At the 56th Conference of our partner, Réseau Habitat et Francophonie in Quebec, discussions centred on solutions to Canada’s growing demand for social housing, driven by a 2.5% annual increase in households, partly due to migration, and a 50% rise in homelessness over the past decade. On the supply side, social housing construction has fallen by half since 2016, though the government has pledged to boost housing stock.

Quebec’s social housing sector, made up of municipal and limited-profit housing companies, is funded through subsidies and public loans. Turnkey developments, ready for immediate use, are being prioritised for their quality, speed, and ability to foster social integration. Construction costs are lower than in the EU, due to cheaper land and abundant hydroelectric power.

Julien Dijol, our Policy Director at Housing Europe, took the stage to address the European affordability crisis and the pressing need for public funding. He highlighted the environmental and social risks tied to the crisis while emphasising that solutions are within reach. Julien discussed innovative approaches emerging from the Affordable Housing Initiative accelerator programme, led by Housing Europe, which sets a benchmark for fair renovations that avoid renovictions. He also shared insights on prefabricated renovations and sustainable financing models, drawing from successful examples in Austria and Denmark.