For 35 years, Brigil has been transforming and enhancing the National Capital Region with its craftsmanlike approach to creating communities that provide an unparalleled lifestyle. The company’s focus has always been on growing alongside its clients and adjusting its offerings to their evolving needs.
“Our emphasis on sophisticated urban living truly resonates with people – from students to young professionals, couples, families or rightsizers – who want to live in some of the national capital’s most vibrant communities,” notes Brigil founder and president Gilles Desjardins. “With each project, we approach the location with sensitivity, recognizing that our role is to build attractive structures that enhance the area and offer residents ease of access to enjoy all their neighbourhood has to offer. We are proud of our track record of consistently creating communities which people are proud to call home.”
From downtown to the suburbs, on both sides of the Ottawa River, Brigil has created sought-after living spaces in communities such as Horizon, 460 St-Laurent, Kanata Lakes, Petrie’s Landing and Center Park, all of which have some units still available. Other communities of note include Domaine du Vieux-Port, Plateau du Parc and Les Jardins McConnell.
The company’s latest project, The Dale, offers an elegant and comfortable new standard of living in Hintonburg, one of the region’s most desirable, up-and-coming neighbourhoods. With 283 suites over 33 floors, Brigil is proud to have built Ottawa’s tallest residential rental tower. The stunning building, located at 121 Parkdale Avenue, just south of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, offers an impressive collection of features with the added advantage of being situated in a community that is both close to nature and right in the heart of the city. The building’s luxurious amenities – worthy of some of the most stylish hotels – include a pool with a view, rooftop terrace, private yoga room, gym, party room and a penthouse lounge with panoramic views of the city.
When completed, The Dale project, consisting of two high-rise towers valued at $300 million , will attract more than 600 new residents who will inject tens of millions into the local economy as they eagerly explore and adopt their new community. The first occupants moved in on November 1, 2020 and construction of the second tower begins in 2021.
"We're always delighted to welcome new neighbours to the area," says Dennis Van Staalduinen, executive director of the Wellington West Business Improvement Area, one of the city's most thriving commercial areas, located just steps from The Dale. "With more than 600 shops, restaurants, and services across Hintonburg and Wellington Village, residents of The Dale will have a lot to explore."
“The Dale offers the finest in comfort and style, and is complemented by the abundant opportunities to enjoy the immediate neighbourhood,” notes Mr. Desjardins. “Imagine being able to walk in just minutes to Ottawa’s Quartier des Artistes, home to some of the city’s finest galleries, restaurants, boutiques, food shops, bakeries and craft breweries. From the funky Wellington Marbles to the Parkdale Market to jewellery makers, pottery studios, clothing designers and more, there is so much to explore and appreciate in the area and Brigil is excited to play a role in the ongoing revitalization of this community.”
“The shoreline of the Ottawa River beckons for year-round recreation and with two O-Train stations just blocks away, the entire city is quite literally at your doorstep,” he adds. “Convenient access to downtown – Parliament Hill is just 3.5 kilometres to the east – and major nearby employment hubs like The Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus) and Tunney’s Pasture make The Dale’s location advantageous for many. The Dale is ideal for those seeking a reduced carbon footprint, including those who love to walk, cycle or would prefer to live car-free.”
A number of the rental suites, ranging in size from 478 to 1,331 square feet, are currently move-in ready and available for virtual or in-person viewing, to give prospective tenants a full appreciation of the building’s amenities and location. The Dale’s 28 different configurations of units include rental condos and penthouses, both furnished and unfurnished.
The over 10,000 square feet of Wi-Fi-enabled common space – ideal for seamless teleworking throughout the building – includes a secure entrance and lobby, three high speed elevators, storage lockers and protected bicycle parking. A community manager on-site provides a direct line to Brigil for any questions or concerns; this is just one of the ways the company continuously strives to provide the very best customer service possible.
“While making sure tenants have the utmost in conveniences within their building, I am also particularly proud of how we have developed this property to enable residents to take full advantage of a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, which can be enjoyed from both the third floor pool and the 33rd floor lounge terrace,” notes Mr. Desjardins. “The Dale is a perfect example of how Brigil endeavours to promote community ties through its approach to design and build structures which not only take advantage of their physical setting but also promote enjoyment by residents of the area in which they are located.”
The economic impact of The Dale is sure to ripple throughout the surrounding community and its many thriving small businesses. "With our emphasis on Canadian and especially Ottawa-made goods, Maker House has always been a big proponent of shopping local so it's exciting for us to know that there will be 600 new residents – and potential customers – in the area,” says Gareth Davies, founder and owner of Maker House in Hintonburg, which specializes in unique gifts, home décor items and furniture. “We hope they'll consider supporting us and all the other friendly businesses in Wellington West as they discover that you can find almost everything you could ever need or want right here."
Since its foundation, Brigil has been committed to its mission of being a community builder, by serving clients well and offering them living environments adapted to their changing needs. Working side by side with his wife Céline, sons Kevin and Jessy, Gilles Desjardins notes that it is their shared passion for the people and the region that has led the firm to become an integral part of the community. He humbly notes that they will continue to increase their philanthropic efforts in the environment and education sectors, having donated millions to support these and other areas including the arts, culture and health.
Having built more than 12,500 housing units, Brigil is moving forward with its mission and is ready for the future, which will see the creation of 30,000 new housing units on land already acquired by the company over the past 35 years. “It is important to us that our values of belonging, integrity, respect and mutual support, not to mention our commitment to the principles of sustainable development, be reflected in the pursuit of our mission,” adds Mr. Desjardins.
Working in concert with a wide range of stakeholders – including municipal governments, neighbourhood associations, provincial and federal institutions – Brigil will continue to embrace fresh inspiration for its design and development work, as part of a global, structured and innovative vision. The company’s success at fulfilling its mission speaks for itself, with thousands of people happily calling one of their buildings home.
To find out more about The Dale and other unique Brigil developments, visit any leasing office and discover how easy it can be to live in a fashion that’s unforgettable, unconventional and uncomplicated.