Under one roof: Quebec families embracing intergenerational housing
Intergenerational housing is a long-standing tradition in many cultures. But some experts say the practice could become increasingly popular in Quebec as families battle the rising cost of living.
Originally from Algeria, Farid Boutalbi lives with seven people at his home in Mascouche, north of Laval.
"Both my parents, my brother and his wife, his two kids -- boy and girl -- and me," Boutalbi said of the arrangement.
He moved in with his family less than a year ago. He said buying house large enough for seven in Montreal, and even Laval, was too costly.
For Boutalbi and his family, living under the same roof is a priority.
"In Algeria, we're used to living together. It's always been like that, you know?"
Farid Boutalbi lives with his parents, his brother, his sister-in-law, his niece and his nephew. (CTV News/Sasha Tema)
McGill architecture professor Avi Friedman studies housing options for Quebec's eldery, as the province faces an aging population.
One of those alternatives is multigenerational housing, which he says comes with multiple benefits.
"Old people that interact with young ones have the opportunity to transfer cultural aspects and educate children," Friedman told CTV News. "They feel wanted, they feel young, and they are commonly very active."
It's something that Gertrude Falardeau, who has been living with her daughter and grandson for 15 years, can attest to.
"If I didn't have the chance to live with [my family], I probably wouldn't have made it to 101 years," said the centenarian.
Her grandson, 30-year-old Maxime Genois, says it's a privilege to live with his family.
"I can have discussions with her and learn life lessons," he said.
101-year-old Gertrude Falardeau lives with her daughter and grandson. (CTV News/Sasha Teman)
In addition to the family connection, Friedman says multigenerational living also brings financial stability.
"If they join the means of the older member of the family, all the pension that they will get, with their own income, I believe that there can be a good economy that will enable those two families to live comfortably."
A move he finds far more cost-effective than seniors going into a long-term care home.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.