Real estate investment and development firm Groupe HD has announced plans for a new residential project on the site of the former YWCA building at 1355 René-Lévesque Blvd West in downtown Montreal. An investment of more than $200-million(Cdn), the project will include the construction of a rental residential building with over 400 units, spanning 30 storeys, and a commercial component at street level. “Downtown remains a key hub of Montreal,” said Thomas Dugour, Co-President of Groupe HD. “We believe in its capacity to evolve and in the importance of maintaining a high-quality residential offering. This project is part of a long-term vision aimed at actively contributing to its vitality.” The demolition of the existing building, which has become fully obsolete, following the relocation of YWCA activities in April 2025, is fully approved, enabling construction of the new project to commence in Fall 2026. Private real estate company, CPD Developments, a Montreal-based company that develops, acquires, and manages shopping centres in the Greater Montréal area, as well as in Ottawa and Toronto, is a financial partner in the project. (Groupe HD – www.groupehdimmobilier.ca) & (CPD Developments – www.cpd-developments.com)………….
Shortly after publishing our report on Wednesday on the Homers Boite a Beignes/Homie’s Doughnuts, its opening in Morningside Crossing in Scarborough and its coming openings in London, Ottawa and Brampton in Ontario, we learned that Kaleem Rehman at Titan York Realty Corp. in Toronto is responsible for the chain’s Ontario real estate sourcing. (Titan York Realty – Kaleem Rehman – 416/477-7376 krehman@titanyork.com)………..
Statistics Canada reports that retail sales increased 0.7 percent to $72.1 billion in February, driven largely by stronger activity at new and used car dealers. Economists noted continued consumer resilience, with early estimates suggesting a further 0.6 percent gain in March. However, rising inflation—particularly higher energy prices—indicates that part of the growth reflects price increases rather than stronger demand. While this may pressure purchasing power, it is not expected to significantly weaken overall consumption. Broader economic growth is still forecast to remain below trend due to factors such as slow population growth and trade challenges. Sales rose across most subsectors, with gains in general merchandise, food and beverage, and clothing, while building materials and garden supply stores experienced a slight decline. (Statistics Canada – www.statcan.gc.ca)…………….
The Distillery Historic District has expanded its retail offering with the opening of The Cooperage Marketplace, a 4,305 square foot shopping destination that brings together seven independent, founder-led Canadian businesses under one roof. Located in a restored 1860s cooperage building once used for whisky barrel production and repair, the marketplace blends heritage with modern retail. The concept introduces new brands alongside three existing tenants that have expanded into larger spaces, offering a curated mix of fashion, accessories, jewelry, gourmet food, and specialty goods. Existing tenants Toronto Pen Shoppe, Orso Activewear and Millicent Vee Knits are being joined by stainless steel jewelry specialist KINDSUNDAY, upscale clothing, accessories and vintage jewelry concept Lilith’s Garden, gift, jewelry, accessory and engraving operation Love, Calista and Kovacic Truffles, a gourmet food brand. Designed as an incubator for small businesses, the marketplace provides flexible retail opportunities while enhancing the visitor experience through direct interaction with artisans and their stories. Its success has already prompted plans to replicate the concept elsewhere in the district. Architecturally, the project emphasizes preservation and adaptive reuse. Original features—including exposed brick, timber beams, historic vaults, and even fire-scorched elements—have been retained, while modern additions like glass storefronts and replica windows introduce natural light and functionality. Thoughtful design elements, such as dual entrances and interconnected pathways, create a seamless flow through the space, reinforcing its role as both a retail hub and immersive historical environment. (The Distillery Historic District – www.thedistillerydistrict.com)………….
The Good and the Not-so-Good……….
Strangely enough, I received a number of unexpected responses to my comments in last Monday’s issue regarding the use of brokers.
Understandably, several of these comments found their way into my ‘Tongue-in-Cheek’ basket, however, there were quite a few remarks that strongly pointed out that ‘there are good brokers and there are some not-so-good brokers’. While some of the negative feedback related to abilities, a surprising number criticized business practices.
Most agreed that skipping a broker can mean missing market insights, off-market opportunities, and negotiation leverage but it seems that the selection process is more important though often overlooked. Maybe that’s something we need to take a closer look at…………What do you think?
Have a great week……….