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
4 children discovered unresponsive on Quebec shoreline
Four children were found unresponsive on a shoreline in Portneuf-sur-Mer, Que. on Saturday after they were swept away by the tide in a fishing incident. One man is still missing, while six other people were rescued.
Antipsychotic drugs use increased in Canadian long-term care homes, pointing to possible quality-of-care issues: study
New study finds increase in antipsychotic drugs use in long-term care homes across Canada, despite no significant increase in behavioural symptoms – something that may expose a potential area of concern for quality of care, researchers say.
More than 5,000 new species discovered at future deep-sea mining site in Pacific Ocean
More than 5,000 new species have been discovered at an expansive future deep-sea mining site in the Pacific Ocean.
Pope warns of risk of corruption in missionary fundraising after AP investigation
Pope Francis warned the Vatican's missionary fundraisers on Saturday not to allow financial corruption to creep into their work, insisting that spirituality and spreading the Gospel must drive their operations, not mere entrepreneurship.
Feds open to cutting plastic production but global agreement will be hard: Guilbeault
Canada is open to the idea of including a requirement to cut back on the production of plastic in a new global treaty to eliminate plastic pollution, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said Friday.
Here's what Nova Scotia's wildfires look like from outer space
Photos released by NASA taken from International Space Station show the immense scale of the wildfires in Nova Scotia, with billowing smoke engulfing the landscape.
Notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo moved to medium-security prison in Quebec
Notorious serial rapist and killer Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security prison in Quebec this week.
Special rapporteur David Johnston’s office hired crisis communications firm Navigator
Special rapporteur David Johnston has hired crisis communications firm Navigator, his office confirmed on Friday.
Air Canada should face more consequences after two disruptions in a week, consumer advocate says
An airline consumer advocate says Air Canada should face tougher consequences for stranding passengers after two disruptions in a week.
Toronto
-
Notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo moved to medium-security prison in Quebec
Notorious serial rapist and killer Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security prison in Quebec this week.
-
Suspects arrested in near-deadly Kennedy Station stabbing between 12 and 15 years old
Toronto police say the five suspects involved in a stabbing at Kennedy Station Friday night that left a man in critical condition are between the ages of 12 and 15 years old.
-
Woman dead, second adult and child both in critical condition after Brampton house fire
A woman is dead and a second adult and a child are both in critical condition after a fire broke out at a residence in Brampton on Friday night.
Atlantic
-
Officials declare Halifax-area wildfire largely contained as rain brings relief
A Halifax-area wildfire that forced thousands of residents from their homes over the past week is 85 per cent contained and no longer spreading, officials said Saturday morning.
-
City of St. John's charges 70-year-old woman for feeding pigeons in her backyard
A Newfoundland woman says her 70-year-old mother is facing a $5,000 fine for feeding pigeons in her backyard in downtown St. John's.
-
N.S. wildfire evacuees find comfort in one another and the generosity of their community
Evacuees at the Sandy Wickens Memorial Arena in Barrington, N.S., are out of the fire zone but now face their own battle — how to cope with so much uncertainty, and what lies ahead.
London
-
WATCH
WATCH | Wind turbine erupts into flames north of Goderich, Ont.
Fire crews remain on scene Saturday morning after a fire engulfed a wind turbine north of Goderich, Ont.
-
One person sent to hospital after east London, Ont. fire
An investigation is underway following an overnight apartment fire in east London that sent one person to hospital.
-
Notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo moved to medium-security prison in Quebec
Notorious serial rapist and killer Paul Bernardo was moved to a medium-security prison in Quebec this week.
Northern Ontario
-
Currently 20 active forest fires in northeastern Ont.
There are 20 forest fires active in northeastern Ontario, including eight new confirmed fires reported Friday.
-
Northeastern Ontario under air quality advisories due to forest fires
Smoke plumes from Quebec are affecting air quality in northern Ontario, Environment Canada said Saturday.
-
Sudbury teacher found guilty of sexual misconduct, has licence revoked
A Sudbury teacher accused of having sex with a student has been found guilty of professional misconduct by the discipline committee of the Ontario College of Teachers.
Calgary
-
Moraine Lake mandatory shuttle access starts up
It's the start of a new season at Moraine Lake and for the first time, you will have to take a shuttle bus to access the famous landmark -- no matter how early you're willing to show up.
-
Police seek public assistance locating missing teen
Calgary police need help from the public to help find a missing 19-year-old.
