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MYNI COMPLETES MAJOR FINANCING ROUND WITH SUPPORT FROM LEADING INVESTORS

Quebec City, November 30 – Myni, a pioneer in eco-friendly cleaning products for the body and home, is proud to announce the conclusion of a major financing round totalling $2.8 million. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Myni’s quest to revolutionize the cleaning and personal care products industry.

Myni offers a doubly environmentally-friendly approach with its innovative products: cleaning solutions for the home and body, in the form of powder concentrates and tablets, formulated with wholesome ingredients. The concentrated formula, free from toxic ingredients, significantly reduces reliance on single-use plastic packaging, while promoting an experience that respects the planet and the health of users. Competing products are over 90% water, which generates large quantities of packaging.

“This financing will enable us to accelerate our commitment to the environment by continuing to develop and promote our innovative range of products,” says Marie-Hélène David, CEO of Myni.

Myni was launched in April 2020, when accountant Marie-Hélène David became aware of the corrosive effect of cleaning products when a pipe broke. The young mother set out in search of sustainable solutions and now runs a manufacturing plant in Quebec City, employing 25 people.

“Our products, initially offered online, are now available at over 1,000 retailers in Quebec and the United States. We want them to be accessible: they’re often less expensive than current solutions and just as effective, with the difference that they’re good for the environment and your health,” says the young entrepreneur.

Financial support to revolutionize the industry

This second round of financing was led by Anges Québec, AQC Capital and Accelia Capital, three key venture capital players in Quebec, along with the Quebec government, through its Impulsion PME program, and ACET Capital.

The $2.8 million investment reflects investors’ confidence in Myni’s vision and potential to redefine industry standards for personal care and cleaning products.

Quotes

“Our government supports projects like Myni’s, which offer Quebec consumers a local option while helping them reduce their environmental footprint. Thanks to the Impulsion PME program, our government is enabling young companies to move forward with initiatives that have a positive impact on the way we consume.”

– Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region

“Together with our partners in the financial ecosystem, we are delighted to support Myni in this important step in their history. Their products, made right here in Quebec, are sure to meet the growing demand for eco-responsible consumption. Thanks to Impulsion PME, Investissement Québec now has one more tool to support start-ups that want to compete in new markets.”

– Guy LeBlanc, President and Chief Executive Officer, Investissement Québec

“The management team in place is fully invested in its mission and demonstrates great listening skills. It’s a great start, especially as the sector is growing rapidly, and the timing couldn’t have been better to help this local manufacturer develop world-class operations and enviable brand recognition.”

– Marc-Antoine Cantin, angel lead representative for Anges Québec

“AQC Capital is delighted to support Marie-Hélène in her vision and to actively contribute, with Myni, to the creation of a world where economic development goes hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility.”

– Kalthoum Bouacida, partner at AQC Capital

“We are proud to support Myni in its growth and in the development of new environmentally-friendly and sustainable products. Led by a seasoned entrepreneur, Myni has succeeded in innovating and establishing itself in Canada. It now intends to conquer new markets. The Accelia team is delighted to support Myni as it positions itself as a leader in its field.”

– Christine Beaubien, co-founder and managing partner, Accelia Capital

“ACET Capital is very proud to reiterate its financial support for Myni. This second investment reflects our growing confidence in its innovative potential. With every step we take, we’re more convinced than ever of Myni’s ability to shake up the industry and create a future that’s good for the environment and good for people.”

– Dominic Denis, Investment Director, ACET Capital

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AIRMEDIC REMAINS UNDER QUEBEC OWNERSHIP

LÉVIS, November 13, 2023– Dessercom has completed the acquisition of Airmedic, a leader in emergency air medical transport, keeping the company under Quebec ownership. This $54 million transaction will ensure the company’s long-term viability and continued growth.

This Airmedic transaction was made possible with the financial support of Mouvement Desjardins and Investissement Québec.

Anywhere in Quebec, anytime

Airmedic is the only private company to offer a safe airborne medical assistance and transport service tailored to any emergency situation. Since 2012, the Airmedic crew has completed more than 8,400 missions across Quebec.

Healthcare network organizations, businesses such as mining and forestry companies, as well as individuals in remote areas, especially indigenous communities, will continue to benefit from the expertise of the 150 employees and management team of Airmedic who remain in place. The company will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity from Saint-Hubert, Québec.

