Project of the week: Le Lib Pointe-Claire
There’s been a generational shift in the country, according to Statistics Canada, and for the first time ever there are more seniors than there are children. Furthermore, one in four Canadians could soon be over the age of 65, meaning that housing will need to adapt to the changing needs of the aging population. Enter the Lib concept. Developed after a series of focus groups were conducted by the Batimo Group to determine what kind of housing baby boomers were most interested in, the Lib concept revolves around more freedom and better living.
“Based on the focus groups we conducted, there seemed to be a gap between traditional apartments and retirement homes,” said Pierre H. Ali, the vicepresident of sales and marketing for Batimo.
“The people we spoke to were interested in living somewhere they could interact with other people their age, and have access to dynamic common areas, where they can socialize and entertain themselves with activities like virtual golf, pool and billiards.”
With Le Lib Pointe-Claire currently being the most sought-after rental property in the area, and 60 per cent of it already rented, it seems as though the concept Batimo came up with is a winning one.
Aimed at healthy, active people who are 55 years and older, the 197 rental properties come with everything from major appliances and air conditioning to telephone, cable, internet and hot water. Le Lib even has its own app!
“Because everything is included in the price and we take care of the maintenance, there’s literally nothing for residents to worry about — including being isolated,” Ali said. “You’ll have all the comforts of home without any of the hassles of property ownership.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Located in the Hymus area of Pointe-Claire, Le Lib straddles Highways 20 and 40 while still being far away enough to ensure peace and quiet, as well as superb views. Though the complex is equipped with indoor and outdoor parking, its access to public transit — including the bus, train and new light rail system — make it an ideal spot from which to get around, whether you have a car or not.
Cycling paths are available for residents who want to bicycle to nearby shops and restaurants and the proximity of CF Fairview Pointe-Claire, Lakeshore General Hospital and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport make it all the more convenient.
“The airport isn’t far away, which is great, because baby boomers are known for having the time and resources to travel, which they enjoy and do a lot of,” Ali said. “It’s the ideal location for residents who have a condo in Florida.”
DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
With its contemporary design, glass-covered balconies and large windows, the seven-storey building can be described as modern without being too modern. “The building respects the neighbourhood and its clientele,” Ali said. “It’s bright and streamlined but still very warm and welcoming, which is important to baby boomers.”
The Lib won two Prix Habitat Design awards in 2017, for interior design and lighting, thanks to the work of Batimo’s head designer Nathalie Vanier, who did what Ali describes as an incredible job with both the look and space-saving layout of the interiors.
APARTMENTS
Le Lib Pointe-Claire’s 197 apartments range in size from 656 to 1,200 square feet and are available in one- to three-bedroom options, with rents varying from $1,200 to $2,500 a month, including a washer, dryer, fridge, stove, dishwasher, air conditioning, telephone, cable, internet and hot water.
Each unit comes with a glass-covered balcony except for some corner units, which have two, and all groundlevel units have a terrace. All kitchen and bathroom counters are made of quartz and equipped with highquality faucets.
AMENITIES
Security and maintenance service Lounge with a big-screen TV, billiards table, virtual golf, darts, and a bistro with a circular bar and fridge Private dining room Business centre Gym Indoor pool Outdoor patio with tables and barbecues
Indoor and outdoor parking, electric charging stations, and bike racks
Based on Batimo’s first Lib development, Le Lib Boisbriand, Ali predicts that the lounge will be one of the building’s most popular spots. “Tenants love to get together there for parties and wine and cheese events,” he said. “They even have sushi chefs come in to give classes.”
APP
A multitude of services will be available via the private app, which is called Lib Pointe-Claire, including booking cleaning and laundry services as well as swimming and yoga classes. “Residents will even be able to book a blood test via the app, and have it done at home,” Ali said. “The app was created as an extra measure of security, but also as a way to increase communication among residents.”
DELIVERY AND RENTAL OFFICE
Le Lib Pointe-Claire is scheduled for delivery Oct. 1. The rental office is located at 329 Hymus Blvd., PointeClaire, QC, H9R 0C9.
For more information, visit lelib.ca.