-
Dawgs shut out by Sylvan Lake Gulls
Okotoks got stellar pitching Friday night, but unfortunately, Sylvan Lake got even better pitching as the Gulls shut out the Dawgs 1-0.
Kitchener
-
-
Police looking to identify man after alleged sexual assault in restaurant
Waterloo regional police are asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual after an alleged sexual assault at a Kitchener restaurant.
-
Woman airlifted after crash near Wallenstein
A woman in her 80s has been rushed to hospital with critical injuries after a crash near Wallenstein, according to Ornge Air Ambulance.
Vancouver
-
Water pump worth $50K stolen from Pitt Meadows farm: RCMP
Police are asking people to be on the lookout for a massive piece of farm equipment that was reported stolen in Pitt Meadows Friday.
-
Winner of chance to buy $228K bottle of Scotch has backed out, BCLIQUOR says
A do-over has been scheduled for a Vancouver draw that promised one person the chance to purchase a $228,000 bottle of Scotch.
-
'Quite frustrating': B.C. man still waiting for EV ordered in 2020
A B.C. man who put a deposit down on an electric vehicle in 2020 is still waiting to learn when it will arrive.
Edmonton
-
'The biggest cheerleaders': Dedicated group help keep Ryan Shtuka's story alive five years later
Brought together by kindness and heartbreak, a group of women is helping an Alberta mother make sure her missing son is never forgotten.
-
4 children discovered unresponsive on Quebec shoreline
Four children were found unresponsive on a shoreline in Portneuf-sur-Mer, Que. on Saturday after they were swept away by the tide in a fishing incident. One man is still missing, while six other people were rescued.
-
Edmonton teen bystander shot in downtown shooting during 'altercation': police
A teen bystander was shot during an altercation outside the Edmonton Convention Centre Thursday evening, police say.
Windsor
-
Windsor man charged with attempted murder after east end shooting
Multiple charges have been laid against a 40-year-old Windsor, Ont. man after he allegedly shot another man during an argument on Friday night.
-
A fallen officer, 9-1-1 dispatcher saves two lives, Stellantis contention continues, Windsor police officer charged, and an exotic cat: Top Windsor stories this week
The community of Tecumseh is in mourning following the death of an OPP officer, a 9-1-1 dispatcher found himself on the opposite side of a 9-1-1 call, Stellantis has not yet confirmed a new deal for Windsor’s EV battery plant, a Windsor police officer is facing an assault charge, and a family in Chatham is desperate to find their lost exotic pet. Here’s a look at the top stories on ctvnewswindsor.ca this week.
-
Windsor, Ont. police launch community safety initiative in downtown core
In an effort to foster community relationships and deter criminal activity, Windsor police will have an increased presence in the downtown core beginning on Saturday.
Regina
-
'We played hard': Riders beat Bombers in pre-season finale
The Saskatchewan Roughriders edged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-16 in their final pre-season test.
-
City officials ask drivers to avoid flooded underpasses as more rain on the way
The City of Regina has a three-phase approach to address the flooding that occurs at the downtown underpasses during most heavy rainfalls, including Thursday night’s storm.
-
Regina Police Service therapy dog, Merlot, officially retires
Eight years ago, the Regina Police Service (RPS) embarked on a facility dog program. Now, one of its first recruits officially retired from her career.
Ottawa
-
4 children discovered unresponsive on Quebec shoreline
Four children were found unresponsive on a shoreline in Portneuf-sur-Mer, Que. on Saturday after they were swept away by the tide in a fishing incident. One man is still missing, while six other people were rescued.
-
Grocery bills could warn of a future recession
Some Canadian shoppers have pulled back on their grocery spending, and are now working harder to find more deals to save.
-
Doors Open Ottawa opens the doors to 90 buildings this weekend
The 21st annual Doors Open Ottawa is Saturday and Sunday, giving people a chance to look inside buildings and facilities across Ottawa.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon students say high school is censoring Pride week
Students at a Catholic school in Saskatoon say their high school is restricting and censoring Pride week celebrations.
-
'I feel lucky to be around': Saskatoon shoe store celebrates 40 years on Broadway
For 40 years, Saskatchewan residents have been bringing their shoes into Broadway Shoe Repair for a fix or in search of a new pair of shoes.
-
Saskatoon-born star Kim Coates has a big project coming to Netflix but he can’t tell you about it
Saskatoon-born actor Kim Coates has just wrapped up filming on a secret show for Netflix .