Valecraft founder Rivard had humble start
When Jean-Guy Rivard grew up in Treadwell, a small French community east of Ottawa in Prescott-Russell, becoming a successful developer was not on his radar. As a child, Rivard lived without running water, which influenced him to become a plumber. He move
Q You’ve been in business for 35 years and had a humble start, can you tell me about that?
A It is interesting how your childhood influences your career in life. For myself, I lived in a small community … above a cheese factory without running water. You can imagine how unpractical that was for a large family, and therefore I chose the career of a plumber. I worked for SC Boone Limited for 11 years, started as an apprentice, and then grew to estimator and then general manager. I attained my Master Plumber licence, and in 1965 created my own plumbing company, JG Rivard Limited. In 1980, my brother, Michel, took over the business now known as Rivard Mechanical.
At this point, I knew all the builders in town and was very interested in land development. While a plumber (in 1969), I purchased 100 acres in Orléans, now known as Cardinal Trail. It was in 1982, that Valecraft Homes Limited was created. I started by purchasing 40 lots of land in Chatelaine Village and built single homes. I went on building many different communities in the city from east to west.
Q How many communities have you developed? Tell me what is special about your homes.
A We’ve developed at least 15 communities of townhomes and single homes across town with multiple phases. Our homes are designed to fit the community and the functions of families. The exteriors are carefully designed and colours were chosen to be in harmony with the surroundings. We continually improve our plans for optimum functionality. We limit the number of homes we build per year to ensure the highest quality standards. We have a great team, from sales representative, head office to trades. We’ve used the same teams of knowledgeable and reliable tradesmen for over 20 years.
Q What do you see as the biggest change in home development over the years? How is it different now?
A I’ve always loved designing homes, and the way families use the spaces has shifted. In the ’80s, the houses were smaller and the rooms were separated. Nowadays, most people prefer the open concept with the kitchen being the heart of the home. Families like to gather around the kitchen, so we make sure there are large kitchen countertops and islands to accommodate.
Homes we build today are far superior to those of the ’80s. The standard windows, roof, insulation has totally changed for the better. Overall, I would say the houses we build are 75 per cent better due to the quality of materials available. I remember how window frames were in wood and there was very little insulation. Today, we build houses that are heat efficient and will outlast the houses built in the ’80s.
Back in the early 1980s, the interest rate on a mortgage was around 19 per cent, which is very high. Therefore, it was — and still is — very important to deliver quality homes that are affordable while keeping the high standard of craftsmanship.
Q Which projects are you working on now and what are you planning long term?
A In the east, we are still building in Place St. Thomas, and wrapping up in both Cardinal Trail 7 and Bradley Estates. We are 90 per cent sold out (at) Aviation Private, off Montreal (Rd). Our Barrhaven community, Woodroffe Lofts, is selling fast with only one and a half blocks left. Our latest community, Rathwell Landing in Stittsville, has been a total success with singles and townhomes.
For the long term, we will be releasing a new phase of Deerfield Village near Bank and Lester Rd. very soon. We also have a future 100 acres to develop off March Road in Kanata North, with over 500 units.
Q I understand you enjoy giving back to the community, can you tell me about that?
A I truly believe the best way to better everyone’s lives is to give back to the community, especially re-investing in the health of our communities. Valecraft has donated over $1.7 million throughout the years to various charities and organizations such as hospitals, mental health centres, cancer research foundations and children’s aid centres. I try to inspire my employees to be involved in the community and am proud to say we’ve had great teams in the Dragon Boat Festival, the RIDE and the EPIC Walk, to name a few.
Q What do you enjoy about being a developer?
A You work in your life and you do what you love best. My love is land development, which is a large part of a being a builder, and I’m always looking for new opportunities to continue to build in the future. I’ve always had a desire for homes’ exteriors, how it looks and fits with its surroundings, and the functionality of floor plans. To gather genuine feedback from home shoppers, I’ve been a secret shopper in my own sales centres. I dressed down, walked the models pretending to be browsing. I listened to what others were saying and asked questions. This is how I discovered a corner pantry would be more functional. It also confirmed that the kitchen and bathrooms were the buyers’ focus.