City approves budget for Galt ST. W demolitions

The City of Sherbrooke has given its go-ahead to the demolition of nine buildings along Galt St. West, between Alexandre and Belvédère that could begin as early as the end of 2019 and is expected to last two years. The City has adopted a budget of $3M to begin the implementation of a project that involves the construction of several buildings with a total 70 units.

In June, Sherbrooke’s La Tribune newspaper reported that the city planned to buy nine apartment buildings near the Alfred-élie-dufresne Park to widen Galt West, add a bike path, and expand the park.

The project was not formally presented to Council on Monday and no discussion took place but a citizen nevertheless asked whether public consultations will be organized. Councillors suggested that meetings with concerned citizens will be organized shortly.

With the budget adoption, it seems certain that the buildings in question will be demolished and replaced by accessible and affordable housing in collaboration with the Municipal Housing Office, the Federation of Housing Cooperatives of Estrie, and the Quebec Housing Corporation. The City will no have to acquire the buildings, either by negotiation or by expropriation.

It is estimated that $1 million will be needed to decontaminate the sector and the infrastructure alone will cost $2.5 million. However, this work is eligible for government grants. Tenants who have to relocate will be entitled to three months rent and owners will also be compensated. An additional budget of $800,000 will be adopted on Monday as part of the presentation of the 2019 Capital Budget.