In the charming province of Québec, a significant shift in living arrangements is underway, as multi-generational living gains momentum.
This trend is a direct response to the challenges posed by an aging population, and the scarcity of appropriate assisted living facilities.
As the population ages, and traditional solutions fall short, more families are embracing this practical and supportive approach to housing their loved ones.

Québec’s aging population presents a pressing concern: According to recent data from the Canadian Census, seniors, aged 65 and over, make up nearly 20% of the province’s population. This demographic shift has led to a heightened demand for assisted living homes, creating long waitlists, and leaving many seniors without suitable options. In this landscape, multi-generational living emerges as a viable solution, inducing an environment where multiple generations share the same roof.

The driving force behind this trend is twofold: On one hand, it allows families to synergise their resources; but, most importantly, it allows for a better quality of life for everyone involved, from children, to parents, to their grandparents/parents.

As younger generations venture out in search of work opportunities; and, in several cases, having to work more hours on a weekly basis than any other generation before them, the bonds that traditionally held families together have weakened. Multi-generational living serves as a way to bridge this gap, enabling seniors to remain close to their adult children, and their grandchildren. At the same time, it allows the adult children to get some help with the demands of parenting in today’s hectic work/life imbalance. The arrangement not only eases the isolation that some seniors might otherwise feel, but also provides practical assistance with daily tasks and care for the parents, and ensures that the children are looked after by a loving family member rather than the TV, or the iPad.

In this shared living environment, the benefits are reciprocal: Seniors can enjoy the companionship of their children, and their grandchildren; and, vice versa.
Family members can provide a strong support system, both emotionally and physically, as they navigate the challenges of aging.

This arrangement also offers financial advantages, as the costs of living are shared among family members.
With the costs of rents, and assisted living homes, skyrocketing: Grandparents can put their retirement funds toward contributing to their family instead; and, parents can save on daycare/babysitting costs.
While the shortage of assisted living facilities is a pressing issue, multi-generational living is more than just a stopgap measure: It is a solution that fosters a sense of unity, shared responsibility, and emotional closeness. While it may require adjustments and compromise, families often find that the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

As a real estate broker, I am increasingly asked to find such properties; but, I quickly realize that they are harder to find than one might think. As of November 12th, 2023, there are only 636 intergenerational homes available in the province of Québec, and 23 available in Montréal. These numbers are quite low; and, if demand rises, they will become even more scarce.

Another important point to mention: Many existing intergenerational homes are not as well designed for grandparents as one would hope. For example: The section of the basement, or the space above the garage, though commonly used, may not be integrated into the overall design for practicality and comfort. If developers put forth plans for well-integrated intergenerational living, they might be more successful than they would think.

In conclusion: The increasing demand for multi-generational living in Québec, Canada, is a response to the aging population, the scarcity of appropriate assisted living options, and the challenges of parenting, which are becoming more and more difficult. Families are seeking ways to stay connected, and to provide support to their senior members, while navigating the limitations of the current housing landscape. This arrangement not only addresses the practical challenges of aging, but also aligns with the cultural values emphasizing the importance of family ties.

Québec continues to evolve. Multi-generational living is emerging as a meaningful solution to these newly pressing issues.
As these needs and benefits become more recognized and urgent, Équipe Mark-André Martel can keep you ahead of the curve. Talk to us.