Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

CertainTeed Canada has launched CarbonLow, a new line of low-carbon gypsum panels with up to 60% less embodied carbon than traditional panels. These panels are produced at CertainTeed's facility in Quebec, which is transitioning to use only hydroelectric power, becoming North America's first zero-carbon gypsum wallboard plant. The CarbonLow line includes several gypsum solutions for a variety of building applications and requires no changes to standard installation practices. This initiative supports Saint-Gobain’s larger sustainability efforts and aims to encourage the use of sustainable building materials.

In Sainte-Thérèse, Québec, a 12-unit affordable housing building was inaugurated after being reconstructed due to a fire. The project, completed with a budget of $4.46 million, was funded by the Québec government, the Canadian government, and the City of Sainte-Thérèse. The redevelopment aims to offer safe and quality housing for low-income families and includes a community room for social interaction. The construction started on May 6, 2024, and completed by June 30, 2025, with tenants moving in by June 1, 2025.

The city of Trois-Rivières is planning a pioneering solar energy park project. This initiative is considered innovative and has the potential to generate substantial revenue. The project highlights the city's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic growth.

Club Med plans to open a 300-room hotel at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, partnering with Brivia Group and Mont-Tremblant Resort. The project, halted in 2022, is now revived with new investors and funding from a Canadian financial institution. Construction could start in summer 2026, with potential opening by December 2028, and aims to create 300 direct jobs. Club Med emphasizes sustainability and local community integration for this four-season luxury resort.

The Quebec government has initiated consultations on building energy efficiency. These discussions, started on June 16, aim to establish new standards related to the energy performance of buildings, which will cover both renovations and new constructions. These requirements follow the adoption of new legislation on energy standards.

Montréal has acquired 33 housing units in the Ville-Marie district, removing them from the speculative market to ensure affordable living spaces. These units include studios and rooms, initially managed by the Société d'habitation et de développement de Montréal (SHDM) and later by a nonprofit. This acquisition aligns with the city's efforts to achieve 20% non-market housing by 2050 and address the housing crisis through Loger + measures. These measures support the construction and preservation of affordable housing in the city.

Jadco has started construction on Équinoxe Bois-Franc, a zero-carbon multi-family residential project, in Saint-Laurent, Quebec. This $225-million development aligns with Jadco’s environmental and social governance goals, seeking Zero Carbon Building Performance Standard along with LEED and BOMA certifications. The project features two buildings with a total of 525 units, set to be completed in two phases by 2026, including renewable energy systems and green roofs. The project also emphasizes sustainability with elements like bicycle storage and urban gardens.

The Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, has announced the start of a project to modernize the management of religious heritage in Quebec. This initiative aims to make interventions more predictable, update funding criteria, and enhance cooperation between partners. The Council of Religious Heritage of Quebec (CPRQ) will play a significant role in the project, evaluating projects based on urgency and the risk to people's safety or building sustainability. These investments require government approval.

The Montreal-based company Boralex has announced its strategic plan for 2030, aiming to invest eight billion by then. The company will host an investor day in Toronto, where they will outline their roadmap. This highlights Boralex's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. The investment is poised to enhance the company's footprint in the energy sector.

Montréal is participating in the latest edition of the Reinventing Cities initiative, focusing on a project at 150 Louvain Street West in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough. The project falls within a transportation-oriented planning area and is recognized as a metropolitan innovation zone. The main theme of the call for projects is 'Quartier des proximités', which suggests a focus on local proximity and community development.

The Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) will continue its public hearing on July 8, 2025, regarding the wind farm projects in Saint-Paul-de-Montminy and the Forêt Domaniale in the MRC of Montmagny, Québec. This session will focus on hearing written and verbal submissions from the public, municipalities, and organizations. Participants are encouraged to register in advance and submit their opinions by July 3, 2025. The BAPE has four months to submit its report to the Minister of the Environment, Benoit Charette, who will then have 15 days to make it public.

The article features architect Ron Rayside, who is noted for his work on social and affordable housing projects in Montreal's east end. He recently received the 'Coup de cœur' award at the ESTim gala, recognizing his commitment to combining architecture with social involvement. Rayside discusses the challenges of rising construction costs, the importance of state support, and how architecture can fight gentrification while enhancing neighborhood beauty. He emphasizes the importance of coupling aesthetic and economic accessibility in housing projects.