Diverse metropolis: Ways to contribute

Last updated March 21, 2023
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Is your residential project subject to the By-law for a Diverse Metropolis? Your contribution to Montréal’s supply of social, affordable and family housing can take a number of forms.

Expected contributions and ways to contribute are different for each type of housing (social, affordable and family). They vary depending on the location and scope of the project. 

Social housing contribution

Your contribution to social housing can be made by: 

  • Selling a building to the city as a lot or a turnkey project. You will receive financial compensation that is calculated according to the buildable potential of your transferred lot (approximately a minimum of 2,700 m2) and the area in which it is located. There is a separate subsidy for construction costs associated with turnkey projects. To work out an agreement, contact the Service de l’habitation at [email protected].
  • A financial contribution, which depends on the size of the project and its location.   
  • A combination of these two options. 

Contributions can be made on or off the project site (within a maximum radius of 2 km of the project and for a slightly higher contribution). For downtown projects (area 1), contributions must be made in the same area.

Affordable housing contribution

If the project is located in an affordable housing zone, your affordable housing contribution can be made by:

  • Creating affordable housing: The area allotted for affordable housing depending on the total residential area of the project. You must offer a 10 per cent discount on the market value of homes, and homes must be developed through a recognized housing program or in partnership with a housing non-profit. Affordable family homes must also be included in the project. The by-law allows both rental and ownership situations. It also allows you to make your contribution by selling a rental building to a non-profit.
  • A financial contribution, which depends on the size of the project and its location. 

Contributions can be made on or off the project site (within a maximum radius of 2 km of the project and for a slightly higher contribution). For downtown projects (area 1), contributions must be made in the same area.

If the project is located outside an affordable housing zone, there are two possible cases:

  • Residential area that is greater than 4,500 m2: Your contribution must be financial and will be calculated according to the area that is greater than 4,500 m2.
  • Residential area that is equal of inferior than 4,500 m2: No affordable housing contribution is required.

Private family housing contribution

The private family housing contribution is made by building new housing units that are adapted to families. The number of homes to build depends on the project’s total number of dwellings.

For projects in the downtown area (area 1), contributions must be made in this area.

No private family housing contribution is required for projects with fewer than 50 dwellings or that are located in area 5B.

Online service

Find out how to use our contribution calculation tool.

Plan and StrategyDiverse metropolis: Use the calculation tool

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