Throughout the year and particularly in the run-up to Operation 1is July, Laval households in a precarious situation can count on personalized support from the Housing Search Assistance Service (SARL) and managed by the OMHL, in collaboration with the City of Laval.
By renewing its financial support for this program, the City is ensuring that Laval residents looking for housing benefit from free services that include rehousing assistance, accommodation and temporary storage for their belongings.
“As we approach July 1, I would like to highlight the important work done by the housing search assistance service of the Laval Municipal Housing Office. In my opinion, the SARL is like ointment; as an essential service, it allows us to heal a wound. We are pleased to be able to count on its assistance. That said, to truly tackle the crisis, we need structuring solutions – that is why I am proud of the innovative initiatives that are being deployed in the municipal sector so that all Laval residents have access to a decent and safe roof.”says Stéphane Boyer, mayor of Laval
The SARL can also count on the close collaboration of the Social Emergency Division of the City of Laval, which coordinates interventions on the Laval territory during critical situations likely to affect the safety of people. To this end, the social emergency is present to support families who find themselves homeless by ensuring their safety and that of their property. Thus, the City can make containers available to the citizens with whom it intervenes to store their belongings. Also, in case of necessity, temporary accommodation in a hotel establishment can be offered.
To benefit from the services of the SARL, citizens facing housing issues are invited to call 450 505-6025.
Highlights of innovative housing initiatives and projects in Laval
- Staff numbers doubled in 2024 for the team dedicated to housing within the Urban Planning Department.
- Adoption, in February 2023, of a policy to make some municipal land available to organizations wishing to build social or affordable housing.
- Acquisition by the City of strategic land for social and affordable housing, close to services and public transport.
- Financial support for various projects supported under government programs to build “off-market” housing in Laval.
- Preferential measures for social housing such as the lifting of park fees or free permits.
- Various provisions of the new Urban Planning Code (CDU), adopted in 2022, which allow housing to be developed in the territory:
- Permission to add an attached accessory dwelling unit.
- Smart densification (city center, major arteries, neighborhood hubs) creating tens of thousands of possible new housing units in Laval.
- Programs under consideration to support access to home ownership and the construction of affordable rental housing in new housing projects.
- Improving permit granting processes and reducing delays.
- Support for developers and major redevelopment sectors, such as the Val-Martin and Place Saint-Martin sectors.
- Support for the structuring of the non-profit housing sector: $1 million in subsidies awarded for the period 2023-2024.
