Zibi Gatineau Quebec | U/C

[rocketphish]

Hundreds flock to launch of Zibi mid-river condo project

Anaïs Voski, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: May 30, 2015, Last Updated: May 30, 2015 5:30 PM EDT


Crowds line up for Zibi's grand launch on Saturday.

Interest was high in the much-anticipated Zibi condo project, as hundreds of people lined up to attend the sales launch on Saturday.

And within hours of the unveiling, more than a dozen apartments were sold in the first six-story building called “O.”

The name of the 65-unit building is, in part, a play on the French word for water, eau, as the first building has prime views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, Chaudière Falls and downtown Ottawa.

Condos in the unit ranged in price from $190,000 to about $750,000, depending on amenities and buyers should be able to move in by the spring of 2017.


Red marks the spot for sold condos in the 65-unit ‘O’ building in the Zibi development.

The Zibi project is the Windmill Development Group and Dream Unlimited Corp.’s large-scale sustainable development and redevelopment project on the dilapidated site of the former Domtar property, between Ottawa and Gatineau.

The name ‘Zibi’ – the Algonquin word for river – is recognition of the Algonquin presence in the region and their inclusion in the project. Just last week, Windmill vowed to provide jobs and collaborate with the local Algonquin people.

“Being included in this project and event is a great opportunity. I’m happy to be a part of something that will take these old buildings and make them into something beautiful,” said Marie-Cecile Nottaway, owner of Wawatay Catering.

“We’ve been told that we’re the only private sector developer to ever approach the local native communities and we recognize what a critical component that is,” said Windmill partner Rodney Wilts.

Wilts added that Zibi aims to be one the world’s greenest communities, with almost one-quarter of the mixed-use residential and commercial site as green space, including bike paths and parks.


Visitors check out the site plan for Zibi’s massive project on the old Domtar lands.

“People care about sustainability and the location. There are about a 130,000 jobs within a 15-minute walk along the river, and there’s an amazing view. It’s very central. It’s also an opportunity to live close to cafés and plazas,” he said.

People were able to choose their preferences on large screens and have their plans printed onsite or emailed to them. The event included not only sales and condo planning, but also various activities such as an art demo and hockey games for the kids.

The project is expected to cost a total of $1.2 billion, with 1,200 condos built in the upcoming 12 to 15 years.

http://ottawacitizen.com/life/homes/condos/hundreds-flock-to-launch-of-zibi-mid-river-condo-project

[citydwlr]

According to Windmill's Twitter feed, the project did very well for the first day:

Sales @zibiCanada are going well! Don't miss out, come by today! #zibiishere



2:22 PM - 30 May 2015

I counted about 27 units with red stickers on them. Are these considered final sales, or are they conditional sales/reservations?

[cr872190]

Originally Posted by citydwlr

According to Windmill's Twitter feed, the project did very well for the first day:



I counted about 27 units with red stickers on them. Are these considered final sales, or are they conditional sales/reservations?

They aren't considered final sales until the 10 day cooling off period is completed. They probably put a red sticker indicating a deposit has been made, I have never seen reservations or 'holds' put on launch day.

[1overcosc]

Originally Posted by canabiz

Curious to hear which province is more tax-advantageous, from a rental property perspective?

Quebec has lower electricity rates and property taxes, but higher income taxes and higher sales tax.

So I'd say for lower-end units where the tenants are not buying much if any income tax, they'd be more attracted to the Quebec side, if they were being optimal.

However, there is a stigma against the "dark side".. most people apartment-hunting or house-hunting in Ottawa never even consider moving north.

[teej1984]

OH yay, I made the pictures on their Facebook page * party *! I was absolutely shocked by the prices for Hull! When they say starting at 199k$ they're talking about one model of studios. The majority we're over 300k$!

[Mikeed]

Originally Posted by 1overcosc

However, there is a stigma against the "dark side".. most people apartment-hunting or house-hunting in Ottawa never even consider moving north.

