Articles from Le Devoir - Actualités

The article examines the benefits and challenges of real estate investments among friends or family without a legal agreement. It highlights the importance of formalizing these partnerships to address tasks, governance, and investor exit. Although not mandatory, an undivided co-ownership or shareholder agreement can prevent legal and relational issues.

Isabelle Demers, a mayoral candidate in Lévis, staunchly supports building a third link to ease traffic between Lévis and Québec, even with high costs and Québec's opposition. She criticizes the CAQ for lacking commitment and suggests alternatives like expanding Highway 20. Demers pledges to adhere to a strict financial framework while limiting the city's debt without encroaching on agricultural land.

Rimouski is experiencing a residential construction boom, with 1,200 apartments under development to address housing shortages. The current administration, led by Guy Caron, has been instrumental in implementing social and affordable housing programs. With aging infrastructure, the city is looking to finance upgrades through new taxes and is now focusing on transportation accessibility. These issues are significant in the local electoral dynamics ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

A controversial real estate project in Rimouski, which would encroach on a wooded area, has been sidelined due to an excess of housing being constructed elsewhere in the city. Although deemed less urgent, the project remains on hold for possible future housing needs. Previously, the project faced strong public opposition. The municipality plans to focus on downtown densification in its next urban plan.

The new segment of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) linking downtown Montreal to Deux-Montagnes will open on November 17. This expansion will add 14 stations to the existing network and will include three connections to the Montreal metro. The project faced several delays due to the complexity of work in the Mount Royal tunnel. Total project costs are estimated at $9.4 billion.

Quebec's battery sector is facing significant setbacks due to halted projects by Northvolt, GM and POSCO, and Vale SA's withdrawal. These issues are part of a global structural crisis in the battery industry. Additionally, political changes in Newfoundland and Labrador threaten a crucial energy agreement with Quebec. Nonetheless, the Quebec government remains optimistic about the sector's future.

Quebec's lumber producers are facing challenges due to additional import taxes imposed by the United States. Already burdened by high tariffs of 35%, an additional 10% levy exacerbates the economic difficulties for these companies. Options being considered include reducing activities or suspending operations. The Canadian domestic market may provide a partial solution, but it is not enough to compensate for current losses.

Craig Sauvé's Transition Montréal has presented a five-point plan to address Montreal's housing crisis by 2050. The plan includes establishing Bâtir Montréal to build public and community housing. It also proposes measures to protect tenants, diversify housing options, and promote innovation in the sector. A total of 4,000 affordable units are planned annually if elected.

Deep Sky is conducting a carbon sequestration project in Thetford Mines, Quebec, by drilling 1,000 meters underground. Backed by public and private funds, the project aims to sequester 500,000 tons of CO2 annually and sell carbon credits to international companies. The unique geology of Thetford Mines is suitable for CO2 mineralization, a process already used in Iceland. Further project stages require regulatory frameworks in Quebec and environmental assessments.

The article examines how wealth, despite its abundance, is poorly managed by states, leading to chronic deficits and unequal resource distribution. The author emphasizes the need for better wealth governance, focusing on coherence, transparency, and accountability. He argues that states should improve resource management rather than simply seeking more money, especially regarding public contracts. The article stresses that a country's true wealth lies in its ability to convert financial resources into lasting well-being.

Repentigny, a city in Quebec, is struggling to find space for new housing projects due to a shortage of vacant land. The outgoing mayor proposes redeveloping the industrial park with the Avantia project, aiming to build 3,500 to 5,000 new homes. This plan is controversial due to environmental concerns and the infrastructural requirements to support a growing population. Citizens are actively working to safeguard some green spaces from real estate development.

The article highlights the need to make Montreal an inclusive and united city amidst current crises. It suggests actions such as improving social housing, recognizing the homeless as full citizens, and promoting universal accessibility. The Coalition montréalaise des Tables de quartier urges a progressive vision for upcoming municipal elections.