Ottawa-Gatineau: an innovative approach to local sustainability!

A New Generation of Residential Builders Embraces Sustainability

A new generation of residential developers is taking a fresh look at sustainability, adopting a creative and holistic approach to create low-impact communities that integrate both built and natural landscapes. Since its founding in 1985, Brigil, a leader in this field, has prioritized high-quality, sustainable construction. In recent years, the company has placed particular emphasis on designing walkable neighborhoods that respect both local heritage and the environment.

"When people think about sustainability, they usually associate it with energy-efficient upgrades or the origin of materials," explains Jessy Desjardins, a real estate developer at Brigil. "But as a developer, our responsibility goes far beyond that."

The founder’s sons, Jessy and Kevin Desjardins, bring new ideas and perspectives to the company while taking on increasingly important responsibilities.

"It’s not just about the buildings we construct," Jessy adds, "it’s about where we build them."

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The Columbia Farmhouse

Built in 1835 by Philemon Wright, founder of the township of Hull, the Columbia Farmhouse reflects the Georgian architectural style of its era and serves as an important local landmark.

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Protecting Green Spaces

A key element of Brigil’s approach to sustainability is preserving mature trees and maintaining as many green spaces as possible for residents.

Located just a few kilometers from downtown Ottawa, Champlain Urban Village is one of the developer’s newest projects, combining residential and commercial spaces, including local restaurants and shops. Plans include protecting various existing trees and wetlands, and the neighborhood will be well-served by public transit. Brigil also ensures the design of a compact, pedestrian-friendly community—a “15-minute neighborhood” where residents can easily walk to stores and services for daily needs.

"It’s density for sustainability," notes Jessy Desjardins. "Rather than focusing on car accessibility, we emphasize walkability and bikeability," pointing out that private vehicles are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec. "This project includes plenty of public spaces, wide sidewalks, attractive street planters, and preserves more than 30% of the trees and ponds in the area."

Similarly, another Brigil community, Domaine du Vieux-Port overlooking the Gatineau River, features mature trees preserved during construction. This residential project also borders a forest that could potentially become an urban maple grove, explains Desjardins. "We worked with forestry engineers to identify every tree and ensure that future phases would not disrupt existing plant life," he adds, noting that the team hopes to one day explore the possibility of producing maple syrup from the forest’s trees.

"It’s about creating a contrast between urban life and the natural landscape. We want to embody the idea of bringing nature back into our cities."

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Preserving Heritage

Brigil’s Columbia condominium tower, located on Boulevard Saint-Joseph in Gatineau, will feature high-end amenities such as a rooftop terrace and spa, while integrating a historical local gem: the iconic Columbia Farmhouse.

With the farmhouse prominently situated in front of the new condominium, this Brigil project blends old and new. Built in 1835 by Philemon Wright, founder of the township of Hull, the farmhouse is a local landmark reflecting the Georgian architectural style of the period, says Michel Prévost, president of the Outaouais Historical Society.

"Protecting the building is one thing, but promoting history and heritage is another, which Brigil is striving to do," he says. "The company knows it must respect the structural past, and the construction process must be carefully planned to do so."

The construction team has taken every precaution to limit vibrations or movement of the house and has reinforced the foundation to ensure its stability.

Additionally, to highlight the historical significance of the site, the developer engaged the community to gather stories, photos, and illustrations of the building. The goal is to create plaques around the site to tell the story of the Columbia Farmhouse, notes Prévost.

"I think most residents who live there won’t fully appreciate the significance of the site," he adds. "By integrating archival photos and giving the building a name linked to its heritage, we help educate new residents about its history."