Latest news with #Brigil
CBC
09-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Brigil proposing 45-storey tower near Canadian Museum of History
Gatineau, Que., is once again considering a proposal to build two residential towers near the Canadian Museum of History, including one that would stand 45 storeys and become the city's tallest structure. But the process is complicated, requiring either changes to municipal building regulations or case-by-case exemptions that could trigger a referendum, the city says. Developer Brigil has asked the city to increase the current maximum allowable height so it can move ahead with the project at 35 rue Laurier, currently home to a Four Points by Sheraton hotel. The property, which the company acquired in 2021, is in a heritage-protected neighbourhood that includes the historic Notre-Dame-de-Grâce church. The city is currently reviewing a new urban plan for its downtown core. Brigil presented its proposal in February as part of that review, requesting the maximum height of buildings be increased from 30 to 45 storeys. In a letter to Gatineau city council, Brigil president Gilles Desjardins asked for a decision by the end of August. Unobstructed views Desjardins told Radio-Canada the added height would allow views over the nearby Place du Centre and the Terrasses de la Chaudière federal government complex, where the tallest building is 28 storeys. An observation deck atop the new skyscraper would also attract tourists to the area, Desjardins said. The proposal would add 1,000 residential units during a housing crisis, but Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette said what the city really needs is more affordable housing. "When it comes to condos that are more high end, we don't have a crisis there. We have a crisis for people on the street, for social and affordable housing," she said during a news conference Wednesday. This isn't the first time the developer has proposed tall buildings in central Gatineau. In 2018, city council shot down Brigil's $400-million Place des Peuples project — two towers of 35 and 55 storeys — when the Quartier du Muséneighbourhood was given a heritage designation. Marquis-Bissonnette said "it's a different story" this time around. "It's different land and different heights as well," she said. 'It's totally unacceptable' The 2018 project faced backlash and opposition from residents in the area, and it appears the new proposal, which is located within the same heritage district, will face similar scrutiny. Daniel Cayley-Daoust, president of neighbourhood group l'Association des résidents de l'île de Hull, said Brigil's 45-storey proposal came as a shock. "[We were] surprised, but not surprised to some extent," Cayley-Daoust said. "It's totally unacceptable to go beyond the urban planning [limits]." Cayley-Daoust said local residents are concerned the skyscrapers will block the sunlight and won't fit in with the architecture of the neighbourhood. "It's all about quality of life and making sure that one project ... doesn't overshadow and dwarf the rest of the neighbourhood," he said.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brigil announces $950m Espace Canevas community project in Canada
Real-estate company Brigil has unveiled the Espace Canevas community project to revitalise an urban hub in Québec, Canada, with an investment of approximately C$1.3bn ($950m). The Espace Canevas community project is poised to transform the former Village Cartier shopping centre into an inclusive and sustainable living space. The development will feature up to 2,600 residential units, as well as 192,000ft² of commercial space and 182,000ft² of office space. Its design focuses on stimulating the local economy, enhancing connectivity, and prioritising green spaces and active mobility. Brigil development vice-president Jessy Desjardins said: "What we are proposing with the Espace Canevas community is the redefinition of our urban spaces for the benefit of the Gatineau-Ottawa population. "Reflecting the ambitions of the neighborhood, the project offers a second life to the Village Cartier shopping centre and demonstrates the immense potential for transforming large commercial spaces to increase the number of available units in the context of a housing crisis.' Located complementarily to Gatineau, Espace Canevas aims to integrate with its surroundings. The approach includes varying building heights to ensure the space remains open. The move comes after six years of transformation, design, and community engagement. Desjardins added: "We held working sessions with architects, urban planners, and Canadian and Danish experts to identify concrete ways to improve the quality of life for the population within real-estate projects. "We return from these visits more motivated than ever, and Brigil intends to continue playing a leading role in redefining the social function of public spaces in the region.' The Espace Canevas project will offer a diverse range of rental housing options, fostering a neighbourhood life with accessible green spaces and community places. The design prioritises mobility for pedestrians and cyclists, featuring trees and an integrated rainwater management system visible in the landscape. The project plans also include local businesses such as cafés and restaurants. "Brigil announces $950m Espace Canevas community project in Canada" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Cision Canada
