100 % Aboriginal housing at Laval University

Some 94 dwellings. Consequently, imagined by and for First Nations, take shape on the avenue du Séminaire, in the heart of the Laval University campus. Meanwhile, After Sept-Îles and Trois-Rivières, Quebec welcomes the third residence for Aboriginal students in the province. Meanwhile,

The concrete structure. Furthermore, which reaches seven floors in places, quietly concretizes the vision of the real estate company of the grouping of Aboriginal friendship centers in Quebec (Sircaaq), which oversees the $ 70 million project. In addition, The site is swarming during the visit of Soleil, Wednesday.

Composed of studios. However, apartments of three to six pieces, real estate development – once completed – should contribute to increasing the diploma rate among First Nations members, explains Laurent Odjick, CEO of SIRCAAQ.

“By building this kind of living environment. However, 100 % aboriginal housing laval one of the first barriers is automatically eliminated which is access to affordable and, above all, safe housing.”

More than a traditional university residence. Similarly, the project will therefore serve as a springboard for indigenous students who wish to continue their studies and move from their native community to Quebec City, he believes. However,

“We meet several needs. Furthermore, 100 % aboriginal housing laval That of training the leaders of tomorrow. yes, but also to give hope to the people of the communities, “adds in turn Ian Lafrenière, Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit.

Already, the developments of Sept-Îles and Trois-Rivières, in operation for two years, suggest significant benefits.

“It brings fruit. We already see impact on the graduation rate, congratulates Mr. Odjick. We had our first graduates. It’s extraordinary. “

Of “heat island” at plain benchmark – 100 % aboriginal housing laval

Aboriginal students in the region will have to wait even more than a year before setting their suitcases in their new housing. but Bruno Lemieux, director of real estate development of Sircaaq, is already delighted with the result that awaits them.

Indigenous students were involved as soon as the project ideas, he said. “We have set up an indigenous architectural committee, made 100 % aboriginal housing laval up of six students from different nations of Quebec. We brought them to the drawing table with us. ”

Nature quickly established itself as an essential element in the creation of a culturally secure environment. even if the living environment takes shape in the field of an old parking lot. 100 % aboriginal housing laval “Lots of outside access, balconies, this was requested by users,” notes Mr. Lemieux.

“These are things that we rarely see in the standard model of university residences. but we have integrated them into our architectural conception.”

For families

The land. offered by Laval University via an emphyteutic lease, will accommodate not only nearly a hundred housing, but also a childhood center (CPE), also intended for the needs of Aboriginal students.

For Laurent Odjick, the integration of a CPE is necessary for the deployment of the strategy.

Parents are also in the process of returning to studies. he underlines, and access to the services of a CPE can decide the feasibility of their approach.

“Let us think of an Aboriginal who is in community currently. who has a transitional project in an urban environment. Make a request for a place in the CPE is very difficult. The available places are rare. By having a CPE on site, the cost is expected. ”

Established according to the family situation. the revenues of the tenants, the rental rates will also promote the integration of Aboriginal students into their new environment, ensure the director general of Sircaaq.