Available rental housing is still scarce on the North Shore, according to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Organizations are concerned that the remaining housing on the market is unaffordable for low-income people.
In Sept-Îles, the vacancy rate went from 1.3% in October 2023 to 0.5% in October 2024. In Baie-Comeau, it is quite the opposite. The rate therefore increased from 0.5% to 1.3% on these dates.
Despite a slight increase in Baie-Comeau, the vacancy rates in the two north-coastal cities still remain below what is considered the balance rate between supply and demand, i.e. 3%.
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In Canada, the average vacancy rate for rental apartments is approaching the equilibrium rate, with a rate of 2.2% this year compared to 1.5% in 2023. (File photo)
Photo : - / Hans Campbell
According to organizations, this data translates into action on the ground. The director of the Cité des builders, Doris Rochette, talks about the enthusiasm generated by one of her projects of 56 affordable housing units in Baie-Comeau.
Currently, we have more than 100 people on the waiting list without having advertised
she is surprised.
In Sept-Îles, the president of the board of directors of the Office municipal d’habitation de Sept-Îles, Guy Berthe, also notes the shortage.
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Guy Berthe is also a municipal councilor for the city of Sept-Îles and participates in the municipality’s Housing committee. (Archive photo)
Photo : - / Daniel Fontaine
We are very aware of the need for housing in the region, at all levels. We need housing as much for a young person entering the job market as a person entering retirement.
he argues.
An affordability issue
The report of the SL also reveals the average rent of rental housing, which increased by 2.3% in Baie-Comeau and 2.6% in Sept-Îles.
Average rent data
| Ville | Average rent in October 2023 | Average rent in October 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Baie-Comeau | 784 $ | 802 $ |
| Sept-Îles | 742 $ | 761 $ |
The spokesperson for the Popular Action Front in Urban Redevelopment (FRAPRU), Véronique Laflamme, fears that the housing shortage combined with the increase in rents will put pressure on tenants. Some might feel forced to accept exorbitant rent increases, she said.
Tenants know that if they are forced to move, they may not find anything. Some tenants who are unfamiliar with their rights will hesitate to exercise their recourse, so we encourage tenants to find out before accepting excessive increases.
explains Véronique Laflamme.
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Véronique Laflamme adds that the rents for apartments available on the market are higher than average. The CMHC report also mentions that affordability remains an issue. (Archive photo)
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As a solution, she says building more community housing could help increase the supply of affordable housing on the market. This is also what Doris Rochette defends.
It’s really about meeting the needs of people with low and modest incomes. If we want to have a market balance, the way forward is for sure the creation of new community housing.
supports the director of the City of Builders.
According to Guy Berthe, the rental offer must still be diversified to meet the needs of all citizens.
You have to touch on all environments, whether they are condos, rooms or apartments. These are great needs that we have
he testifies.
Affordable housing projects are planned in Sept-Îles and Baie-Comeau. Their construction should begin in spring 2025, according to Doris Rochette.