Quotes

“It is more than 10 years of experience in medical assistance services, air transport, and unique expertise in emergency medical evacuations by plane or helicopter that we welcome today into the large Dessercom team. This acquisition aligns directly with our mission to improve healthcare in Quebec, as well as with our goal of diversifying our services.”
– Maxime Laviolette, President and CEO of Dessercom.

“We are pleased to look towards the future with a partner who has been involved in emergency pre-hospital services for 40 years and shares our values of excellence and benevolence. Dessercom will bring stability, both to our operations and our employees, and will guide the direction to deepen and develop several projects that are dear to us.”
– Sophie Larochelle, Airmedic CEO.

“The acquisition of Airmedic by Dessercom, a well-established Quebec company, will ensure the continuity of emergency medical transport activities, an essential service, particularly for remote populations. We are thus preserving the expertise developed by a seasoned team over the years.”
– Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Greater Montreal Area.

“Desjardins’ financial support and Capital régional et coopératif Desjardins’ investment in this transaction ensures the continuity of an essential service in all communities and regions of Quebec. All Quebecers have the right to adequate healthcare services, regardless of where they live. Dessercom has been able to count on the support of Desjardins for over 30 years, and we are proud to be at their side in this new phase.”
– Jean-Yves Bourgeois, Executive Vice-President, Business Services, Desjardins Group.

About Dessercom

Dessercom, a charitable organization founded in 1968, has been providing pre-hospital emergency services since 1984, and non-emergency medical transportation since 1995. With a team of over 1,000 professionals in 14 administrative regions of Quebec, it is the largest company in Canada in this field. A major philanthropic player in Quebec, Dessercom has donated over $55 million to various health organizations and foundations since its founding. Committed to serving the population in all its spheres of activity, Dessercom works daily to improve healthcare and the well-being of the communities it serves.

About Airmedic

Airmedic is an innovative Quebec company offering ground and air medical transport and assistance services throughout the province. It is the only company in Quebec to operate its own fleet of airplanes and helicopters dedicated to emergency medical evacuations and inter-hospital transfers. Airmedic was the first private air medical transport company in Canada to obtain Accreditation Canada certification in 2016. Since that same year, it has also been accredited by Transport Canada to wear night vision goggles, and has IFR certification for its helicopter operations. These certifications are an eloquent demonstration of Airmedic’s commitment to offering high-quality care in the safest possible environment at all times.

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the largest financial cooperative in North America and the fifth largest in the world, with assets of $414.1 billion as at September 30, 2023. It has been named one of the world’s best employers for women by Forbes magazine. To meet the diverse needs of its individual and corporate members and customers, a full range of products and services is offered through its extensive network of points of service, virtual platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world’s strongest banking institutions by The Banker magazine, Desjardins boasts capital ratios and credit ratings that are among the best in the industry.

PRESS RELEASE
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2023 Philanthropic Contest
TWELVE CHARITIES IN THE RUNNING TO WIN HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN DONATIONS

Quebec City, November 7, 2023– Twelve charities working in the health, environment, education or social services fields that have presented promising educational projects have been selected by the jury for iA Financial Group’s 7th edition of its Canada-wide philanthropic contest. From these finalists, the public will now be asked to choose four winners, which will each receive $100,000 to make a project a reality or to pursue their mission. The remaining eight finalists will each receive a donation of $10,000.

The public is invited to vote at donations-contest.ia.ca until December 1 for the projects that they find the most inspiring, in four different regions (Quebec, Ontario, Western Canada, Northern Canada and Atlantic Canada).

The approximately 9,000 iA Financial Group employees will also be invited to vote on their favourite charities which will each receive an additional donation of $20,000, for a total of $500,000 in donations across the country. The winners will be revealed the week of December 11.

OUR SOCIAL COMMITMENT
Social commitment is part of the DNA of iA Financial Group and its employees. It is one of the company’s fundamental values, aligned with its commitment towards sustainable development and concrete support for communities. In 2022, the Group made 8.5 million dollars in donations to over 600 charities working in the health, social services, education or environmental fields. This large-scale philanthropic contest is part of iA Financial Group’s contribution to development in the communities it serves.

