Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
GASPÉ – A “second downtown” near the current downtown in Gaspé is on its way to becoming a reality, as developer Gestion Bourgade plans to build 320 housing units, an investment that could reach $65 million during Phase 1.
In the works since 2021, Gestion Bourgade has signed an agreement with the Town of Gaspé to build the main infrastructure on a 50-50 basis, and to acquire land from the developer at a cost of $2 million as a land reserve for future housing projects. “We had an idea, and when we reached the bidding stage, general contractors told us it was a big project. Our vision is so clear, and the information we received indicated we were heading in the right direction,” says Sophie Bourdages, Vice President of Projects and Administration at Gestion Bourgade.
The company plans to invest about $5 million in infrastructure and has already allocated $2 million to acquire land near the Ruisseau Dean area.
Twenty-two lots have been created for Phase 1, and the permitted uses include a minimum of six housing units, multi-unit and multi-family housing, condominiums, and local businesses. “We’ve never seen a project of this magnitude before, and I don’t think we’ll see it again for a long time. Phase 1 alone is quite a colossal project. We’ve been working on it for four years.” I’m looking forward to seeing it come to fruition because we’re in a serious housing shortage,” says Mayor Daniel Côté, even though some 500 housing units have been built in recent years.
“Our role will be to sell our subdivision project in compliance with regulations to ensure we rebalance the rental market in Gaspé,” says Ms. Bourdages, noting that the vacancy rate is only 0.3%.
The project includes the construction of three streets over 900 metres, water, sewer and storm water systems, pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and retention basins.
Construction is expected to begin at the end of the summer. The streets should be ready for transfer to the town by the end of the fall, with paving scheduled for next summer.
“We’ll cover 50% of the cost. The costs still need to be determined. We’re talking about several million dollars. The exact costs will be known once the plans and specifications are completed,” emphasized the mayor. The neighbourhood will be accessible via York Boulevard South and Frémont Street. The idea is to create living environments.
Creating 320 housing units in the first phase doesn’t scare the entrepreneur. “We’re confident because the deficit is so large and has been for so long. We believe that businesses that are unable to attract workers due to a lack of housing will need this infrastructure,” says
Ms. Bourdages.
The developer has given itself seven years to see the 320 housing units built, and they’ve already been approached by other developers. “The segment of the population that has approached us the most is the over-60s who are thinking of selling their house to move into an apartment to avoid worries, people who will have a good retirement. We’re realizing that this is a segment, and that’s why we’re saying we’re rebalancing the rental market,” says Ms. Bourdages. A commercial lot was sold to a partner notary firm early in the project.
Once Phase 1 is completed, the town will receive approximately $800,000 in additional tax revenue.
The town plans to purchase land to create a land reserve. “We intend to acquire $2 million worth of land that already has a higher market value. We can reserve a portion of it for social housing. We’re doing business at the municipal level,” says the mayor.
“The more housing we build, the more people will want to come here. I have faith that the 320 units will contribute to the growth of Gaspé,” concludes Mr. Côté.