Edmundston hopes to approve affordable and accessible housing project.

Edmundston aims to approve a project of three buildings with eight units each by the end of February, with rents capped at 30% of tenants' income.

Edmundston is seeking approval for an affordable and accessible housing project that the city hopes to approve by the end of February. The proposal responds to a local housing needs assessment that found many residents with disabilities cannot find suitable housing. The plan would create three buildings with eight units each and set rents at no more than 30 per cent of tenants' income. The city has approached Quebec non-profit Logement HAN to develop the project. Project details: - The proposal would create three buildings with eight units each, and tenants would pay no more than 30 per cent of their income. - The city approached Logement HAN after a needs assessment and survey found many residents lack housing that meets accessibility requirements. - Design features described include modified kitchens, lower windows, wider doorways and hallways, and accessible lighting systems. - Logement HAN has developed more than 300 universally designed housing units in Quebec for people with physical or intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and seniors. - City officials report significant interest, with daily calls from residents asking how to be placed on a list. - The next step is a feasibility study, which may include soil testing on a site that was once a park, and construction is hoped to begin by the end of summer if approvals and studies proceed. Summary: If approved, the project would increase the local supply of affordable, universally designed units for people with disabilities and seniors. The city will complete a feasibility study and may perform soil testing on the chosen site; construction is hoped to begin by the end of summer if approvals and studies proceed.