The Valois Village area in Pointe Claire is getting a badly needed shot in the arm - a 320 condo unit development is going up on the long abandoned land on Donegani Ave. near Sources Blvd. that used to be a strip mall.
Six-storey condo units are part of the four-phase, four-building project that will feature underground parking, a pool, a gym and roof-top terraces. Nine-storey buildings will be built in the last two phases which will include businesses.
"We're looking at grocery stores, pharmacies, coffee shops, restaurants; those are the kinds of commercial establishments that the city of Pointe Claire would like to see," said Mike Colacone, sales director for Condos KUBIK. Pointe Claire's master plan for the area aims at reviving it.
Colacone said living near the train station, airport and highway is attractive for some buyers but admits the noise from all that isn't a selling point for others.
"That's the biggest obstacle that we're going to face when people are coming there to visit," said Colacone in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
Colacone said they plan on soundproofing measures including a raised barrier near the train tracks if they work out a deal with CP Rail.
Colacone said he's convinced that after speaking with potential buyers and residents in the area, the positives outweigh the negatives.
"(They're) saying we love Valois, the trains, the planes, yes, they're there but you know what, it's not as bad as people may think. You actually learn to live with it," said Colacone.
Construction is expected to start this fall with the first delivery of condos next fall. The developers are awaiting their construction permit.
"I think it would really be good for the village," said Diane Hodge, manager of British food shop Bramble House on Donegani.
Hodge was less certain about the possibility of chain stores moving in.
"I don't know how much people are going to be excited about to have chains move in because there's already a local pharmacy," said Hodges.
"If we want an influx of people, we have to accept that comes with a price."
Colacone said the condos range from 630 - 800 sq. ft. one-bedroom units to 900 - 1200 sq. ft. two-bedroom units, priced starting at $215,000 to $400,000.