Montreal announces $625K investment for Canada's first French-speaking LGBT+ community centre
Both the city and the Ville-Marie borough are investing $425,000 and $200,000, respectively, for the new building, which will be located near the corner of Sainte-Catherine Street East and Saint-Timothée Street, in the heart of the Village neighbourhood.
In a press release, the city says the new, carbon-neutral space will house more than a dozen not-for-profit organizations in various sectors 'to create safe and accessible spaces for LGBTQ+ populations and to host community services and cultural events that will promote the Village's unique identity.'
'This new space is much more than a building. It is a place of identity, a community anchor, a space of solidarity for the organizations, artists, and citizens who bring the Village to life,' said Luc Rabouin, Executive Committee member responsible for economic development and higher education for the City of Montreal.
'With this new financial contribution, we are reiterating our unwavering support for the Village and LGBTQIA2S+ communities and organizations and highlighting their crucial importance in making Montreal and the downtown core ever more inclusive. This project contributes to the city's reputation as a city of identity, like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon, and affirms its commitment to inclusion and diversity.'
The $625 million investment is in addition to the $400,000 invested last year under a program to help Espace LGBT+ acquire the building, bringing the total contribution from the city to $1.025 million.
'In recent years, LGBTQIA2S+ organizations around the world have seen their community spaces and resources increasingly limited. Montreal recognizes the essential role these organizations play in the vitality of our neighbourhoods, the strengthening of the social fabric and the support of our communities. That is why we are taking direct action to help the LGBTQ+ Space and its partners realize this long-awaited project: Espace + Village,' added Robert Beaudry, councillor for the Saint-Jacques district in the Ville-Marie borough.
'The Village is a unique neighbourhood, shaped by the commitment of its communities. This project will consolidate that identity. It is the queer organizations and associations that make the neighbourhood vibrant. Hats off to Espace LGBTQ+ and its partners for their commitment to making this project a success.'
Pride Week in Montreal ends on Sunday, with the marquee event — the Pride parade — taking place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
4 minutes ago
- CTV News
St-Lazare family selling modified home as is after province suspends home adaptation program
Quebec's aging population and the growing demand for adapted houses have created a new opportunity for some real estate agents. Quebec's aging population and the growing demand for adapted houses have created a new opportunity for some real estate agents who now try to sell houses already modified for a clientele with special needs. After their kids moved out of their St-Lazare home, empty nesters Ann Gagnon and Brian Wraight find themselves in a house that's too big for their needs. 'I actually I have no problems letting go,' explains Gagnon from the living room of her family's single-story house, which sits on half an acre of semi-wooded land. 'It was a beautiful home. It gave us beautiful memories. But it's first and foremost way too big for both of us. There's four bathrooms to wash. No, thank you.' The couple's children, Kiern and Bradley, grew up with physical limitations. Everything in the home was adapted for their needs, from access ramps to special lifts to move them in and out of their beds, as well as widened doors and adapted bathrooms. The two are now adults, living at the Philou specialized group home in Ahuntsic. In the real estate world, sellers are normally encouraged to remove these adapted features to increase their appeal on the market. The couple's real estate broker and agent, Peter Thompson, had a better idea. 'I felt differently about it, only because I thought, well, if something is unique, then it's, to me, it's more valuable,' said Thompson, who recently listed the home for $785,000. Quebec has a program that provides up to $50,000 to help families with special needs adapt their homes. But in an email to CTV News, the Quebec housing corporation, known in French as the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ), admitted there was a major backlog from people demanding assistance for the time being. Thompson says that the backlog opened up a market for modified homes -- an opinion shared by the parents. 'I do believe that more families that have adapted homes are going to be advertising them as is. Instead of taking away the equipment and hoping they're going to just sell it,' Gagnon said. The couple now hopes that whoever buys their house will benefit from the changes they made, all to care for their children. 'We're hoping because I'm very involved in the special needs community and I realize and see the numbers that are growing every year, whether it's a child or a grandparent or even the person themselves who need the home,' Gagnon said. It's an investment, they say, that made life easier for everyone living under their roof.
