One of the largest residential housing developments in Hawkesbury in decades is now officially underway.

On Wednesday, November 30, Devcore Group held a ground-breaking ceremony for the Place de la Station project on vacant land located between Nelson and Higginson streets. The development is called Place de la Station because it includes the former site of the Canadian National Railways passenger station.

Gatineau-based Devcore Vice President of Development Daniel Landry said the location is perfect.

“A great site like this, in the heart of town,” he remarked.

Devcore Project Coordinator for Development and Management Celeste Cordonnier said the new neighbourhood will also provide a safe walking space for residents living north of Nelson Street to access the downtown area.

Hawkesbury council adopted the required zoning changes to facilitate the Place de la Station project on October 15, 2022.

“We’re very pleased to be in this town,” said Devcore Managing Partner Nicolas Bouquet.

“This is very considerable for a town like Hawkesbury,” he continued.

Mayor Robert Lefebvre, who was a councillor in 2022 when council adopted the zoning changes for the site, said Place de la Station will address the need for housing and in a strategic location close to the centre of town, the hospital, and shopping areas. Lefebvre said filling the need for new housing needs to be a collaborative effort, and the Place de la Station project is an example of such an effort.

“I love the name,” Lefebvre remarked, referring to the site’s railroad past.

Upon completion, the three-phase $75 million rental community will feature two buildings totaling 150 apartments and four buildings offering 36 townhome-style condos.

The first phase, to be called Les Terrasses de la Station, will include 36 rental condos with two or three bedrooms, private entrance, and private outdoor terrace. Five appliances, a washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, are included.

Phase Two, Block A will contain 65 rental apartments in a variety of layouts (studio, one, two, or three bedrooms), in a five-level building. Phase Two apartments include the electronic smart valet service, temperature control, parcel management, and secure access. The Phase Two, Block A apartments additionally offer parking, heating, air conditioning, and washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

Phase 3, Block B is currently in the design phase, with plans under development. Block B’s common areas will also be accessible to Block A residents.

The prices for rental units in Phase One of Place de la Station will range from $1,000 for a 628 square-foot unit to $3,000 for a two-level 1,200 square-foot unit.

For more information on rental opportunities at Place de la Station in Hawkesbury, go to www.devcore.ca or call 819 663.7777.  A rental office has also been set up at the site.

Phase One Terrasses de la Station illustrations from Devcore