REZ Real Estate unveils District Union, a $900 million multi-residential and multi-generational real estate development in Terrebonne

A new, organic, smart residential development that will break down the walls
between people and their environment and between generations

LAVAL, QC, Nov. 29, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - REZ Real Estate announces the start of construction of District Union, a $900 million multi-residential development featuring a forward-thinking, comprehensive design that heralds the emergence of a new smart, organic community in Terrebonne at the crossroads of highways 40 and 640, a strategically located interchange providing easy access to the Montreal region and beyond. This innovative project stands out as one of the most ambitious in recent years in Quebec. It is part of the growth of dynamic new neighbourhoods in a number of cities in North America, Scandinavia and elsewhere. These thoughtfully-planned and well-connected neighbourhoods become true mobility hubs designed to make the lives of residents easier and more enjoyable.

District Union is inspired by five principles: generational mix, community living, proximity, living well and time. These principles are all the more relevant today, when successfully negotiating the multidimensionality of family life and the constant race-against-the-clock depends on better urban planning, modern design and the latest technology. District Union will offer a variety of smart home features such as the Internet of Things, energy management and smart lighting as well as connected multimedia intercoms. A mobile application will also enable knowledge sharing and facilitate neighbours helping neighbours.

A key location
District Union will be integrated into a socio-economically dynamic sector that has experienced a 65% increase in employment over the last five years, with over 27,000 of these jobs created within 15 minutes travel time of the project.

"This major investment by REZ Real Estate, a new division of Réseau Sélection, is taking shape in an area in full economic expansion, a focal point with connections to all major centres in Quebec and beyond," explained Réal Bouclin, President and CEO of Réseau Sélection. These findings were confirmed in the BC2 study, carried out by François Fortin, an economist and BC2's Director of Economic and Financial Studies and Strategic Planning.¹

A long-established civic, social and economic hub 
"With over 2 million people living within 30 minutes of our site, our long-term future as a sustainable community is assured," added Réal Bouclin. District Union is designed to be a neighbourhood with everything the residents might need close to hand. Green spaces, public areas and parks, equal to 10 football fields, will make up 20% of the site. The area is exceptionally well-served by public institutions and activities, including a primary school, a hospital, the Train de l'Est commuter station and the Urbis shuttle as well as 1.5 million sq. ft. of retail space. A community sports centre and gymnasium are already under construction, and the future will see the addition of library and an aquatic centre. Réseau Sélection intends to enrich this offering by attracting local businesses to serve the full range of family needs, with initiatives to encourage the establishment and growth of small and medium-sized businesses.

Modular homes to meet the needs of a diverse community
The housing units proposed will be adaptable to the specific needs of millennials, families, empty-nest baby boomers and active retirees in search of a dynamic living environment. Phase I of District Union will offer three new types of real estate developments for a total of 364 housing units.

Kubica will feature six types of units to suit different types of households. It will be composed of modular, segmented blocks to create private indoor and outdoor living spaces, but which will also be integrated into shared community spaces. Quartier Sélect raises the bar in terms of design and is destined for "empty nesters." Quartier Sélect will present a distinct silhouette and an elegant design using vertical lines to maximize living spaces and highlight vegetation. Lastly, Yimby (yes-in-my-backyard), intended for young adults, will be composed of compact, modular, smart spaces, including common areas to promote social interaction, such as a lounge area, a collaborative kitchen and co-working areas.

An environment that evolves at the pace of intergenerational encounters
District Union will be planned to promote diversity and intergenerational mixing by designing private living spaces that respect the residents' individuality in tandem with multi-use public spaces shaped by the community and organized around common interests. These spaces will encourage interaction and gatherings around various themes.

Active design harmonizing the best of the natural and urban environments
The project also provides for generous outdoor spaces. District Union will be bounded by a spacious wooded area to insulate the development from the nearby highway infrastructure. A "green" avenue will link the two extremities ? the woods bordering Highway 640 to the north and, to the south, the Ruisseau de Feu park. There will be parks, pedestrian paths, wooded areas, bike paths and cross-country ski trails. Sustainable design principles will also be applied through the use of green roofs, ecological water management and the reduction of heat islands. "The project is designed to encourage physical activity and promote the use of active modes of transportation. Integrated into a TOD (transit-oriented development) neighbourhood, mobility and inter-modality will be favoured by wider sidewalks and amenities that will ensure that cyclists and pedestrians coexist in harmony," adds Herbert Nunes, Réseau Selection's Vice President of Real Estate Development in Québec for Réseau Sélection and REZ Real Estate.

About REZ Real Estate
Established only recently, REZ Real Estate is dedicated to creating communities designed for a mix of generations whose members are looking for modern, functional, dynamic living spaces and environments adapted to their specific needs.

About Réseau Sélection 
Réseau Sélection has been designing, developing and managing residential projects for over 30 years. A pioneer in the field of retirement communities, today Réseau Sélection is one of the leading private players in this sector in Canada. The company has a unique vertically-integrated structure, which facilitates both geographical and product diversification. This is the inspiration behind the creation of REZ Real Estate, a division dedicated to multi-residential and multi-generational projects, and to the development of integrated living environments that respond to the diversity of today's families. In addition to 38 retirement complexes, already operating or under construction, the company has announced more than $500 million in investments for its REZ Real Estate division over the next three years. Réseau Sélection has close to 4,500 employees dedicated to serving its clients, 96% of whom would recommend Réseau Sélection to their friends and family.

And since a picture is worth a thousand words, see for yourself here.

SOURCE Réseau Sélection