“Something positive is happening right now in Sainte-Barbe,” said Philippe Daoust, during the official inauguration of the municipality’s new depanneur on April 13.
“It’s not crazy. It’s happening quietly, and by the book. We’re in the process of becoming a village, and one that is on its way to being self-sufficient,” he added.
Daoust is the president of Les Immeubles PAGA Inc., a general contractor specializing in construction and renovation services based in Sainte-Barbe, where the business owns around 100 residential units. “I thought it would be nice to have a small corner store in the village,” he said, adding that the idea took on more significance after the existing depanneur was closed.
He began the lengthy process of obtaining necessary zoning changes and permits, noting the municipality supported the project and was especially collaborative. Several representatives from the municipality were on hand for the opening, including Mayor Daniel Pinsonneault and council members.
Daoust believes the depanneur represents an essential service for Sainte-Barbe residents. He invested around $600,000 to renovate the current building, which was originally built in 1972. Work included an overhaul of the electrical and plumbing systems to bring the residential units connected to the depanneur up to code. “We redid everything,” he said, noting the depanneur required an additional $150,000 investment to install new equipment, refrigerators, and an air conditioning system.
The store offers a variety of staple items as well as beer, wine, and other typical convenience store goods. Daoust said they would be bringing in more products over the coming weeks.
“I feel like it will become a gathering spot for workers in the morning,” he said, suggesting he installed picnic tables outside with this in mind.
Daoust said that PAGA would continue to invest in Sainte-Barbe’s development, with plans to open another store, a restaurant, and its administrative offices within the municipality in the near future.