Four days after announcing the arrival of Northvolt, the mayor of Saint-Basile-le-Grand presented the mega-project for the first time in his city on Monday evening to his citizens, who were still shocked to see its arrival in their homes. one of the largest battery factories in the world.
Overall, they welcomed, with some reservations, the opening of the 172-hectare battery cell factory, of which 141 hectares or 82% of the land is in the Saint-Basile-le-Big area.
“You will blow your nose.”
The mayor of Saint-Basile has been repeatedly angered by his citizens over social acceptance and sought to calm himself down by saying that he had demanded housing and efficient transport solutions.
“If they don’t, they’ll blow their nose. “It’s clear,” he replied.
Photo Francis Halin
At the microphone, several citizens welcomed Northvolt’s move into their homes and at the same time called for better communication with the city and the company in the future.
“You need the opinion of scientists. The BAPE is what we need and ultimately citizens must have the opportunity to hold a referendum,” said Claude Talbot, Saint-Basile resident.
“Everything shouldn’t be decided at the top because the project is fantastic,” he continued.
“I worry about accidents involving chemicals and reagents. “Specialized firefighters are needed,” said Benjamin Bourgoing, a local construction electrician who himself was the victim of an industrial accident.
Benjamin Bourgoing, a professional construction electrician from the region. Photo Francis Halin
concerns of citizens
In an interview with Le Journal last week, Northvolt co-founder and head of North American management Paolo Cerruti said he takes citizens’ concerns seriously without worrying about them.
“We will go to Saint-Basile-le-Grand and McMasterville next week to meet the population and explain what we are doing,” he said.
In mid-September, Le Journal reported that Quebec could spend almost $1.4 billion on Swedish cell maker Northvolt’s mega-factory project.
In making the announcement last Thursday, Quebec indicated it could pay up to $1.5 billion in production incentives for the batteries manufactured and sold.
Real estate crisis
The Association of Construction and Housing Professionals of Quebec (APCHQ), interviewed by Le Journal on Monday, acknowledged that the megaproject will pose challenges for housing construction in the region.
“Quebec is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis and has a deficit of more than 100,000 units. The demand for housing is increasing, construction starts are falling drastically and the pressure on rents is high,” explained spokesman Fabrice Fortin.
“Before the factory opens, we must work together to find solutions to meet the housing needs of future employees,” he concluded.