Construction and community organizations essential to overcome housing crisis says Bisson

Taylor Clark

Independent mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson revealed a five-point approach to tackle Gatineau’s critical housing issue at a press conference at the Asticou Centre on April 24.

“As you know, our City is at a critical point in terms of housing and it is essential to put in place concrete and sustainable solutions for social and affordable housing,” Bisson wrote to social media.

While Bisson listed Gatineau’s vacancy rate at 0.8 per cent, the latest Rental Market Report recorded the 2023 vacancy rate at 1.1 per cent. The area’s vacancy rate has remained steady at 1 per cent since 2018.

To undertake the housing crisis, Bisson recommended using existing land and buildings for social housing, consulting with the main players in the construction sector, using social utility trusts, utilizing municipal right of pre-emption on land and multi-unit buildings as well as continuing the activities and recommendations of the Comité-choc en logement.

To achieve this feat, the candidate underlined the contribution of the main players in the construction and community organizations.

“It is with firm commitment and unfailing determination that I wish to lead these initiatives,” wrote Bisson. “Together, we can transform our vision into reality and make Gatineau a city where every citizen can find an affordable and decent roof over their heads.”

Photo caption: Mayoral candidate Stéphane Bisson shares his five-point plan to resolve Gatineau’s housing crisis at a press conference on April 24.

Photo credit: Stéphane Bisson Facebook