Montreal's Village organization hoping for LGBTQ2S+ community complex
It's a dream that has been in the making for over 40 years for those who live in Montreal's Village: a complex that brings community organizations, LGBTQ2S+ people and locals together under one roof.
Espace LGBTQ+ was able to buy a large empty commercial building on Ste. Catherine Street East last fall with help from the City of Montreal, provincial grants and private donors.
"The LGBTQ complex that we want to have and share is made in bonding with different organizations and thinking, intersectionality, thinking of the different needs in the community and the village," said Espace LGBTQ+ vice-president Desiree Duchesne.
The space is in need of a lot of love and money, however.
"One of the major things why we are asking money for is to be able to have an elevator and toilets that are accessible, and having that for the community, not just a part of it, but also everyone," said Duchesne.
The group applied for funding from the Federal Infrastructure Ministry in February of 2023, and is hoping for $7 million to rennovate the 2,000-square-metre building.
While the project is currently in its initial phase, it's already resonating with some community members.
"There's a lot of restaurants and bars around, so it would be a good change, and I think it's a good place where people could get together," said Joseph Suarez, who works in the Village.
"I feel like right now there's a lot of problems of gentrification and also solitude and I think this could solve, well help at least, fight against those problems," said Village resident Rich Ly.
Espace LGBTQ+ is also backed by its partners.
Pride Montreal executive director Simon Gamache said the complex would also help community groups financially.
"We need those dedicated buildings for community organizations with adequate rents," he said. "And this what this is something that could be achieved in that building."
CTV News reached out to the Canad Infrastructure Ministry for comment but did not receive a response.
Espace LGBTQ+ does not know if it will get the funding but is working hard to make the space a reality.
"We cannot give up that dream," said Espace LGBTQ+ strategic consultant Kenny Bolduc. "We won't, and we need money to achieve that dream fully, and this program is made for that."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.