The sale of municipal properties in specialized commercial sites includes, without being limited thereto, the following conditions:

• the obligation to build a building (see timelines);
  • this obligation essentially pertains to the building's surface area and authorized use, all in accordance with the building by-law and timeline
• an estimate of the economic benefits (investment and jobs);
• a security deposit amounting to 10% of the purchase price, payable at the time of signing of the promise to purchase;
  • the balance (90% of the selling price) payable at the time of closing
  • in the event that the buyer reneges, the city of Gatineau retains the deposit
• a performance bond guaranteeing construction, representing 10% of the purchase price, payable at the time of signing of the deed of sale;
  • this bond is not applied to the sales price but is, instead, deposited and held by Gatineau, and reimbursed once all of the obligations have been met (including meeting the established deadlines)
  • in the event of default, the bond will not be reimbursed
• the buyer pays the transaction fees; and
• the buyer chooses the notary.

In addition to the criteria associated with the planning by-laws, the BDÉ takes into consideration the economic impact and financial viability of the project, as well as its sustainable development components.

1. Economic impact and wealth creation
   
   • Creation of new sustainable and quality jobs
   • Level of investments related to the project and potential property tax revenues generated from it
   • Buildings constructed to maximize the use of land, subject to compliance with planning the by-law
   • Complementarity of business activities with other businesses located in the park or commercial environment, to provide synergy in a particular activity sector (e.g. manufacturing, construction, agri-food, etc.)
2. Financial viability
   The promoter provides information on the different components of its business model, including:
   • key products and activities;
   • market segments and customer relations;
   • distribution channels;
   • key resources and partners; and
   • financial projections and structuring (a letter of intent from the principal lender is required at the time of drafting the promise to purchase).
3. Sustainable development
   Priority will be given to projects with strong sustainable components such as:
   • ecological construction certification (e.g. LEED or other certification);
   • sustainable policies (e.g. responsible procurement);
   • energy efficiency; and
   • integration of activities such as industrial ecology and circular economy.

The sale of municipal properties located in specialized commercial sites is subject to the following timelines:

• 90 days following the signing of the promise to purchase, due diligence assessment (soil, environment, etc.);
• 120 days following acceptance by Gatineau, notarization of the deed of sale; and
• 12 months following the signing of the deed of sale, start and continuation of construction of the building.
• In the event of failure to comply with the construction timelines and obligations, Gatineau may retain the security deposit and reclaim the property at 90% of the purchase price.

Source: Emploi Québec, 2021 – Compiled by Ville de Gatineau

NOTE: The following list is provided for general information, and is subject to change in light of the rapidly changing environment.

Before contacting us about purchasing a property, kindly ensure you are able to confirm the following:

1. Have you determined what activities you wish to carry out on the property?
2. Do you know whether you will be the only occupant or whether the property will be legally occupied by other businesses as well (partners or future tenants) and what activities they will be carrying out? If you plan to have tenants, do you have letters of intent provided by the potential tenants?
3. Do you know the planned start date for activities on the property?
4. Do you have a business plan or a financial structure (project cost, financing or letters of intent from partners)?

If you answer “yes” to most of those questions, please contact us at sde@gatineau.ca or 819-243-2345, extension 4052. You can also submit a request online.

Developing your business

If you need assistance with developing and growing your business, ID Gatineau offers the following services:

• business plan preparation
• business coaching
• mentorship
• acquisition – takeover
• start-up
• expansion – market development
• finding financing
• financial projections
• marketing strategy
• etc.