Rimouski, July 7, 2014 – Groupe Drapeau and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ are pleased to announce their partnership for the construction of a mixed-use retail and office building at 160 rue de l’évêché Ouest in Rimouski. The announcement was made in the presence of Rimouski Mayor Éric Forest.
Located on a 36,200-sq-ft lot in an area conducive to business and near a hospital, City Hall and Rimouski’s main commercial arteries, the four-story building will offer 34,300 square feet of rental space and can accommodate up to 10 tenants. It will also offer 66 outdoor parking spaces. Construction began last fall and occupancy is slated for the end of the year.
“We are very enthusiastic about this partnership because it is an excellent opportunity for us, not only where this property is concerned but for future projects as well. It is also a great fit because our respective teams both place quality and customer satisfaction at the forefront and complement each other in terms of expertise,” said Gonzague Drapeau, president of Groupe Drapeau.
“Our $2.5 million investment in this project attests to the active presence of the Fonds régional solidarité FTQ team in Rimouski and is in keeping with our goal to boost our presence in every city in Québec and in all real estate segments: residential, commercial, office and industrial. The way we achieve this goal is by teaming up with well-established local developers like Groupe Drapeau, which has been in business for over 30 years. And as an added bonus, this project will create almost 70 jobs,” said Normand Bélanger, President and CEO of the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ.
“We’re proud to say that with over 300 businesses and a booming industrial base fuelled by the construction industry, the Rimouski economy is faring well. Our city is competitive, open to the world and capable of attracting investors, which is good for our developers. I welcome this partnership between a home grown company and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ,” concluded Rimouski Mayor Éric Forest.
Several lease agreements have already been confirmed, notably with Pharmaprix, clinique de prélèvements Sang Délai, clinique de médecine familiale de Rimouski, the legal firm BSL - Roy Boudreau Bélanger and insurance company PMT ROY.
About Groupe Drapeau
Founded in the mid 1980s, Groupe Drapeau is a residential and commercial developer that stands out for the quality and unique character of its projects. The company has been a leader in the field for over 30 years and has succeeded in branching out into different areas without losing sight of its values: a human approach, personalized service and a level of professionalism that sets it apart in the region.
About the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ
Created in 1991 by the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ promotes economic growth and employment in Québec by strategically investing in profitable and socially responsible real estate projects in partnership with other industry leaders. At November 30, 2013, the Fonds immobilier had 31 projects in progress, 30 properties under management, 19 million ft2 of land, and $43 million allocated to affordable, social and community housing. To learn more, visit fondsimmobilierftq.com.
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Information for media representatives :
Geneviève Dionne,
Groupe Drapeau
Josée Lagacé, Director, Communication and Marketing
Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ
Phone : 514 847-5710
Mobile: 514 707-5180
Email: jlagace@fondsimmobilierftq.com