REAL ESTATE PROFILE
A Q&A with Patrick Varin
The eldest of three children, Patrick Varin was born in l'assomption, just east of Montreal. When he was 10, the family moved to Ste-marguerite-du-lac-masson, in the Laurentians. His father, Robert, was a builder and developer. He allowed young Patrick to sit in on business meetings, where he listened well.
Although he is not fond of titles, today Patrick embraces the role of president of Le Galdin Condos, developed in partnership with Groupe Quorum. He is a handson guy, working at the grassroots level of each project to ensure that objectives are met and problems solved in a thorough and timely fashion.
We sat down together at the sales office of Le Galdin in Montreal's St-henri neighbourhood.
Did you always want to be a developer?
Growing up, my parents spoke little English but wanted my brother, sister and me to be bilingual. After elementary school they sent me to Stanstead College, a boarding school in the Eastern Townships. My English improved and it helped me shake off some of my shyness. But school was not a good fit for me — I wanted to work with my dad. He agreed and, in time, began to delegate responsibilities. My father was my idol; I adored working with him. As my knowledge and abilities grew, he gave me more and more control. We continued to work closely together until 10 years ago when he passed away suddenly at age 59.
How has the business evolved? In the 1990s, we built townhouses in east end Montreal — Rivière des Prairies and Pointe-aux-trembles. Then we acquired land in Rosemont (CP Rail Angus Yards) where we created 1,000 dwellings.
One of my abilities has been to predict which area will be “the next big thing ” for residential development. When we perceived that the housing market was edging closer to downtown, we began building on Plateau Mont-royal.
In 2005, we purchased land in Old Montreal and created Le Solano Condos. We will soon complete its eighth and final phase. Several years ago, we bought land in Griffintown and created Le Canal and Le Canal 2 Condos. Le Galdin is in St-henri and future projects are coming up in Lachine.
Tell me about Le Galdin.
Le Galdin is a mixed-use project, facing the Lachine Canal and surrounded by gardens, conceived while working closely with “Batir son quartier.” It consists of five structures, with plenty of space in between for additional greenery. Three of the buildings will comprise a total of 223 high-end condos.
The other two are for social housing with commercial space at the ground-floor level, including a daycare centre and grocery store. We are creating 100 new jobs with this initiative.
What is Batir son quartier? Batir son quartier is an organization that co-ordinates housing projects which ensure good living conditions for families with low to moderate incomes. Their mission is very much in sync with my own values.
Before building, I need to understand a community's needs. If I ask for a zoning change, I ensure that it will benefit the neighbourhood. With Le Galdin, those living in the area will have access to the Lachine Canal for the first time — and our gardens will be for the public as well as residents.
Recently, a potential buyer came to me and said: “I want to spend $2 million on one of your condos but what is all this about social housing?” Before he uttered another word I suggested that he buy elsewhere.
How do you manage doing so much?
I do put in a lot of hours attending city council meetings, talking about zoning and getting permits, but this is what I love. It makes me feel good to be involved with all aspects of the business.
I have also sought strategic partnerships — for example, engineer and builder Jean Bouchard is my partner for Le Solano and Le Canal.
I credit him with our success with these developments.
For Le Galdin, my partner is Groupe Quorum, with their remarkable team.
And in your spare time? When I am not working it's all about family. My wife, Evana, is the love of my life and the best wife and mother. We have two children: Marc-lucas and Mika-ella. And I am still very close to my dear mom.
On weekends, we all hang out together at our chalet in Ste-marguerite. In winter we ski, and in summer we enjoy watersports.
What puts the spring in your step?
I think what drives me most is wanting to make my late dad proud. I still feel his hands pushing me forward. When I have a tough decision, I ask myself: “What would Dad do?”
I also want to set an example for my kids about what can be achieved with hard work and determination.