After more than a year of anticipation, Canac is preparing to open its first-ever location in Laval, marking a pivotal moment in the Quebec-based hardware and building materials chain’s history. The new store will officially open on Friday, February 6, at the corner of Boulevard du Curé-Labelle and Boulevard Saint-Elzéar Ouest, bringing the retailer into one of the province’s most important and competitive retail markets.
The Laval opening represents far more than another store launch. Despite operating 35 locations across Quebec, Canac has never had a presence in Laval or on the island of Montreal. That long-standing absence is now coming to an end with what the company describes as its largest single investment to date.
The scale of the Laval project underscores its strategic importance. Construction costs alone surpassed $35 million, making it the most significant investment Canac has ever made in a single location. The site spans approximately 450,000 square feet and is anchored by a 50,000-square-foot main building, of which roughly 30,000 square feet is dedicated to retail sales space.
This level of capital commitment reflects a deliberate and confident move into the Greater Montreal region. Rather than testing the market with a smaller or adapted format, Canac has opted to introduce its full large-format renovation centre model, signaling long-term intentions in the area.
Strategic Location Serving Laval and Montreal Shoppers
The new Canac Laval store is strategically positioned near Highways 15 and 440, offering convenient access for customers travelling from across Laval, the North Shore, and Montreal. For years, local shoppers seeking Canac’s value-driven offering had to travel outside the region.
Laval residents often traveled north to Prévost in the Laurentians, while Montreal customers typically headed to Saint-Hubert or La Prairie on the South Shore. The new location significantly shortens those trips and places the brand within easy reach of a large population that was already familiar with its pricing and assortment.
The site’s accessibility also strengthens its appeal to professional contractors, for whom efficient access, loading areas, and proximity to job sites are critical factors when choosing where to source materials.
A Comprehensive Large-Format Retail Experience
Inside the store, customers will find a broad assortment designed to support both renovation projects and everyday maintenance needs. The retail space carries categories including hardware, plumbing, electrical supplies, tools, paint, flooring, finishing products, building materials, and seasonal items.
Beyond the main sales floor, the complex features a 12,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor garden centre, catering to landscaping and seasonal outdoor projects. A covered warehouse spanning approximately 41,500 square feet provides additional capacity for bulk merchandise and weather-protected loading, while a large outdoor lumber yard supports framing, decking, and construction materials.
The property also includes approximately 250 parking spaces, several of which are equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, reflecting changing consumer expectations around convenience and infrastructure.
Addressing a Longstanding Market Gap
Canac’s absence from Laval and Montreal had long been notable within Quebec’s home improvement sector. The chain has traditionally focused on Quebec City and regional markets, expanding steadily while maintaining tight control over logistics and operations.
The Laval opening marks a turning point in that approach. It brings Canac into direct competition within a dense and highly competitive retail environment, where established home improvement banners already operate multiple locations and maintain deep relationships with contractors.
The Laval store is the first step in a broader push into the Greater Montreal region. According to multiple reports, Canac plans to open additional locations in Laval and Magog in 2026, followed by its first on-island Montreal store in Anjou in 2027.
Construction on the Anjou location is expected to begin this spring, with the store set to become Canac’s 38th branch. Together, these projects indicate a sustained and carefully paced expansion strategy rather than a one-time entry into the market.
This measured growth suggests that Canac sees significant long-term opportunity in Greater Montreal, supported by population density, ongoing residential development, and continued demand for renovation and construction supplies.
Deep Roots in Quebec’s Hardware Industry
Canac’s origins date back to the late 19th century, with roots in two family businesses founded in Quebec. Jos Grenier was established in 1875, followed by Louis Canac-Marquis in 1878. The two companies merged in 1981 to form Canac-Marquis Grenier, creating the foundation for the modern chain.
In 1985, the business was acquired by Groupe Laberge, which has overseen its expansion into a province-wide retailer. Headquartered in Quebec City, Canac positions itself as the first independent hardware and construction materials chain to originate from the region.
The company remains privately owned and Quebec-based, a distinction it highlights following the sale of other major banners to foreign ownership.
Positioning in a Competitive Home Improvement Landscape
Canac operates large-format renovation centres designed to serve both DIY homeowners and professional trades. Stores typically carry more than 25,000 SKUs across categories such as tools, plumbing, electrical, paint, flooring, décor, lumber, and landscaping products.
The format integrates indoor retail space with outdoor or semi-covered lumber yards and garden centres, placing the chain in direct competition with established players such as Home Depot, RONA, and Home Hardware. Canac differentiates itself through competitive pricing, operational efficiency, and an emphasis on practical, experience-based advice.
That value-focused positioning has become increasingly important as consumers remain price-conscious while still investing in home improvement and renovation projects.
Logistics as a Key Competitive Advantage
Supporting Canac’s retail network is a highly integrated logistics and distribution system. The company operates major distribution centres in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures and Drummondville, enabling centralized purchasing and efficient inventory flow across its stores.
Current expansion projects include a 650,000-square-foot distribution centre build-out incorporating an AutoStore automated handling system. This investment is designed to increase throughput, improve accuracy, and reduce handling costs, reinforcing Canac’s ability to compete on price as it enters more expensive and competitive markets.
As the chain expands into Greater Montreal, these logistics capabilities are expected to play a central role in maintaining margins while delivering value to customers.
A Steady and Disciplined Growth Strategy
Canac’s expansion has been deliberate. From just five stores in the early 1980s, the company has grown to 35 locations across Quebec, with a stated goal of opening approximately two new stores per year.
Its network now includes markets such as Jonquière, Drummondville, Rock Forest, Cowansville, Rimouski, Granby, Saint-Hubert, Thetford Mines, La Prairie, Contrecoeur, Sorel-Tracy, and Rivière-du-Loup. Most new stores have been developed as greenfield big-box projects, allowing Canac to maintain consistency in design and operations.
The move into Laval represents an evolution of that strategy, bringing the same model into a denser and more competitive urban environment.