26-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
BRIGIL UNVEILS ITS VISION FOR THE BRAND NEW ESPACE CANEVAS COMMUNITY Français
GATINEAU, QC, June 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Brigil today unveils its Espace Canevas community project, a bold real estate concept that will revitalize this important urban hub in Gatineau, representing investments of approximately $1.3 billion. The transformation of the former Village Cartier shopping center will offer a brand new vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable living environment. The project, which includes the potential for 2,600 residential units, 192,000 square feet of commercial space, and 182,000 square feet of office space, has been designed to stimulate the local economy, foster human connections, prioritize green and community spaces, while emphasizing active mobility. " What we are proposing with the Espace Canevas community is the redefinition of our urban spaces for the benefit of the Gatineau-Ottawa population. Reflecting the ambitions of the neighborhood, the project offers a second life to the Village Cartier shopping center and demonstrates the immense potential for transforming large commercial spaces to increase the number of available units in the context of a housing crisis," says Jessy Desjardins, Vice President of Development at Brigil. Complementary to the heart of downtown Gatineau and in line with major municipal development orientations, Espace Canevas is innovative by integrating respectful and human density and varying building heights to offer a space that breathes and inspires. After six years of transformation, design, and discussions with neighborhood residents, our partners, merchants, and the City, we are at a pivotal moment where we are redefining the vocation of shopping centers. From Copenhagen to Gatineau The Espace Canevas project is part of Brigil's commitment to offering innovative solutions to societal challenges by creating living environments inspired by the best international practices in sustainable development and land planning. The Brigil team also undertook an immersion trip to Denmark in the spring of 2025 to refine its vision and perfect certain aspects of its project. "We held working sessions with architects, urban planners, and Canadian and Danish experts to identify concrete ways to improve the quality of life for the population within real estate projects. We return from these visits more motivated than ever, and Brigil intends to continue playing a leading role in redefining the social function of public spaces in the region," he concludes. A documentary on this exercise will be presented to the Gatineau community on June 26 at Espace Canevas. The Canevas Project at a Glance A project with 2,600 residential units, commercial and office spaces. A wide variety of rental housing. A dynamic neighborhood life, accessible green spaces and community places, integrated mobility prioritizing pedestrians, bicycles, and active transportation. Innovative designs, trees, and greenery with a visible rainwater management system integrated into the landscape. Numerous services with local businesses such as a café, restaurant. Integration with the surrounding neighborhood and a significant step towards creating a complete neighborhood. A Rich Cultural Destination and a Hub for Experiences An incubator for merchants wishing to test innovative ideas in an evolving urban setting. A strong focus on supporting the local economy and the sharing economy, offering a space to promote local products and services. An incubator for unique experiences fostering authentic connections between consumers and retailers ready to test new concepts. Regular programming aimed at generating meetings and exchanges around musical, artistic, and community experiences. A diverse culinary selection, combining classics and gastronomic trends to satisfy all tastes. About Brigil Established in 1985 by Gilles Desjardins, Brigil has contributed significantly to the economic development of the National Capital Region. Brigil has provided homes for an entire generation and intends to continue building for those to come. Closely linked to the communities it serves, Brigil has donated several million dollars to more than 400 organizations in the National Capital Region. Gilles Desjardins has also been recognized as one of Quebec's leading philanthropists and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal of Canada by the Governor General on November 5, 2018. The company currently has about 30 communities in the National Capital Region (14,000 units) and plans to build 44,000 new housing units over the next 15 years. Sustainable development and environmental protection are part of Brigil's DNA, as is the enhancement of heritage and historic buildings. This is why our mission goes beyond that of a builder. We are building with purpose.
