Tashi Farmilo

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

FORT-COULONGE – The Pontiac Chamber of Commerce moved into its new office in a familiar building in Fort-Coulonge on May 1, marking a key step in a broader local revitalization initiative.

The Chamber will occupy part of the former Caisse Desjardins building, recently acquired by local resident and entrepreneur Sébastien Bonnerot. The building became available in June 2024 and since then, he has been working to transform the site into the “Pontiac Business Hub” — a centre for shared professional office space aimed at addressing the town’s dwindling commercial services and encouraging new business activity.

“We’ve lived in Fort-Coulonge since 2017 and have been focusing on launching structuring projects to help revitalize our beautiful village,” said Bonnerot. “With the departure of several businesses over the years and the limited availability of professional services, this is a step toward reversing that trend.”

The new hub will feature six private offices available for annual lease — three are already rented — as well as a shared space designed for young entrepreneurs, a common conference room, and a kitchenette. Alongside the Chamber, confirmed tenants include a notary and Century 21 real estate.

The project received financial support from the MRC Pontiac through the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) – Stream 4, while the acquisition of the building was privately funded.

“This is about building a vibrant professional community in Fort-Coulonge,” said Bonnerot. “We want to offer professionals a base to open a satellite office or to launch new services locally — without prohibitive costs.”

Photo – On May 1, the Chamber of Commerce opened an office in the new Pontiac business hub, located in the old Desjardins building, in Fort-Coulonge. (BJ)