“Once again this year, participation from these charities has been outstanding! I’d like to thank them all for their contributions to the wellbeing of their communities and for improving quality of life for the people who benefit from their services. They are a powerful driver for reducing social inequalities. They make a difference in the everyday lives of hundreds of thousands of Canadians. On behalf of iA Financial Group, I’d like to wish all the finalists the best of luck,” said Denis Ricard, President and Chief Executive Officer of iA Financial Group.

THE TOP 12 FINALISTS AND THEIR PROJECTS

1. Stigma-Free Society (SFS), Victoria, British Columbia

Founded in 2010, Stigma-Free Society (SFS) is a charity that promotes mental health and breaks down related stigmas through educational tools, fostering understanding and fighting against prejudices that can stand in the way of self-esteem, asking for help and the acceptance of others. This donation would be used to adapt their Stigma-Free Schools program to a virtual format and make it accessible on a national scale, leaving a lasting imprint on student wellbeing throughout the country.

2. PLEA Community Services Society of British Columbia (PLEA), Vancouver, British Columbia

PLEA’s Our Children of the Street program works to educate young people about how to keep themselves and their peers safe from all forms of sexual exploitation while also supporting children and families already affected by this crime. This donation would support the delivery of their free exploitation prevention workshops which will reach over 30,000 youth and adults every year, including many high-risk groups.

3. United for Literacy, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

United for Literacy is a national charity supporting the right to literacy. In collaboration with volunteers and community partners, the organization provides free academic supports to learners of all ages in the city of Saskatoon. This donation of $100,000 would sustain literacy programs that provide essential tools for developing reading, writing, and math skills, to make sure everyone has an equal chance to develop their literacy and unleash their full potential.

4. I Challenge Diabetes, North York, Ontario

I Challenge Diabetes was founded by Chris Jarvis, a Canadian Olympic rower with type 1 diabetes, to support people living with diabetes with the resources necessary to lead healthy, inspired lives. This donation would go to support the Diabuddies School Tour project, a campaign that aims to raise awareness about diabetes, reaching almost 3,000 students in schools across Canada. This tour will increase understanding of diabetes and healthy lifestyles, promote accepting and inclusive school communities and improve confidence of students with diabetes.

5. Junior Achievement of Central Ontario (JA Central Ontario), Toronto, Canada

JA Central Ontario’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks they need. This donation would support the delivery of JA’s four financial literacy programs to 2,000 young people in grades 3-12 across central Ontario. Students will learn important money management skills in spending, budgeting, saving and using credit, all of which will lower their risk of irresponsible financial behaviour.

6. Trails Youth Initiatives, Stouffville, Ontario

Trails Youth Initiatives was created to help youth, especially those facing barriers based on race, income, education and neighbourhood. Trails uses outdoor experiential learning to cultivate social and emotional skills, improve physical and mental wellness and support success. This donation would support the 4 Seasons-4 Years-4 Life outdoor education program for vulnerable youth from Toronto’s at-risk communities. The program focuses on non-violent communication, conflict resolution, leadership, critical thinking, goal setting, stress management and reflection.

7. Hope for Dementia, Saint-Laurent, Quebec

Hope for Dementia is a charitable organization whose mission is to support the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of dementia and other cognitive disorders. This donation would go towards Hope for Dementia’s Intergenerational Learning Program, which aims to reduce the risks of dementia in seniors and raise awareness among youth about dementia. Youth volunteers will teach seniors how to use applications on tablets and iPads that promote cognitive stimulation and learn about the ways to reduce the risks of dementia.

8. Je Passe Partout : Services de soutien scolaire et intervention familiale, Montreal, Quebec

Je Passe Partout (JPP)’s mission is to foster success and encourage young people in difficult situations to succeed and prevent them from dropping out by working together with parents, schools, social services and the school environment. This donation would allow them to help over one hundred young newcomers to Quebec and their families to integrate into the Quebec school system, learn French and take advantage of the resources available within their community.

9. Le Centre pour l’intelligence en ligne (Le C.I.E.L.), Quebec City, Quebec

Le CIEL’s mission is to start a conversation about the risks that digital technology poses to our wellbeing, specifically with a prevention program about the risks of screen time for young people in elementary and secondary school. This donation would support the development of a program for preventing the harmful effects of screen time for children and adolescents all across Quebec. The program will be based on a scientific and rigorous approach, with the aim of stimulating young people’s critical thinking while encouraging them to adopt a more thoughtful approach to using social media and video games.

