[PHOTOS] A major real estate boom near Mont-Sainte-Anne

Despite the poor condition of the Mont-Sainte-Anne resort, housing construction and population growth continue at a breakneck pace near the mountain.

In Beaupré, the municipality recorded an increase in population of more than 10% between 2016 and 2021.

Since 2006 the growth has been almost 40%.

Photo Jean-François Racine

On the Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges side the situation is even better. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of citizens increased by around 17%. Since 2006, the population has increased by almost 50%.

There are still numerous construction starts everywhere and there are no signs of a slowdown yet. Located at the foot of the mountain as an extension of Boulevard Bélanger, an entire district is soon to be created in Beaupré.

Photo Jean-François Racine

Always an attraction

“The appeal of Mont-Sainte-Anne still exists, as does the emergence of mountain biking. In summer it was often deserted, but not anymore. It is a new reality, a new culture. Golf has lost some of its nobility, but many people have made their home a permanent residence. It is an advantage for us,” explains Pierre Renaud, mayor of Beaupré.

Photo Jean-François Racine

The meteoric expansion of his community even surprises him a little. The tourist buses have disappeared, but the locals are more numerous.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect such a big development. The organizers recognized the potential. Our population is 4,400 people, but we’re actually closer to 7,500. We evaluate this particularly with the help of water meters. It continues to rise and last year we issued $58 million in building permits,” adds Mr Renaud.

Photo Jean-François Racine

The mountain

Despite Mont-Sainte-Anne’s setbacks, people still return to enjoy the mountain’s charms. The financial resources of this clientele, which tends to be loyal, are often above average.

“Despite the problems, people say it’s because of the quality of the mountain. Winter conditions are good despite the outdated snow cannons and the lifts in need of replacement. We are preparing a mobilization so that the government and the RCR come together again for talks,” concludes Mayor Renaud.

Further east, the real estate boom is also clearly visible in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges. Companies have also settled there, such as Brasseur des Monts, which the residents of the small town were waiting for.

Photo Jean-François Racine

More land

“In the last five years we are talking about growth of 500 people. Several young families arrive. We had a back to school party in September and were able to see her. The recreational tourism component is just as important as nature and proximity to the city. There is still space available. We are very interested in the mountain getting better,” says mayor Mélanie Royer-Couture.

Photo Jean-François Racine

As true ambassadors for the industry, the Harvey family are never far from their favorite playground.

Photo Jean-François Racine

“It’s good that we also speak positively about Mont-Sainte-Anne. In my opinion it is a real little paradise. It is clear that despite the setbacks that the mountain is experiencing, more and more people are of this opinion. “You can feel that when you go to the park at the foot of the mountain with Simone,” says Alex Harvey about his daughter.

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