I think a large part of that is the fact if you're most significant residential ties are in Quebec then you become a resident of Quebec in the eyes of CRA and the government. Eventually (legally it's the moment you move)- your OHIP, drivers licence, ect. would all have to be changed to Quebec.

So it's fine if you want to move to Quebec, but it is a whole other province. If you work in television/media you'd basically be ineligible for work as the Ontario tax credits wouldn't apply towards your labour.

http://www.dorislaw.com/?PGID=13&ARID=240

So less so prejudice towards the "dark side", and more so a distaste for the jurisdictional complexity.

[HighwayStar]

Originally Posted by canabiz

Curious to hear which province is more tax-advantageous, from a rental property perspective?

Renting or buying.. the income tax is based on "province of residence" and it quickly becomes significant... at $50k salary it's several hundred dollars a month more.. and just goes up from there...

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by 1overcosc

Quebec has lower electricity rates and property taxes, but higher income taxes and higher sales tax.

So I'd say for lower-end units where the tenants are not buying much if any income tax, they'd be more attracted to the Quebec side, if they were being optimal.

.

If we're talking about buyers, by the time you reach the low (and zero) income tax brackets in Quebec, these aren't people who are going to be buying condos. Even at 199K.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by HighwayStar

Renting or buying.. the income tax is based on "province of residence" and it quickly becomes significant... at $50k salary it's several hundred dollars a month more.. and just goes up from there...

Yes and this is one of the reasons many especially young professional people don't generally consider the Quebec side.

For this project though I wouldn't be surprised if the prices are the same and there is actually more demand for the Gatineau portion of the project. A lot of Quebecers would never consider living in in Ontario. This will be by far the best urban hip walkable neighborhood (frankly maybe the only) that allows you to still live in Quebec. Whereas on the Ontario side you can already buy a condo in the Market. Centretown, or in Westboro so there is more competition. The Quebec side is really a unique opportunity for young professionals and baby boomers who want a condo and don't want to leave Quebec.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Yes and this is one of the reasons many especially young professional people don't generally consider the Quebec side.

For this project though I wouldn't be surprised if the prices are the same and there is actually more demand for the Gatineau portion of the project. A lot of Quebecers would never consider living in in Ontario. This will be by far the best urban hip walkable neighborhood (frankly maybe the only) that allows you to still live in Quebec. Whereas on the Ontario side you can already buy a condo in the Market. Centretown, or in Westboro so there is more competition. The Quebec side is really a unique opportunity for young professionals and baby boomers who want a condo and don't want to leave Quebec.

There is a decent-sized population segment that wants to stay in Quebec in this metro but it's considerably smaller than the group that wants to stay in Ontario.

So my guess is that it will always drive down prices on the Quebec side (including at Zibi).

The advantages of living in Quebec are mostly geared to young working families as well, and that's not nececessarily your prime buyer demographic for a project like Zibi.

[Boxster]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Yes and this is one of the reasons many especially young professional people don't generally consider the Quebec side.

For this project though I wouldn't be surprised if the prices are the same and there is actually more demand for the Gatineau portion of the project. A lot of Quebecers would never consider living in in Ontario. This will be by far the best urban hip walkable neighborhood (frankly maybe the only) that allows you to still live in Quebec. Whereas on the Ontario side you can already buy a condo in the Market. Centretown, or in Westboro so there is more competition. The Quebec side is really a unique opportunity for young professionals and baby boomers who want a condo and don't want to leave Quebec.

Quite a few young professionals bought into Le VIU on Laurier.
Some walk to downtown Ottawa or Gatineau for work and the market area is a 12 minute walk.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by Boxster

Quite a few young professionals bought into Le VIU on Laurier.
Some walk to downtown Ottawa or Gatineau for work and the market area is a 12 minute walk.

