URBANIA 2: A New Green Residential Project Minutes from Laval's Montmorency Metro Station

LAVAL, QC, Nov. 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Société de développement Urbania and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ have teamed up once again, this time on a condominium project called Urbania 2. The announcement was made this morning by the project's developer, Sébastien Lessard, the president and chief executive officer of the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ, Normand Bélanger, and David De Cotis, vice-chairman of Laval's Executive Committee and interim president and executive director of LAVAL TECHNOPOLE.

Capitalizing on the potential of the area, which revolves around transit-oriented development, this new residential project will be strategically located at the intersection of Émile-Martineau and Lucien-Paiement Streets. Set on a 69,000 sq. ft. lot, the first contemporary-style tower will be a two-minute walk from the Montmorency metro station, the Université de Montréal campus, stores and the future Place Bell. It will offer 212 condo units on 16 floors and 222 parking spaces. When completed, Urbania 2 could have as many as six buildings and 1,150 condos.

"We own an exceptional property consisting of two lots totalling 565,000 square feet, which will be developed into a mix of residential, commercial and office buildings. This first tower of Urbania 2, valued at almost $51 million, allows us to continue our business relationship with a quality developer with whom we already partnered for 635 out of the 750 condos in the first phase. Most importantly, this project will create nearly 340 jobs," said Mr. Bélanger.

"Given the success of Phase 1, we're looking forward to this next phase. The units have been designed to meet the needs of different clienteles, from young families to single retirees. We will therefore be offering one- to three-bedroom condos, two-storey maisonettes, and penthouses. We are aiming for a high-quality green project that meets the latest environmental standards. For example, electric car owners will have access to charging stations, the building will have a green roof, the plumbing fixtures will be water efficient and a waste sorting system will be available. A number of buyers have already expressed interest in Urbania 2, and we are therefore planning to break ground next spring," said Mr. Lessard.

"The Laval economy is doing well, and based on feedback from local real estate developers, there are a number of projects in the pipeline, meaning profitable years lie ahead. Developers can capitalize on the area around the metro and the future Place Bell, slated for densification in our urban development plan, which was designed to optimize the service offer to residents," said Mr. De Cotis.

Urbania 2 will be a haven for nature enthusiasts, who will be able to enjoy an interior courtyard with a waterfall, walking trails, running paths, leisure space, gardening and a playground. Bicycle racks will be available as well as vehicles from Communauto. "This project is perfectly in line with our corporate values. Offering access to Communauto's services, public transit and shopping makes it easier for residents to adopt a green lifestyle," said Marco Viviani, the car-sharing company's director of development and public relations.

About LAVAL TECHNOPOLE (www.lavaltechnopole.com)
LAVAL TECHNOPOLE is mandated by the City of Laval to promote and ensure the economic development of the City by attracting investments, hosting companies and supporting businesses on its territory.

About the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ
Created in 1991, 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. The Fonds immobilier backs residential, office, commercial, institutional and industrial projects of all sizes across Québec. At May 31, 2014, the Fonds immobilier had 30 projects in progress, 30 properties under management, 18 million square feet of land and $53 million invested in affordable, social and community housing. Visit www.fondsimmobilierftq.com

Image with caption: "Urbania 2: a Société de développement Urbania and Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ project in Laval (CNW Group/Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141118_C6953_PHOTO_EN_8197.jpg

Image with caption: "Urbania 2: a Société de développement Urbania and Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ project in Laval (CNW Group/Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141118_C6953_PHOTO_EN_8198.jpg

SOURCE: Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ

Josée Massicotte, Telephone: [phone], [email protected]; Josée Lagacé, Josée Lagacé, Director, Communications and Marketing, Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ, Telephone: [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]