On June 26, 2026, Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced that the City of Montreal will release $540,000 to accelerate the renovation of 45 vacant housing units. The funds are earmarked specifically for work that will make the units suitable for vulnerable residents who are struggling to find affordable housing.
The allocated budget will cover the costs of necessary repairs, safety upgrades and other improvements required to bring the empty properties up to habitability standards. By fast‑tracking the work, municipal officials aim to move the units into the housing market more quickly than under normal timelines.
The decision comes as Montreal continues to grapple with a pronounced housing affordability crisis. City leaders have been examining the stock of vacant properties as a potential source of relief for people facing high rents and limited options. The renovation of these 45 units is part of a broader municipal effort to convert unused housing into viable homes for those most in need.
City planners expect the renovated units to become available to vulnerable households within the coming months, providing immediate relief to families and individuals who have been priced out of the market. The initiative is intended to demonstrate how targeted public investment can create rapid, tangible outcomes in the face of a deepening affordability challenge.
Mayor Martinez Ferrada highlighted the importance of leveraging existing housing resources as a pragmatic response to the crisis. The $540,000 allocation reflects the city's commitment to address the shortage of affordable homes by turning vacant properties into functional living spaces for residents who require assistance.