Very nice building with of course great views and top notch finishes. But, 12 minutes is a pretty brisk pace more like 20. Either way it is near lost of stuff but not in the middle of a vibrant urban neighbourood like Zibi will be.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by Mikeed

I think a large part of that is the fact if you're most significant residential ties are in Quebec then you become a resident of Quebec in the eyes of CRA and the government. Eventually (legally it's the moment you move)- your OHIP, drivers licence, ect. would all have to be changed to Quebec.
.

It's actually based on where your primary place of residence is on Dec. 31. That's where you are a resident for the purposes of provincial income tax for the entire year leading up to that date.

[Boxster]

Originally Posted by YOWetal

Very nice building with of course great views and top notch finishes. But, 12 minutes is a pretty brisk pace more like 20. Either way it is near lost of stuff but not in the middle of a vibrant urban neighbourood like Zibi will be.

You are right.

Google walk says 19 minutes to the beginning of Murray St.

I guess I walk fast.

[1overcosc]

Kirby Whiteduck: The Algonquin people don't need to be saved from the Zibi project

There has been a lot of very warranted attention on First Nations issues lately, particularly following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report.

While I don’t wish to dwell on the past or the conditions of our communities, the truth is that the Algonquin Nation has been virtually invisible in the heart of Canada’s capital, and it is fair to say that First Nations and non-First Nations people do not know each other very well in this region.

Reconciliation will require a new and positive way for both cultures to relate harmoniously and collaboratively, creating a sense of togetherness of which few examples exist today to be inspired by.

Yet one such example is emerging right in the core of the National Capital: Zibi, expected to be the world’s most environmentally and socially sustainable community.

With the deep connections and inroads that are being built between Windmill Developments and the Algonquin-Anishinabe communities, Zibi is a precedent-setting and landmark opportunity for a new model of collaboration.

Through arts, culture, jobs, training, youth mentorships, and the formal recognition that the site is on unceded Algonquin territory, Zibi will be a meaningful and authentic manifestation of the influence and presence of the Algonquin Nation in the heart of the nation’s capital — a vibrant living space and development model that encourages cross-cultural integrity and inclusion.

Windmill has offered a hand in friendship and we have accepted it. By choosing to partner on Zibi, we are proud to exercise our community’s right to self-determination, as enshrined in Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which states that indigenous people are free to pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

Unfortunately, there are some who doubt the ability of Algonquin-Anishinabe to make decisions in the best interest of our people.

I speak of a small but vocal number of groups and individuals that have come out speaking against the Zibi project, purportedly on behalf of the Algonquin-Anishinabe. I note that most within this movement are not First Nations, let alone Algonquin, yet they are aggressively advocating for the conversion of the Zibi land on Chaudière and Albert Islands to park land, and returned to the stewardship of the Algonquin people.

Ironically, the groups and individuals behind this campaign have not consulted the Algonquin-Anishinabe community before taking this position on our behalf. Had they consulted us, we would have asked them to support our decision to partner with Windmill: a decision made by Algonquin Anishinabe for Algonquin Anishinabe within Algonquin Anishinabe territory.

Instead, they criticize and demean people and the positive relationships developing between cultures, and they do so in our name. They even fundraise to support what is in reality ‘their’ cause.

Perhaps these groups do not realize their aggressive lobby campaign undermine ‘our’ right to self-determination.

To see Zibi as simply a greedy condo project, a meagre job generator or a dubious financial transaction is to miss the bigger, more positive story of reconciliation. Working in partnership with the private sector is the only option that can deliver true and lasting benefits to current and future generations (see www.zibi-i-site.ca).

In today’s spirit of truth and reconciliation, our people are eager to heal from the past and rebuild a positive relationship between First Nations and non-First Nations. Non-First Nations who want to support us in this endeavour (and I believe this to be the majority) need to seriously evaluate whether their actions help or hinder.

