The governments of Canada and Quebec, the City of Montreal and the Fondation des Petits Rois have inaugurated the Maison intelligente, a unique home for eight young people with intellectual disabilities with or without autism spectrum disorders, in Montreal.
The connected home concept is unique in Canada. It aims to facilitate the daily lives of people with intellectual disabilities with or without autism spectrum disorders, by offering them an environment that will enable them to develop in complete safety and to learn continuously, while promoting their self-esteem and autonomy.
More specifically, the environment offered by the Smart Home is designed to support people in accomplishing their daily tasks. For example, learning screens located throughout the house will help young people to prepare cooking recipes, wash their clothes or wear clothes adapted to the outside temperature. In addition, workshops in gardening, dance and art therapy, music therapy, cooking or boxing will also be offered to facilitate the maintenance of their acquired skills and their integration into the communitý. Quebec university researchers have contributed to the project, which will develop knowledge in the field.
This $6.7 million project was made possible thanks in part to the support of the Canadian and Quebec governments and the City of Montreal. The Government of Canada's $2.2 million contribution was awarded under the Canada-Quebec Agreement for the Rapid-Release Housing Initiative (RRHI). The Quebec government, for its part, allocated more than $2 million to the project, notably through a grant from the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Habitation. The Société d'habitation du Québec will also allocate a rent supplement to residents, enabling them to pay 25% of their income for housing. Support will also be provided to the Fondation des Petits Rois to hire psychosocial counsellors to provide supervision.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is proud to participate in this innovative housing solution. The Fondation des Petits Rois Smart House creates a safe and comfortable place where its residents can live, learn and be part of the community. It's through collaboration that we've won this victory, and we're committed to creating more innovative housing here in Montreal, and across the country."
- Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada and MP for Outremont
"Everyone deserves a safe, affordable home. As part of the Rapid Home Initiative, we're rapidly building affordable homes for those who need them most, across the country. The Little Kings Foundation Smart Home is a unique housing alternative that offers a safe place to live and grow for those who need it most. We know there's still much to do, but we're genuinely proud of what we're accomplishing along the way."
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Central Nova"As I often say, housing needs innovation! Today's project is a perfect example. I'm proud to inaugurate this home here in Montreal, with its concept that is unique in Canada. I'm certain that it will perfectly meet the needs of its occupants. Thanks to the financial support of our government, the affordability of this extraordinary living environment will be maintained. This is excellent news for the residents and their families.
- France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister responsible for Housing
"I share the teams' pride in finally seeing this magnificent smart home project come to fruition. Everything has been designed to meet the needs and expectations of the Little Kings who will live here. Thank you to all the partners who have joined forces to help celebrate the difference and richness of people living with a disability or an autism spectrum disorder. Supporting their autonomy and the development of their full potential, while respecting their habits and lifestyles, is a goal we all share."
- Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister responsible for Social Services
"The Fondation des Petits Rois Smart House is a concrete solution to complex problems. This exceptional project will improve the daily lives of eight young Montrealers, by offering them a connected, adapted and supervised living environment. In the context of the housing crisis, the mobilization of the community and various levels of government must continue in order to replicate this type of project throughout Montreal. I would like to thank the Fondation Les Petits Rois for this achievement, which will enable these young people to strengthen their self-esteem."
- Valérie Plante, Mayor of the City of Montreal
"Montreal is proud to have been able to support the Fondation des Petits Rois in the realization of this unique and innovative housing project, which meets the needs of this vulnerable clientele. It's further proof that there is no single solution to housing problems, but rather solutions that meet the specific needs of each and every Montrealer."
- Benoit Dorais, Vice-Chairman of the Ville de Montréal Executive Committee, responsible for Housing, Real Estate Strategy, Property Assessment and Legal Affairs
"Our project is a unique residential model, specifically aimed at the development of autonomy, self-determination, as well as the maintenance of the Petits Rois' assets and their social inclusion. Thanks to technological support and adequate and adapted support, the young people will be able to play an active and positive role in the community. I believe that locally and internationally, this home will be seen as a model to follow in fostering the inclusion and social participation of people who are different."
- Vânia Aguiar, President and Founder, Les Petits Rois Foundation
