Destination Vanier Project: Public Information Session

Following recent concerns about the Destination Vanier project, the real estate developer (Québec Inc. 2869 4289) and BBL Construction organized a public presentation on Thursday, February 20 at the Plateau Community Centre. Present on site, Sylvain Bertrand, President of BBL, wanted to show how his project integrates the best environmental, energy-efficient and sustainable practices. 

To do so, large panels were set up around the room showing various views of the site, as well as the future buildings in perspective. The public could move from one panel to another and ask questions to the professionals present, such as architects (Lapalme Rheault) or urban planners (Fahey). Thus, it was learned that the use of regional and sustainable, but also recycled, materials will be favoured and that the concept of a white roof aimed at reducing heat islands will be implemented. Some citizens, informed that 300 trees were to be planted on the site, asked questions about the species selected. Since the choice has not yet been made, the people present suggested native species. A sign was also dedicated to active mobility and public transit: it showed the project’s connection with the planned tramway line (western structuring transportation). 

When asked about the project’s progress, Mr Bertrand mentioned that the construction phase, which began in the fall, will soon continue with the geotechnical study to build the new street linking Vanier and Katimavik streets. He noted that not all phases of the project have yet been approved by the City, such as the 10-storey high-rise building designed to densify the housing stock. 

Despite all the aspects worthy of interest mentioned above, nothing flamboyant emerges from this project, which is definitely not very innovative. It remains in the traditional SmartCentres tradition. 

The effort to open up the project’s promoters must be underlined. The media were there. On the other hand, the same cannot be said of the citizen presence: citizens seem less inclined to come and talk to each other in person than to express themselves on social media. (Trad)