10. Every Student, Every Day (ESED), Whitehorse, Yukon

ESED is a funding program working to support increased student attendance throughout the Yukon. Funding is made available each year to all Yukon schools, First Nations governments and organizations, and community organizations to promote innovative local solutions that support attendance and success. With this donation, ESED will support funding for a Science, Technology, Trades, Engineering, Arts and Music program, schools in Whitehorse, mental health programs and initiatives to support girls.

11. Camp Canak, Kedgwick, New Brunswick

The primary mission of Camp Canak is to provide children, adolescents and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities an unforgettable stay through diversified, enriching, safe and appropriate activities, while offering their families a peaceful break. A donation to the ASD Respite program would allow them to implement a program focused on learning and development of new skills and activities for a more personalized and specialized approach for people living with autism spectrum disorder aged 16 to 45.

12. Parker Street Mission, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Parker Street Mission is a dedicated community organization committed to its mission of providing essential support to those in need, including food, furniture and emergency assistance to foster independence. This donation would go towards their Parker Street Food Program which aims to alleviate food insecurity within their community by offering meals as well as education about proper nutrition, cooking techniques and sustainable food practices. The target population comprises more than 11,000 residents representing diverse social and economic backgrounds.

OUR SUSTAINABILITY AMBITION
Our sustainability ambition is to be a company that contributes to sustainable growth and wellbeing for its clients, employees, partners, investors and communities.

Sustainability is a priority that guides our day-to-day achievements in environmental, social and governance matters, which we demonstrate with the use of the iA Sustainable pictogram.

iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada, with operations in the United States. Founded in 1892, it is one of Canada’s largest public companies and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols IAG (common shares) and IAF (preferred shares).

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A strong partnership
Garant Announces a New Growth Strategy to Become the Canadian Leader in the Outdoor Tool Sector

Saint-François-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud (Quebec), October 2, 2023 — Garant, which has led the outdoor tool manufacturing sector for more than 125 years, is launching an ambitious plan to make Garant the Canadian brand of choice for all essential tools and accessories related to outdoor work and projects.

Garant’s 350 employee team plans to double brand recognition across Canada, to increase sales by 50%, and to boost project design innovation revenues by 20% within the next 5 years.

New Brand Image
“We have decided to concentrate all our activities under the Garant brand by gradually eliminating several of our sub-brands,” says Pierre-Yves Martin, Garant’s general manager.

The transition will take place gradually as the Botanica, Xtra, Econo, Cougar, Practica, Blizzard, Agro Series, Proflow, Yukon, Alpine, Nordic, and Lynx brands are progressively pulled from the shelves to make place for a broader Garant identity.

Vision 2.0
Garant has undertaken a series of major changes under the leadership of Mr. Martin, who arrived in December 2021. The new management team adopted a resolutely audacious vision: to become the one-stop shop for outdoor projects around Canadian homes and businesses.

Martin’s team isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo with new, innovative ideas to achieve those goals. That includes collaborating with LG2, one of Quebec’s top advertising and communications agencies, to improve and strengthen its brand image.

“Few tool brands can boast of supporting Canadians in their work for as long as Garant,” says Jacques de Varennes, a partner, and vice-president (Design – Quebec) at LG2. “They have been solid allies for all our maintenance or renovation projects for more than 125 years. We wanted to give them a new brand platform that reflected the company’s evolution while respecting its legacy and heritage.”

Garant is thus unveiling a new logo to highlight the transition that illustrates two ideas: the tools that it markets and the resulting collaboration that is fostered between customers, suppliers, employees and the Garant brand. These concepts are illustrated by the two bars in the logo.

A New Brand Image = New Visual
Garant is deploying the new visuals to assure consumers that they are purchasing Garant products, which have long been synonymous with quality. An advertising campaign and a new website optimized for easy navigation will be launched to help consumers make the right choice of tools for their projects. In  2024, garant.com will become a transactional platform that will provide the ability to purchase Garant tools that may not be available through all of its retail partners.

About  Garant
Garant was founded in 1895 and has become Canada’s largest manufacturer of construction, gardening, and snow removal tools. Garant is known for developing innovative products, which are available in more than 4,800 points of sale across the country, designed to help homeowners and professionals carry out their outdoor projects.

For more information, visit garant.com.