Kirby Whiteduck is Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, situated on the shores of the Bonnechere River and Golden Lake in Renfrew County, Ontario. Among other pursuits, Chief Whiteduck is the author of Algonquin Traditional Culture, published in 2002. His book details the traditional culture of the Algonquins of the Kitchissippi Valley at the early period of European contact.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...t-need-to-be-saved-from-the-zibi-project

[rocketphish]

Hydro-Québec contract a first step for Algonquin tradespeople

Elizabeth Payne, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: October 15, 2015 | Last Updated: October 15, 2015 4:50 PM EDT

A construction company from the Kitigan Zibi First Nation has been awarded a $4.5 million contract with Hydro-Québec, which its owner says is a first step to breaking down barriers for Algonquin workers in the province.

The contract will allow Decontie Construction to create 20 new jobs for Algonquin tradespeople dismantling the abandoned Corbeau Hydroelectric Station next to the reserve near Maniwaki, said company president Andrew Decontie. It is the company’s first off-reserve project.

Decontie Construction is working with Milestone Environmental Contracting and DemoPLUS on the Hydro-Québec project. The companies will also join forces to work on the Zibi project on the former Domtar lands on islands in the Ottawa River and the Gatineau shoreline. Jeff Westeinde, chairman of Windmill Developments which is leading the Zibi project, is also a director of Milestone Environmental Contracting.

Decontie said he was inspired to get into the construction business because of the number of workers from Kitigan Zibi who had to travel to the United States during the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s to find work. Decontie said his father was among them.

“They had to leave. What we want to do is inspire the youth to know they can have a future in the trades and lead the way.”

Windmill, which has an Algonquin advisory group, has been working with Quebec and Ontario labour ministries and unions to employ Algonquin workers on the massive Zibi redevelopment. There have long been barriers to Algonquin workers’ getting the experience and credentials they need to work in Quebec.

Zibi, the residential, retail and business community on the islands surrounding Chaudière Falls, is expected to be among the greenest projects in North America. Plans for it include a driverless shuttle bus service.

The development project has the support of two Ontario Algonquin groups. Several other Quebec Algonquin communities, and individuals oppose the development. The land around the falls and the nearby islands has long been considered sacred by First Nations.

[email protected]

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...-a-first-step-for-algonquin-tradespeople

[J.OT13]

My prediction: Zibi will never see the light of day.

A few months ago, I visited the Zibi sales centre and took home some literature. At the time, I thought the prices were way out of whack, but I still asked to be added to the list for those studios with a partial bedroom-ish.

This week, the guy called me to let me know a corner of the buikding was realigned to add studio units to answer the high demand. 6 new units for 16 people on the list.

Today, he sent me the plans and price list. For 473 square feet, prices range from $220,891 to $244,068. You can get a bitchin' place with a full bedroom for that price, even in Ottawa.

So I responded. Names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved:

"Good evening Mr. Alphonso,

Thank you for sending me this information however, I will have to decline. When I asked to be added to the list, I was hoping to invest around $180,000 to $200,000 in such a unit, more in line with Windmill's original pricing a few months ago. I find the new prices extremely unreasonable; they would even be out of line in Downtown Ottawa, let alone in over-taxed, politically unstable Québec. I'm sure a few other people on your waiting list will express similar sentiments.

I wish you and the Zibi partners the best of luck with this project.

Peter Parker"

[citydwlr]

That's unfortunate! Price rises so soon after the launch?

If it helps any, I did receive an email from Windmill about the new Ottawa condo project at Zibi called "Kanaal". There will be a "Grand Launch" on November 7th between 10am and 2pm. No word on pricing, but it did say:

Located on Ottawa’s Chaudiere Island and designed by Barry J. Hobin & Associates Architects Inc., Kanaal is a stunning collection of 61 condos and stacked towns.

I think this is where you register to attend the event: http://www.zibi.ca/zibi-ottawa-kanaal-is-coming/

[DEWLine]

"Politically unstable Québec"?

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by DEWLine

"Politically unstable Québec"?

The whole sovereignty movement.