supporting the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the region. The diversity, new talents, and varied perspectives that immigrants bring are major assets that help sustain the growth and prosperity of local communities. The goal is to attract, fully integrate, and retain these newcomers in order to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the territory.
In a context marked by a shortage of qualified workers, particularly in rural areas, immigration is an essential solution to support key sectors such as health care, education, social services, construction, and entrepreneurship. The Immigration Action Plan aims to create a structured, inclusive, and adapted approach that meets the realities of the MRC Pontiac by facilitating reception, family reunification, social integration, and cultural exchange so that newcomers can thrive and build lasting roots within the community.
This plan represents a strong commitment to a future where the MRC Pontiac develops as a diverse, welcoming, and dynamic community. Its success will be measured not only by the number of people who choose to settle here, but also by their long-term integration, their contributions to local innovation and community life, and the positive impact they have on the territory as a whole. Together, the region aims to build an environment where everyone can fully contribute to a stronger and more prosperous future.
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Cohabitation Program
To help offset the shortage of manpower, limitations on housing availability and the integration of new arrivals, the MRC has set up a Cohabitation Program.
MRC Pontiac residents can take part in this program by signing up to rent one or two rooms in their home to welcome newcomers on a temporary basis – just long enough for them to get to know our region and find permanent housing.
Why participate? It contributes to the integration of a newcomer to our region, helps our community benefit from manpower when needed, allows you to benefit from additional income and participate in an exchange of knowledge and experience.
The program is run in collaboration with the Carrefour Jeunesse-emploi du Pontiac (CJEP) and its Place aux jeunes en région program.
If you have any questions about housing development potential in the MRC Pontiac, contact André Piché, Economic Development Officer (Housing) at (819) 648-5689, ext. 302 or by e-mail.
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