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2023 Philanthropic Contest
$500,000 IN DONATIONS TO SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS

Quebec City, September 12, 2023 – As part of its social commitment, iA Financial Group is kicking off the seventh edition of its Canada-wide philanthropic contest to support charities in the health, environment, education and social services fields that propose a promising educational project. From September 12 to October 16, the charities that submit the most inspiring proposals that answer the question “What would you do with a $100,000 donation?” will share a total of $500,000 to carry out their project or pursue their mission.

“Education is a powerful force to reduce poverty, improve health, promote equality and support wellbeing in our society. This year, we’re encouraging organizations to submit a promising educational project that will have a real impact on people’s lives. Education is the future, and we’re thrilled to help build that future through this contest,” explains Denis Ricard, President and CEO of iA Financial Group.

Denis Ricard, President and CEO of iA Financial Group.

The submission period closes on October 16, after which a total of twelve charities will be selected by committee and announced to the general public on November 7. The public will be invited to vote for the projects they find the most inspiring. Participating charities are divided into four geographic regions (Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada/the North) to ensure an equitable distribution of donations across the country. The four charities that receive the most votes will each be awarded a $100,000 donation.

The remaining finalists will each receive $10,000. The winners will be announced between December 11 and December 14.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• September 16 to October 16: charities register and submit proposals
• October 16 to November 3: committee selects 12 projects for public vote
• November 7: twelve finalists announced and public voting period opens
• November 7 to December 1: public voting period
• December 11 to 14: winners announced

Sustainability is a priority that guides our day-to-day achievements in environmental, social and governance matters, which we demonstrate with the use of the iA Sustainable pictogram.

Contacts:
CCO:
Matthis Perrard, Consultant, Strategy (Team Impact)
matthis.perrard@cco.coop
(807) 698-0002 ext. 107

MT Lab :
Faustine Lozes, Communications Coordinator
faustine@mtlab.ca 

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Venture capital fund secures a $5.6 million investment
Accelia Capital welcomes EDC as investor to reach $60 million in assets.

Montreal, April 17th, 2023 — Accelia Capital, a technology oriented venture capital fund that prioritizes investments in innovative, female-owned or led businesses, is pleased to welcome Export Development Canada (EDC) as a new investor. This prestigious partner’s $5.6 million investment brings Accelia Capital’s funding pool to $60 million in assets under management.

EDC’s new role as investor will include participation to Accelia Capital’s Advisory committee, as well as the offering of a competitive investment matching program to portfolio companies.

A fund that creates impact
Accelia Capital, which was founded by technology entrepreneurs Christine Beaubien and Annick Charbonneau just over a year ago, is already highly active in the venture capital ecosystem through the deployment of its vast network of business professionals, including twenty renowned women investors who contribute their skills towards the portfolio companies’ successes. As such, Accelia leverages its investors and partners’ expertise to accelerate development of innovative Canadian businesses, while building the future and creating national and diverse wealth.

Accelia Capital ‘s key objective is to increase gender diversity in the competitive field of technological entrepreneurship. The venture fund’s ultimate goal is to generate a portfolio composed of at least 70% women-owned or led businesses. Significant investments have already been made within promising companies, several of which are set to be announced soon.

In addition to the more than twenty influential businesswomen who have already invested in the fund, Accelia Capital now counts on the support of 6 institutional investors as well as several private investors. The arrival of EDC completes Accelia Capital’s value proposition to help propel successful Canadian, women-owned and led businesses onto the world stage.

Quotes
“EDC’s mission of supporting Canadian businesses to expand in international markets complements Accelia Capital’s value proposition, which focuses on providing women entrepreneurs with access to financial and human capital to build successful companies on the global stage.”
Annick Charbonneau, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Accelia Capital.

“The arrival of EDC as an investor, after just over a year following the creation of Accelia Capital, positions our fund as a key venture capital player. The participation of this major partner will help accelerate product development, research, and the expansion of young companies in new Canadian and international markets. This exciting new partnership reinforces our mandate to provide more support to innovative companies, especially those owned or run by women.”
Christine Beaubien, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Accelia Capital.

