Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced on June 26, 2026 that the City of Montreal will allocate $540,000 to refurbish 45 vacant housing units. The funds are earmarked for rapid renovation work aimed at making the properties suitable for vulnerable residents who are struggling to find affordable accommodation in the city.
The initiative forms part of Montreal’s broader response to a persistent housing affordability crisis. By converting empty homes into habitable dwellings, the city seeks to increase the supply of safe, low‑cost housing for those most at risk of homelessness. The renovation budget will cover essential repairs, upgrades to heating and insulation, and any necessary safety improvements to bring the units up to habitability standards.
City officials indicated that the fast‑track approach will shorten the typical renovation timeline, allowing the newly prepared homes to be offered to eligible residents as quickly as possible. The program targets individuals and families identified as vulnerable due to income constraints or other hardships. By unlocking the $540,000 investment, Montreal aims to demonstrate a concrete step toward alleviating the pressure on its housing market while making use of existing vacant properties.