Finding Housing in Jonquière

Watch out: Jonquière's rental market is no longer loose. The vacancy rate fell to 1.6% in 2025 — a very tight market, like the rest of the City of Saguenay.

Average prices (CMHC, fall 2025):

• 2-bedroom (4½): ~$985/month (up 12% year over year)
• 3-bedroom (5½): ~$1,054/month (up 7%)

The majority of residents are owners — particularly in Arvida and Kénogami.

The total cost (rent + heating) still stays lower than Montréal — electricity remains relatively affordable thanks to regional hydroelectricity, even though the rate is the same across Quebec.

Profiles by sector:

• Downtown (rue Saint-Dominique): apartments near shops, bars, restaurants. Young professionals and students.
• Arvida: heritage homes planned in the 1920s by the aluminum smelter. Middle-income families.
• Kénogami: large affordable homes, often with generous lots.
• Near the Cégep: student apartments and shared rentals.
• Saint-Cœur-de-Marie and Shipshaw: more rural sectors — for those who like space.

Arvida and Kénogami remain the most sought-after sectors for families. The downtown area and the Cégep area dominate student rentals. Shipshaw and Saint-Cœur-de-Marie offer a rural setting.

All leases must use the official form from the Tribunal administratif du logement — it's mandatory.

Standard period: July 1 to June 30 — creates the famous moving day on July 1.

Never sign without an in-person visit.

Saguenay-specific checks (harsh winters):

• Insulation: quality of walls, windows, doors
• Heating type: electric (most common), wood (rare), natural gas (very rare in Saguenay)
• Energy performance: a poorly-insulated apartment can double the Hydro bill in winter
• Ask for the Hydro-Québec average of the past 12 months — the landlord can provide it

In Arvida, homes from the 1920s-1940s are renowned for their build quality:

• Thick walls
• Well-oriented windows for natural light
• Generous lots

Heritage distinction:

• The Quebec government declared Arvida a heritage site in 2018 under the Cultural Heritage Act — the highest level of heritage protection available provincially
• A UNESCO World Heritage bid is ongoing but has not succeeded yet — a first attempt in 2017 was not retained, and the campaign has been relaunched aiming for Arvida's 2026 centennial. Arvida is not currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Several homes are protected by this provincial heritage-site status.

Check the rules BEFORE any renovation:

• Exterior modifications: strictly regulated
• Window replacement: materials and style imposed
• Additions: can be prohibited depending on the street

Main channels:

• Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace
• Local Facebook groups: Logement Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean — very active
• Student board at Cégep de Jonquière
• Local realtors: Royal LePage Saguenay, Re/Max Saguenay — free service for buyers

Jonquière-specific tip:

Before signing, ask a neighbour if the area is quiet — the proximity of Rio Tinto Arvida plants can cause noise or odours depending on wind.

The most common questions on Jonquière housing: typical winter Hydro bill, commute to Rio Tinto, and best family neighbourhoods.

To go further on settling in Jonquière:

• Read signing a lease in Quebec to break down each clause of the official form before signing.
• See working at Rio Tinto in Jonquière to aim for a sector near the Arvida or Vaudreuil plants.
• Prepare your move with first steps in Jonquière for the service point and Place du Royaume.
• Compare cities with housing in Quebec: comparing cities — CMHC average rents and vacancy rates.

• Tribunal administratif du logement
• City of Saguenay
• Hydro-Québec