“EDC is thrilled to support Accelia Capital as it grows its portfolio of companies, with an emphasis on promoting women-owned or led businesses with a potential to grow internationally. This investment is an opportunity for EDC and Accelia to create positive impacts in our economy and communities, by accelerating female leadership in the tech sector and giving a runway for future generations of Canadian innovators.”
Guillermo Freire, Senior Vice-President, Mid-Market Group at EDC

About Accelia Capital
Accelia Capital is a venture capital fund with $60 million in assets under management that invests in innovative companies with high-technological potential.  It was co-founded in December 2021 by Christine Beaubien and Annick Charbonneau, two experienced technology entrepreneurs. The founders’ goal of supporting innovative companies and accelerating female leadership in technology can be encapsulated in three words: diversity, performance, and impact. This dynamic duo, who are backed by an extensive business network, have rallied a team of top management professionals and seasoned businesswomen to help propel promising young companies to new heights.

About EDC
Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians.

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Sources :
Accelia Capital Inc. | accelia.vc
EDC | edc.ca

Media contacts :
Anne-Marie-A. Savoie | Fernandez relations publiques |
annemarie@fernandezcom.ca
C. 418-934-7448

Alexandra Mc Donald | Fernandez relations publiques |
alexandra@fernandezcom.ca
C. 418-271-7600

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Downtown Montcalm sector to host innovative new industrial building and future municipal park

Candiac, Qc, April 13^th , 2023 – ROSEFELLOW., a leading real estate development company and the City of Candiac announced today the construction of an innovative industrial building that will be located in the future downtown area of Montcalm. The new 44,000 m² structure will be located on the site of the former Owens Corning factory, which has been vacant since 2007. The plan will see ROSEFFELLOW. transfer nearly 10,000 m² of land to the Ville de Candiac for conversion into a municipal park.

Turning the page
The building that housed the former Owens Corning factory, which was closed several years ago, is in an advanced state of decay, and has been subject to several instances of vandalism, a trend which if continued could over time become a security threat and affect the neighborhood’s quality of life. Candiac residents will thus be happy to learn that dismantling of the old factory began on April 11^th, 2023 and that construction work on the future building is expected to begin this summer.

Eco-responsible deconstruction
During ROSEFELLOW.’s application for a demolition permit, the City of Candiac, accompanied by Recyc-Québec, negotiated a preliminary plan with ROSEFELLOW. related to the management of materials generated at the deconstruction site. The objective is to minimize dismantling waste by taking the necessary measures to recover materials and products that can be reused or recycled.

The deconstruction team aims to recycle 60% of the dry debris and 100% of the steel. Most of the concrete that will be deconstructed can also be reused. Rigorous monitoring and site supervision will be carried out to ensure the traceability of the debris. Certain historical objects and components will be preserved by the City of Candiac to enhance, retain and bring memories of the place to life.

The deconstruction work will be carried out by section. This process will minimize obstacles. Truck traffic and access to the unloading area will take place via Avenue d’Inverness and an embankment will be built to conceal the loading area from Boulevard Montcalm Nord. Particular attention will be paid to dust control in order to reduce the impact on surrounding citizens and factories.

First building of its kind in Candiac
This major, thoughtfully, and sustainable-designed initiative aligns with ROSEFELLOW.’s and the City of Candiac’s vision of creating an energy-efficient building slated for light industrial use, that will integrate into the neighborhood. Construction will take place in accordance with the City of Candiac’s 2018-2033 Strategic Development Plan and its Urban Development Plan (PPU) related to its downtown Montcalm sector. It will also be part of its Action plan aimed at reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Guidelines outlined in the preliminary program that were developed related to the reuse of the vacated land call for the construction of a new building that will be covered in part by photovoltaic solar panels and heated through the use of an efficient heat pump system. Part of the roof will be green, and a filtration basin and a water retention basin will be planned in alignment with stakeholders’ wishes. The project will also feature an ecological parking area, collective gardens and plant walls. The future building will aim to obtain a Zero Carbon Building – Design (ZCB-Design) certification.

The building was designed with its projected impact on the neighborhood and particularly Square Candiac in mind. Integration with Square Candiac will thus include the development of a large, vegetated buffer zone that will include the planting of trees and significant seeding efforts. Two mural works of art visible from Boulevard Montcalm and Square Candiac will also be integrated. Truck traffic and access to the unloading area should take place via Avenue d’Inverness. An embankment will be built to conceal the loading area from Boulevard Montcalm Nord.