National Post
4 minutes ago
- National Post
Dream Unlimited Corp. and CentreCourt Partner on Major Purpose-Built Rental Development in Downtown Toronto
Article content This press release contains forward-looking information that is based upon assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties as indicated in the cautionary note contained within this press release. Article content TORONTO — DREAM UNLIMITED CORP. (TSX: DRM) ('Dream') and CentreCourt Developments ('CentreCourt') are pleased to announce their new joint venture to co-develop 49 Ontario St., a mixed-income purpose-built rental community in downtown Toronto. A significant affordable housing component will be included, setting a new benchmark for integrated, vibrant urban living in the city's core. Article content The 49 Ontario St. development directly addresses Toronto's urgent need for housing, adding significant supply to one of Canada's most in-demand markets. Earlier this year, Dream Impact Trust (TSX: the current owner of the redevelopment site, secured up to $647.6 million in government-affiliated financing and obtained waivers for development charges from the City of Toronto for the 800,000 sf multi-family project. Upon completion, the development will feature 1,226 multi-family units, with 22% designated as affordable housing. Article content Proven Partners in Development Article content Dream and CentreCourt have a 14-year history of successfully delivering landmark condominium communities together. While both organizations have deep expertise across the real estate spectrum, this joint venture represents a significant step in expanding their collaboration into purpose-built rental. Article content CentreCourt is recognized for its industry-leading ability to finance, design, and self-perform construction at unmatched speed and efficiency, delivering high build-quality along with exceptional returns on 19 projects totaling over 10,000 homes and $5.6 billion in development value. Article content Dream brings a deep track record in purpose-built rental and unparalleled expertise in structuring and executing public-private partnerships, having developed or currently developing over 4,500 rental units worth over $2 billion upon full build-out. Article content Executive Commentary ' We believe the skills and expertise that have made us leaders in condominium development will be just as valuable in purpose-built rental,' said Gavin Cheung, Managing Partner & President, CentreCourt. '49 Ontario St. will deliver much-needed market rental and affordable housing to downtown Toronto, and we're excited to be partnering with Dream to make it happen.' 'Dream has been at the forefront of delivering purpose-built rental through innovative public-private partnerships,' said Jamie Cooper, President of Development and Income Properties, Dream. 'Working with CentreCourt on 49 Ontario St. brings together complementary strengths to deliver a project that will serve the community for decades to come.' Looking Ahead Building on the 49 Ontario St. partnership, Dream and CentreCourt are working closely together to identify and pursue additional purpose-built rental opportunities in anticipation of the policies announced or under consideration by various levels of governments aimed at accelerating housing development. This includes the federal initiatives such as the MURB policy, the new Build Canada Homes strategy, reductions in development charges, and other measures at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. Article content About Dream Unlimited Article content Dream is a leading developer of exceptional office and residential assets in Toronto, owns stabilized income generating asset in both Canada and the U.S., and has an established and successful asset management business, inclusive of $28 billion of assets under management Article content (1) Article content across four Toronto Stock Exchange ('TSX') listed trusts, our private asset management business and numerous partnerships. We also develop land, residential and income generating assets in Western Canada. Dream has a proven track record for being innovative and for our ability to source, structure and execute on compelling investment opportunities. Article content About CentreCourt Article content CentreCourt is a fully integrated real estate development firm active across all stages of the development lifecycle – land acquisition, zoning, design, marketing, sales/leasing, construction, and customer care. We specialize in high-rise condominium and purpose-built rental communities located near major transit amenities, and employment hubs in the Greater Toronto Area. Article content CentreCourt has delivered over 10,000 homes and $5.6 billion in development value since 2010. In 2022, we launched CentreCourt Platform II, a $400 million fully committed long-term equity fund that provides financial strength and flexibility to support our continued growth and to act decisively in a dynamic market environment. Article content This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding our objectives and strategies to achieve those objectives; our beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, acquisitions or divestitures, tenant base, future maintenance and development plans and costs, capital investments, financing, the availability of financing sources, income taxes, vacancy and leasing assumptions, litigation and the real estate industry in general; as well as specific statements in respect of our development plans, including sizes, uses, density, number of units, amenities and timing thereof; our ability to complete the 49 Ontario St. project and its impact on the community; the level of affordable housing to be included in the 49 Ontario St. project; our expectations regarding our ability to successfully pursue additional purpose-built rental opportunities; and the possible future government initiatives aimed at accelerating housing development. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Dream's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the nature of development lands held and the development potential of such lands, interest rates and inflation remaining in line with management's expectations, our ability to bring new developments to market, anticipated positive general economic and business conditions, including low unemployment and interest rates, that duties, tariffs and other trade restrictions, if any, will not materially impact our business, positive net migration, oil and gas commodity prices, our business strategy, including geographic focus, anticipated sales volumes, performance of our underlying business segments and conditions in the Western Canada land and housing markets. