Griffintown project: profitable for Verdun residents, says Georges Bossé

During a recent Council meeting, a resident expressed fears about the survival of business owners with shops in Promenade Wellington with the arrival of what she described as a major commercial centre. She was also wondering if Verdun properties would suffer a loss of value because of the new residential project. Mr. Bossé does not share this fear at all and based his views on the changes that occurred in Verdun in the last decade.

He recalled that ever since the start of efforts to transform and modernise some obsolete dwellings in Verdun, all buildings had actually experienced an increase in their value. “Verdun is one of those boroughs where the municipal evaluation of properties has undergone the highest increase in the last few years”, he pointed out. He observed the same thing in the commercial sector; when a business owner renovates his store, his fellow-merchants do the same.

He confirmed that businesses that will set up shop in the Griffintown project will not constitute a competition for business owners in Promenade Wellington. The Devimco plan will not only welcome thousands of new residents but will also attract numerous tourists and visitors, as well as those in neighbouring areas who wish to discover the new project. And at a few kilometres from this site one finds incomparable views of the river, a magnificent shoreline, green spaces and bike paths – all offering an attractive and peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of downtown. Verdun has an increasing number of excellent restaurants and he observes that there’s a remarkable cultural and artistic vitality. Mr. Bossé cites, as examples, the numerous and increasingly successful concerts and shows that have been staged in the last few years.

For Verdun’s former Mayor, this borough already constitutes a major economic pillar that will definitely profit from the implementation of the new Griffintown Village in close proximity. Things would be different if Verdun was experiencing a decline, but this isn’t the case. In fact everything points to the contrary.

Mr. Bossé believes that the Devimco company project will open new routes for public transport which will be an added advantage for Verdun which already has three metro stations. Moreover, it is known that the developer will contribute $15 million for the installation of a tramway between Griffintown and Peel metro in downtown as well as in Old Montreal.

Mr. Bossé feels proud in promoting the Griffintown Village project, but is still first and foremost, a Verdun resident at heart (in both meanings of the term). He is convinced that the project will generate multiple and positive economic outcomes for “his” borough and that the dynamism and community spirit of its leaders will allow residents and business owners to take full advantage of this development.