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Industry Hot Topics

Devimco shares Longueuil mixed-use development plans

Devimco Immobilier has joined forces with the City of Longueuil on the development of a major mixed-use project above and surrounding the Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke métro station. Valued at nearly $500 million, this transitoriented residential development with a total area of 1.2 million square feet, will include the construction of 1,200 rental housing and condominium units. It is the largest economic project to be announced in Québec since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Devimco, the project aims to create a real synergy between the various components, while producing a superior-quality living environment for future residents. “Our Longueuil project will Plans for the site known as 125R Mill Street include 198 affordable units proposed across 54,455 m² of residential space.

Submitted plans show that residents will have access to substantial indoor and outdoor amenities, including a ‘Skylounge’ wrapping around the mechanical penthouse of the taller 45-storey west tower. At ground level, a six-storey podium would contain 23,872 m² of office space and 481 m² of at-grade retail uses.

The project would mark the first major office development in the West Don Lands area and the third development to deliver affordable rental housing. Currently, a total of 682 affordable rental units are planned for the West Don lands developing neighbourhood. be revolutionary because it will be based on concepts that will respond to the new realities generated by the pandemic,” said president of Devimco real estate, Serge Goulet. “Discussions are currently under way with Québec furniture industry players to adapt the apartments and condos for teleworking.”

Featuring two 22-storey buildings for rental units and two 22-storey condominium towers, the rental buildings will overlook a vast lower extension (basilaire) above the existing métro station. Already served by local businesses, the Longueuil–Universitéde-Sherbrooke métro station site and its surroundings offer opportunities for quality commercial development. The site is already considered a knowledge hub with the presence of three universities: the campuses of Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).

“Our project is aligned in every way with Devimco’s philosophy,” said Goulet.

“The recipe is simple, but ambitious. We are responding to Longueuil’s vision by designing a multifunctional urban hub where a combination of experiences is an essential condition for creating a true living environment. What we are developing is an integrated blend of amenities, in spaces where homes, work environments and local services are located side by side. It will also be possible to enjoy cultural and food experiences, and even—as is already the

New high-rise rental towers planned for Toronto’s West Don Lands

Toronto’s West Don Lands community could see a pair of high-rise rental towers in the not-so-distant future, to be designed by Henning Larsen Architects.

case—to study there.”

Rodent activity on the rise

Urban centres across Canada and the U.S. are experiencing a rise in “aggressive” rodent activity due to COVID-19 restrictions shuttering restaurants and cafes. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rats are becoming more aggressive in some cities south of the border as they frantically search out new food supplies. To contend with these outbreaks, pest control workers in many jurisdictions are classified as essential.

“Environmental health and rodent control programs may see an increase in service requests related to rodents and reports of unusual or aggressive rodent behaviour,” said the CDC, advising home and business owners to cover garbage cans, put bird and pet food out of reach and seal small holes where rodents could gain entry into buildings.

According to Toronto-based Abell Pest Control, calls across Canada for rat extermination increased by 52 per cent last month compared to March 2019, with calls across the GTA up by 36 per cent.

Signs of rodent activity: Known to transmit disease and cause expensive structural damage to buildings, Orkin Canada advises multi-res property managers to consult with an expert if they suspect a rat infestation.

Signs can include: unsightly holes in lawns and in building foundations; torn up insulation, paper, and cloth found around the property; and complaints of gnawing sounds coming from behind the walls.

“Check wiring for chew marks and look out for small, pellet-like droppings,” the Orkin website suggests.

To prevent an infestation, apartment tenants should be reminded to keep food preparation areas clean, and to properly dispose of garbage in exterior bins and trash cans. Dumpsters should be well secured and maintained with more frequency as the pandemic continues.

In addition, Orkin reminds facility managers to trim back vegetation from building exteriors; seal any cracks or holes with caulk or foam; remove any standing water throughout the property, and keep doors and windows closed.

Vancouver amends bylaw to allow 6-storey rental housing

If approved later this summer, amendments to the zoning and development bylaw for C-2 commercial districts in Vancouver will allow developers and property owners to build taller, denser developments in an effort to increase the city’s inadequate rental housing supply.

Currently, the zoning only allows for fourstorey buildings with commercial space on street level and residential space—typically condominiums—on the upper floors. Through the additional two storeys, zoned as “rental-only housing”, developers will have the incentive to build something other than condominiums, which traditionally have offered a quicker return on investment.

Other requirements put forth include that 35 percent of the new units must be sized for larger families, and that the buildings fulfill enhanced green building requirements, such as the Passive House design standard.

The amended C-2 zoning districts for residential rental tenure development will apply to areas outside of recently approved community plan areas, such as the Cambie Corridor, Marpole, and Grandview-Woodland, as well as outside areas currently undergoing planning processes, specifically the Central Broadway Corridor.

Previously, such projects would have to pursue a rezoning application, but with the changes developers can go straight to the development permit process, potentially shaving off between one and two years from the application and review timeline.

Although the City of Vancouver does not anticipate a significant increase in new rental housing built within C-2 zoning, there will likely be a shift from some of the anticipated condominium developments to rental.