Brigil Opens Le Columbia: 235 New Homes in Gatineau

Official Launch of Le Columbia: A Landmark Community in Hull

Under the watchful eyes of political figures, media representatives, and members of the Montfort family, Brigil officially inaugurated Le Columbia. This brand-new 20-story community, located at 388 Saint-Joseph Boulevard in Hull, offers 235 rental units in a vibrant building that harmoniously blends the past, present, and future.

Residents of Le Columbia will enjoy hotel-style living at home with all-inclusive amenities and over 9,000 sq. ft. of common spaces, including a rooftop urban chalet with stunning city views, a fully equipped fitness center, a social lounge, and two outdoor terraces.

Situated in the heart of Hull’s cultural and economic district, Le Columbia offers an unmatched urban location. Within a “15-minute neighborhood,” residents have convenient access to local services and a robust transit network. The community is minutes from Ottawa, nearby bike paths, and walking distance to numerous amenities including Les Galeries de Hull, pharmacies, Hull Hospital (less than 1 km away), grocery stores, restaurants, Gatineau Park, and the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Heritage Preservation at the Core
Le Columbia reflects Brigil’s commitment to preserving and showcasing architectural heritage. By protecting this local historical gem, Brigil pays tribute to Philemon Wright, the founder of Hull, and honors the 1837 stone house known as the Ferme Columbia.

Quotes
"I was 14 when I fell in love with this historic Georgian-style house, which was a restaurant at the time. In the early 2000s, when the property went on sale, I envisioned not only preserving the farm but also integrating the historic building into the project. In most large projects, developers place a work of art at the entrance; in the case of Le Columbia, the Farm itself fulfills that role perfectly," says Gilles Desjardins, Founder of Brigil.

"Le Columbia is the perfect opportunity to highlight the contributions of visionaries like Philemon Wright and Gilles Desjardins," adds Jessy Desjardins, VP, Development & Design at Brigil. "Both believed in the enormous potential of our region and took concrete actions to demonstrate that Gatineau is a great place to live."

"Le Columbia is an important addition to the neighborhood," says Marc Bureau, City Councillor for Parc-de-la-Montagne–Saint-Raymond. "The residents of this complete community will help energize Saint-Joseph Boulevard, support local businesses, and reduce reliance on cars."

Key Facts

• Brigil invested nearly $1 million to secure and protect the Ferme Columbia’s foundation during construction and to create a rooftop terrace accessible to all, fostering a seamless connection with the historic farm.
• A historic timber beam from the log-driving era and stones from the farm’s retaining wall have been repurposed in the Columbia lobby.
• Le Columbia offers over 9,000 sq. ft. of common spaces, including a welcoming lobby, fitness center, social lounge, rooftop terrace, and an amphitheater-style exterior terrace encircling the tower.
• Part of Brigil’s prestigious Apogée Collection, Le Columbia provides high-end, all-inclusive apartments that embody hotel-style living at home.

About Brigil
Brigil is a leading real estate company in Canada’s National Capital Region. Since 1985, the company has built over 14,000 homes and currently manages nearly 4,000 rental units, with 2,000 under construction. With significant land holdings, Brigil plans to build more than 44,000 strategically located homes over the next 20 years across 40 communities on both sides of the Ottawa River.

Brigil contributes to alleviating the housing crisis while creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. The company is led by founder Gilles Desjardins, alongside his two sons, Jessy and Kevin, supported by a team of 300 professionals. Gilles Desjardins received the Grand Bâtisseur Award from APCHQ Outaouais and was recognized as one of Quebec’s greatest philanthropists, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General in 2018. His mission goes beyond building — Brigil is a civic builder.

For more information: marketing@brigil.com

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