Quotes
“We are thrilled to participate in developing downtown Montcalm in Candiac. We build buildings that are respectful of the environment and that meet the criteria of future generations. This project is a new opportunity for us to leave a legacy for posterity ”, said Mike Jager, ROSEFELLOW.’s co-founder and co-owner.

“We applaud this beginning of a new chapter in the future downtown Montcalm in Candiac. This unique new construction, which aligns perfectly with our strategic vision, will change the face of the downtown Montcalm sector. We look forward to being able to offer an additional, green, leisure area to Candiac residents by providing access to a second park. These announcements represent a high point in the life of this changing urban area and a first step towards what will become in the next decade an attractive and dynamic living environment reflecting Candiac’s commitments to sustainable development “, says Normand Dyotte, Candiac’s mayor.

ABOUT ROSEFELLOW.
ROSEFELLOW. is one of Canada’s leading real estate development firms. The company has more than 20 million square feet under development in various industrial and multi-residential projects in Quebec and Ontario. ROSEFELLOW. designs, constructs, and manages buildings that push the boundaries of sustainable innovation at every opportunity. ROSEFELLOW. is notably responsible for the recent construction of the Cent-Onze, a residential rental project Saint-Laurent, the Novelia in Anjou, as well as several industrial buildings in the Montreal region and in Ontario.

ABOUT THE CITY OF CANDIAC
The City of Candiac, which is located at the crossroads of highways 15 and 30, along the St. Lawrence River, stands out for its large urban forest and the quality of its services. Thanks to an urban model redesigned to reconcile the well-being of citizens and a reduced ecological footprint, Candiac is developing avant-garde infrastructures that enable optimized resource management. The city thus features large-scale development projects that are designed according to the best sustainable development practices while focusing on active, public transportation. Candiac, which is ranked in the top tier of Montérégie municipalities for its economic vitality, is an essential strategic hub for any investor.

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SOURCES :
ROSEFELLOW. | rosefellow.com
City of Candiac | candiac.ca

ROSEFELLOW. MEDIA CONTACT  :
Alexandra Mc Donald | alexandra@fernandezcom.ca
C. 418 271-7600

CANDIAC MEDIA CONTACT:
Department of Communications and Citizen Relations
City of Candiac| communications@ville.candiac.qc.ca
T. 450-444-6000

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Footwear and work clothes
Regence Footwear broadens product line following Paragone acquisition

The synergies created by the merger include increased stability for Paragone’s Quebec operations, the expansion of Regence Footwear’s product line to include a broader range of women’s SKUs, the strengthening of Regence Footwear’s branding as a benchmark in the safety footwear and workwear industry, and perfect alignment with its product development and growth plan, which is focused on excellence, quality, and innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Paragone team into the family and to act as a distributor of the NAT’S and Pilote & Filles brands. Our customers will now have broader access to a wider selection of shoes and protective clothing that are adapted to specific markets and worker needs,” said Alexandre Bergeron, President of Regence Footwear.

A Quebec succession strategy

“Regence Footwear’s expertise and know-how align marvelously with our desire to automate operations and stabilize our business succession plans. This presents a perfect opportunity to entrust Paragone to a local company, and above all, to guarantee the future of our employees,” said Claude Bernadet, as his brother Philippe nodded in agreement. “We are proud to be associated with the large Regence Footwear family and we can now begin to think about retirement with complete peace of mind.”

Regence Footwear now distributes the Acton, STC, Wilkuro, Oshatoes, Dunlop, Cofra, NAT’S and Pilotes &Filles brands.

From left to right : Alexandre Bergeron, President of Regence Footwear, Philippe Bernadet Vice-President of Paragone and Claude Bernadet President of Paragone

About Regence Footwear
Regence Footwear, which was founded in 1979, first became known for the excellence of its winter boots which are sold across Canada, the United States, and South America. Today the company specializes in manufacturing and distributing work and outdoor footwear. Regence Footwear’s unparalleled industry expertise drives its team to strive to create products that are perfectly adapted to specific user needs.

About Paragone
Paragone, which designs and distributes the NAT’S and Pilote & Filles product lines, was founded in 1985, is currently based in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures in the Quebec region. The company supplies a range of safe, targeted work clothes and footwear, notably through the design of waterproof boots and EVA winter boots. Paragone’s Pilote & Filles work clothes and shoes collection offers stylish products in bold colors specially designed for women.