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general and local economic and business conditions, the impact of public health crises and epidemics, employment levels, risks associated with unexpected or ongoing geopolitical events, including disputes between nations, terrorism or other acts of violence, international sanctions and the disruption of movement of goods and services across jurisdictions, inflation or stagflation, regulatory risks, mortgage and interest rates and regulations, risks related to a potential economic slowdown in certain of the jurisdictions in which we operate and the effect inflation and any such economic slowdown may have on market conditions and lease rates, risks related to the imposition of duties, tariffs and other trade restrictions and their impacts, environmental risks, consumer confidence, seasonality, adverse weather conditions, reliance on key clients and personnel and competition. All forward-looking information in this press release speaks as of August 11, 2025. Dream does not undertake to update any such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is disclosed in filings with securities regulators filed on SEDAR+ ( Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For further information, please contact: Article content Meaghan Peloso Article content Article content Chief Financial Officer Article content Article content 416 365-6322 Article content Article content mpeloso@ Article content Jamie Cooper Article content Article content President, Development & Income Properties Article content Article content 416 365-8995 Article content Article content jcooper@ Article content Gavin Cheung Article content Article content Managing Partner, President Article content Article content Article content
CTV News
4 minutes ago
- CTV News
Halifax shop shows there is a place for pre-loved clothing on the runway
Esmé & Evee's owner Madeleine Esmé Villa is turning her dream into a statement at this years Halifax Fashion Week, just a month after opening her brick-and-mortar shop on Agricola Street. Villa made her side hustle a full-time job by falling in love with the thrill of the find. 'I started this business as a hobby on the side on Instagram about four years ago,' Villa said. 'Then I started doing pop-up events, and that's where I really found a love for this. I loved interacting with people in person and talking with them about what they were looking for and just seeing them get excited about the same things I got excited about. 'So now flash forward about four-and-a-half years later, and I have my brick-and-mortar store here on Agricola Street.' Esmé & Evee opened its doors to the public more than a month ago, and they are already seeing the success. 'This is actually my second time,' a shopper said. 'I was here, actually last night with my mom, and I was like, 'Mom, we gotta go,' and she couldn't get out of here. 'I found some really cute orange pants and sweater that has, like, embroidered flowers on it. It looks a lot more personal than just like any random sweater.' The stigma around second-hand shopping seems to be changing, given the climates both financially and environmentally. 'I find it more sustainable. An affordable way to get clothing that's going to last a while. And not just, like, tear after a few weeks,' said the shopper. 'It was kind of looked down upon or considered, you know, for certain people and not others. So, I think that a lot of these things have shifted,' said Villa. 'Also coupled with the fact that when they say things just aren't made the way they used to be, it does ring true. And then, of course, in combination with the fact that we are experience and climate change, and we are all actively, for the most part, trying to find ways in our own lives to help, and to be more mindful in our consumption. And the fashion industry is one of the most volatile industries in regard to climate change.' Esmé & Evee Esmé & Evee is located on Agricola Street in Halifax. (Source: Brianne Foley/CTV News Atlantic) Which is why Villa will be the spokesmodel for sustainability for Mills Fashion Week in Halifax, to show high fashion can be environmentally friendly. 'Halifax Fashion Week is just wanting to put a spotlight on that. So having a spokesmodel is imperative to just kind of help bring more attention to that and make it their focus,' Villa said. 'And I think just having a runway show is to show that, you know, second-hand items do have the legs to stand on a runway. 'They should still be showed off. They should still be loved and showcased. So, my show is going to highlight vintage beauty of our garments and what we kind of stand to lose if we don't think more critically about, how we consume, fashion and what we're, you know, enabling when we do consume fast fashion.' Plus, there is something to be said about the thrill of the hunt in vintage shopping. 'It kind of scratches that primal instinct of hunting and gathering,' said Villa. 'And whether or not that scientifically true, I do think that that thrill of the find is really, really special and unique. 'There is something so beautiful about picking up something that has lived a life and knowing that it's going to live in your life, too.' Which goes hand in hand with what Villa is trying to give the public, even from the roots of the store's name. 'Esmé is my middle name, but it stands for my grandparents first initials,' she said. 'So E is for my Nonna Elide, S is for my Nonno Salvatore, M is for my Nonna Maria and E is for my Nonno Egidio. And if you couldn't tell very Italian. They all immigrated here in the 50's through Peir 21. Both my Nonna's had worked as seamstresses in factories. 'So, it does feel like a bit of an homage to them. And Evee is my adorable pup, and I like alliteration.' Villa continues to work in the community, putting on monthly Vintage markets where multiple vendors can come together under one roof. The August market just passed, but the next one will be Sept. 13. And while Aug. 17 is international thrifting day, Villa is happy to say every day is thrifting day for her. 'This was always the dream. To have a shop. And it came a lot quicker than I ever expected it to.' Madeleine Esmé Villa Madeleine Esmé Villa and her dog stand in her shop. (Source: Brianne Foley/CTV News Atlantic) For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
