Environmental Regeneration Zone

Glencore Horne Smelter is responsible for acquiring properties located within the Environmental Regeneration Zone. As of July 1, 2026, 55 of the 82 properties had been acquired, representing 67%. For details, see the acquisition protocol

Property owners wishing to initiate the sales process may contact the Horne Smelter at the Community Relations Office.

46, 7e Rue, local 104, Rouyn-Noranda (Québec) J9X 1Z7

infocommunaute@glencore.ca

819 762-7764, extension 2002

Questions about the whole process? Visit the government’s action plan website.

The dismantling of acquired residences is a key step in creating the Environmental Regeneration Zone. It not only helps secure the acquired buildings but also gradually prepares the sites for the next phases of the project.

Only buildings that have been acquired, vacated, and are ready from both a technical and regulatory standpoint will be dismantled. Not all residential buildings will be demolished at the same time. Work will proceed in phases.

The first phase is expected to begin around October 6, 2026 and continue for several weeks.

The work is generally expected to take place from October 6, 2026 to November 30, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Before dismantling, each building undergoes appropriate preparation, which may include:

• Removal of lightweight components (doors, cabinets, light fixtures, etc.) for donation to organizations;
• Inspection and characterization of materials;
• Removal of hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos), when required;
• Cleaning of certain surfaces;
• Safe disconnection of water, electricity, and gas;
• Establishment of a safety perimeter;
• Planning of the demolition method by specialists.

Depending on the needs, the following measures, among others, will be implemented to mitigate potential impacts during the work:

Delimitation of the work zone, notification of traffic obstructions, no work between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., coordination with Hydro-Québec, Énergir, and the City to minimize temporary service interruptions, and watering of the work zone.

Glencore Horne Smelter is responsible for landscaping the Environmental Regeneration Zone at its own expense. The land will remain the private property of Glencore (Horne Smelter). Access to the core of the zone will be restricted, as required by the ministry.

Consultation Phase 1: What We Heard

The first phase of consultation on the future of the ERZ is now complete. A total of 330 people participated in the process, including 37 people at the workshops and 293 survey respondents.

The discussions highlighted several key directions to guide thinking on the zone’s future development:

• making greening and naturalization a priority to create a defining green space;
• subtly preserving the site’s history, particularly in how the area’s history and heritage are evoked;
• fostering safe and pleasant connections between the different sectors;
• maintaining a transparent and participatory process so that residents can stay informed and contribute to the next steps.

The comments gathered show, in particular, a marked interest in a large structuring green space, accompanied by a vegetated transition to soften the presence of the smelter, and a sensitive evocation of the site's memory.

The project is now moving forward to transform this collective vision into a concrete, sustainable, and promising development for future generations. No final decision has yet been made regarding the development of the ERZ. The results of this first phase will inform further deliberations and help prepare for Phase 2 of the consultation.

Next opportunity to discuss the project: September 19, 2026 – Recycling Day.

Representatives from the Horne Smelter and consultant Domus Architecture + Design Urbain will be on site to present project updates, answer questions, and continue conversations with the community.

Citizens will also be able to participate through an online survey.