Oxygen Saint-Côme Big goals for Saint-Côme
Located right next to the Val Saint-Côme ski resort, Oxygen Saint-Côme aims to become the largest LEED chalet project in North America
Posted on Nov 3, 2021Danielle Bonneau La PresseFor more than two and a half years, François Gagnon patiently negotiated with landowners in the mountains at Saint-Côme, just east of the Val Saint-Côme ski resort. He persevered until he formed a territory totaling almost 2 million square feet. He then called on Maryse Leduc, a pioneer of sustainable architecture in Quebec, to develop his vision. Thus was born Oxygen Saint-Côme, which will initially bring together 80 chalets built with the aim of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) ecological certification.
“When I went snowshoeing with François Gagnon at the top of the mountain and saw the site, I immediately saw the potential,” explains Ms. Leduc, who has been advocating green construction for 35 years. “I talked about sustainable development and he embarked on the whole line, so that we could do the largest LEED chalet project in North America. »
She set to work to design an overall vision. She has created two contemporary-style chalet models and two Scandinavian-style models, which feature at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Two other models are on the drawing board. His experience helps him make good choices and aim for the essentials.
While taking into account the budget, we are on top with geothermal energy in the two model houses currently under construction, passive solar, healthy materials, sustainable and local materials and as many local stakeholders as possible.
Maryse Leduc, architect and pioneer of sustainable architecture in Quebec
" Everything is here. It's all about responsible ecotourism, with a wellness-centric approach,” she adds.
On familiar ground
The architect, who works a lot in the various regions of Quebec, had already had the opportunity to design chalets in Lanaudière. François Gagnon, president of Investissements Lyscor, knows the sector very well for other reasons: he grew up skiing in Val Saint-Côme, like his wife. They continue to ski there as a family, with their two children aged 13 and 7.
“It's the most developed mountain in Lanaudière, with 44 trails for all levels and all tastes, and night skiing,” he points out. But there are practically no cottages for rent. »
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He detected a need and took advantage of his atypical schedule to meet it. He worked until recently 14 consecutive days in Alberta, in the oil industry, and returned 14 days to his family in L'Assomption, before leaving. “At first glance, this does not fit with the message launched with Oxygen Saint-Côme,” he admits straight away. But my role was to do everything in my power to ensure that the developments made within the framework of this industry were carried out in the most responsible way possible. It was my personal mandate and I gave myself the tools to achieve it. »
This sensitivity led him to want to carry out sustainable development, while respecting the environment. This is why he contacted Maryse Leduc. “She was doing green before green existed,” he points out. I try to be green in my approach and I surround myself with people who really have experience and are able to ensure that projects are done in the most responsible way possible. This is what Maryse allowed. »
Never seen
1/3Initially, 80 chalets from 1,500 to 2,500 sq. ft. (at costs ranging from $650,000 to $1 million, including land and numerous infrastructures) will be built on the mountain. Among other things, the promoter plans to add a ski slope to facilitate trips to and from Val Saint-Côme. Owners will be able to rent their residence if they wish, but it will not be an obligation.
“If they want to rent their chalet on the short term, we will put a management company in place to take care of it, specifies Mr. Gagnon. If they want to rent it long term, they can do it themselves. And if they don't want to rent at all, that's fine. It is their house. »
In resorts, such a commitment to build 80 individual LEED homes has never been seen in Quebec and probably not in Canada, says Emmanuel Cosgrove, general manager of Écohabitation and senior LEED Canada assessor for homes. He visited the two show houses, whose construction is very advanced.
1/2"It's Maryse Leduc in a compact format, with a very thoughtful design on the slab," he explains. It is sure that I have a weakness for all that does not have a basement. Not only is there less concrete, but also no cloudiness in the spring with the rise in the water table, so no mould. They aren't huge houses either. The chalets often have less than 1000 ft 2 on the ground with mezzanines. »
With telecommuting and the possibility of living in the countryside for good, I think it's probably going to be a more lived-in project than anything else. And if there are those who decide to rent their chalet, it makes perfect sense from an ecological point of view. This allows sharing, so that others can enjoy it, while making the purchase profitable.
François Gagnon, President of Lyscor Investments
This is a first step, with more to follow to showcase the nearly 2 million square foot lot. The construction of 400 other homes, integrated into the slope of the mountain, is among other things planned.
The developer has also recently concluded the purchase of a former golf course with an area of 7.6 million square feet, on the other side of the mountain. This will allow it to create a large-scale recreational tourism project offering activities during all four seasons.
Visit the Oxygen Saint-Côme website