Development Vision

Groupe Le Massif's vision has always been to provide authentic and original experiences through human-scale projects and exist as an organization based on the principles of sustainable development.

Our tourism development vision is small in order to preserve as much of this fragile and unique ecosystem as possible.

This vision involves infrastructure development, the footprint of which we are trying to minimize. Our facilities aim to welcome guests from here and elsewhere who will respect this environment and understand the full value of the Charlevoix region.

Our plan addresses three areas of sustainable development.

 

Economy

• Ensure the long-term viability in the region

Groupe Le Massif values development based on the potential for long-term viability in the region.

• Development of a rail network between Québec and Charlevoix allows residents and tourists to move between the regions and municipalities.
• The resort is an important economic engine within the region based on its number of potential year-round jobs (not just seasonal.)

It’s important to remember that Club Med is the hotel operator and investor in its construction. The land and the building remain controlled by Groupe Le Massif, a Québec entity.

Social

Maximize the positive impacts in the region

Le Massif is determined to maximize the positive impacts in the region while reducing its negative impacts.

• Le Massif’s vision for tourism not only involves participation from external operators, but also includes a discovery session to understand the region better.
• Le Massif has always put local products in the spotlight in its food services.
• Groupe Le Massif has integrated affordable housing into its development plan and encourages the municipality to build this type of housing in order to accommodate the arrival of new residents in the region and minimize housing inflation costs that such a tourist development could spur.
• Groupe Le Massif is committed to making sport more accessible to regional youth.
• Groupe Le massif participated in a regional impact study on the social aspects linked to the arrival of Club Med. This study, piloted by DIS Charlevoix, aims to minimize the negative impacts and optimize the positive impacts of recreational tourism development in the area.

Environment

Preserve and respect the environment that surrounds us

Le Massif is not only committed to preserving the beauty of the landscapes, but also to raising the visitors’ consciousness by engaging them in positive actions and choices that will contribute to the protection of the environment.

• We aim to take a balanced approach to meet two objectives
  • Higher density at the base with a goal of sustainable development
  • Lower density at the summit with the goal of respecting the terrain
• We try to minimize the environmental footprint by limiting the cutting of trees around each unit over the entire Le Massif property, avoiding unnecessary sprawl.
• We advocate for common spaces rather than private landscaping.
• Le Massif is currently developing a series of nature interpretation projects to enhance its unique ecosystem.
• We have, and will continue to, develop innovative accommodations, such as:
  • Les Chalets-Forêt: harnessing active energy through the windows and its location, in addition to prioritizing clean energy.
  • Le Germain: A hotel with a geothermal system, 95% Quebecois-built, and most of the furniture designed by local artisans.
  • Club Med: Its goal is to achieve a BREAAM certification, a measure of sustainable design.
• We are also committed to reducing our environmental footprint by reducing our waste. A recycling management plan is underway and is overseen by the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve.
• Other initiatives are being analyzed with local organizations that will take place in the next development phases.
  
   

Le Massif territory is already very lush and forested. In accordance with the impact study on the area, it’s optimal to revitalize the forests in order to improve the vigor and health by promoting the growth of maple trees while preserving companion species. The competition for light, water, and nutrients between trees is thus less intense.

With regards to Le Massif’s real estate project, an area of 6 hectares will be the subject of forest development. This measure is aimed at forestry developments in the nearby maple groves by promoting existing maple trees and planting sugar maple trees.

The planned developments will happen in the form of “forestry gardening,” which consists of cutting individual trees or small groups of trees in various diameters.

Communication channels between Groupe Le Massif and the citizens of Charlevoix

Since fall 2018, Groupe Le Massif has been committed to establishing liaisons to better communicate with stakeholders in the region. Our goal has always been — and will always  be — to fit harmoniously within the community and contribute to the vitality of the region. 

These channels make it possible to discuss the village development vision with regards to sustainable recreational and tourism interests. 

River Advisory

For each new construction project at the base of the mountain, a river impact study is sent through the municipality to its citizens. Groupe Le Massif publishes these same findings on its website.

Public Consultants

Groupe Le Massif organizes community meetings to discuss the base camp project and answer questions from local residents. Groupe Le Massif also hosts meetings to encourage entrepreneurs from the region to get involved with the project.

Impact Study

Groupe Le Massif has participated in an impact study on social and regional aspects relating to the arrival of Club Med. This study, piloted by DSI Charlevoix, aims to minimize the negative impacts and optimize the positive impacts of recreational tourism development in the region.

Thank you to our collaborators

• Tourism, economic and cultural association of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
• Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce
• Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
• DSI Charlevoix
• EncEnglobeompasses
• Génio
• MRC Charlevoix
• Municipality of Petite Rivière-St-François
• Norda Stelo
• Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve
• Charlevoix Tourism