On the heritage site of the former Alexander Stewart quarry, real estate developer Brigil, alongside Mayor Mario Zanth, officially broke ground on November 10, 2026, marking the launch of its brand-new residential community: Stewart Village.
This large-scale development will roll out gradually over the coming years and plans for more than 2,000 residences including single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums.
With views of the Ottawa River and the city of Rockland, the project emphasizes a close integration of nature, heritage, and neighbourhood life.
The first phase will center on a vast central park that connects residential sections to the site’s natural attractions, encouraging walking, cycling, and community gathering spaces.
“All our projects are close to our hearts, but Stewart Village holds a special meaning: the history of the place, its terrain, and its natural character. Our ambition is to build a neighbourhood where families can settle, meet, and grow, while maintaining a genuine connection to nature and to Rockland’s identity,” highlighted Gilles Desjardins, Founding President of Brigil.
For Gilles Desjardins, this construction project in Clarence-Rockland is more than a real estate investment, it represents a homecoming to Eastern Ontario.
“My father is from Clarence Creek, my mother is from Notre-Dame-des-Champs. So throughout my youth, family visits, weddings, baptisms, and unfortunately funerals, this region is where we came,” he explained.
This bond with the community also reflects the patience the developer exercised to assemble the required parcels over the years.
Beginning in the early 2000s, assembling the Stewart Village site required purchasing six distinct properties from local families, starting with an initial land acquisition in 2011.
“We are patient, there is no rush; we want to ensure the Brigil signature across all our projects, and we take our time to leave a lasting legacy. We have a duty to give back, and that is what motivates us,” said Desjardins.
Mayor Zanth outlined the project’s vital role in the municipality’s long-term growth while acknowledging the ongoing need for affordable housing initiatives.
He highlighted how the project contributed to community quality of life and fostering a village atmosphere.
“We need affordable and social housing, which falls under the United Counties with provincial and federal funding, but with a development like this, the key is making people understand that we don’t necessarily need more houses, we need villages, a small-town feel. Why not build neighbourhoods with convenience stores, where people can walk and stop taking their cars? That is exactly what they are envisioning here,” explained Zanth.
The mayor also highlighted the boost to the local economy while pointing out the municipal fiscal realities associated with new subdivisions.
“Developments like this bring in tax revenue and new residents to support local businesses, but they also bring infrastructure and service expenses for the municipality. What stands out here, however, is the innovation and creativity in the site’s design and the respect for community spirit,» he added.
For his part, Brigil’s president commended the close collaboration with elected officials and municipal administration to bring the initiative to fruition.
“It is certainly complex, it takes time, but it has been reasonable and respectful. I have nothing but praise for the Rockland administration, and I just want to extend an immense thank you. They worked closely with us so that we can meet residents’ needs with higher quality of life and a better product,” concluded Desjardins.
The official public launch will take place on November 14 during an exclusive sales day. Brigil invites community members to discover the project at a VIP event, where prospective buyers will be able to review model designs and secure prime lot selections.
