A new $164 million real estate development in Quebec promises the construction of the “first geothermal lagoon in America” in the open air, inspired by the famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland, has learned The newspaper. A project “far from the cut to the lips”, however tempers the municipality of Sainte-Adèle.
“The lagoon will be six times the size of the ice rink at the Videotron Center or the Bell Centre. […] It will be even bigger than the one in Iceland,” said businessman and publicist Louis Massicotte. “I do this with the aim of creating a world-class attraction. »
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The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland is one of the country’s top tourist attractions. Its Quebec version would be permanently heated to 38 degrees Celsius thanks to an advanced geothermal system.
This project would be part of the design of a new village of 172 Scandinavian double chalets (344 units), baptized La Metsa, in the Laurentians. The land is 6 million square feet in area.
According to Mr. Massicotte, regarding thirty double chalets have already been signed in presale. A site plan would have been presented to the urban planning department in the fall. The official hopes to unveil the models this spring. However, no permit application has yet been officially filed.
“As soon as I have the permits and a hundred chalets sold, we will proceed for the lagoon,” said the former president of Village Vacances Valcartier and Calypso Park, who plans to keep “85% to 90%” of the green spaces.
Courtesy picture
Louis Massicotte, businessman and publicist
Many unknowns
Before the first sod, however, the municipality will have to grant the necessary permits for the chalets and the $12 million artificial lake with an area of 100,000 square feet and a depth of regarding 4 feet.
The mayoress of Sainte-Adèle has doubts regarding the outcome of this development. According to her, several issues remain, such as accessibility in this sector and infrastructure, including sewers.
“For the moment, we do not believe in this project. […] Nothing has been done with town planning. It was only regarding the concept. There are no open files,” replied Michèle Lalonde. “We are not once morest housing projects, as long as they remain viable,” she continues.
To achieve this development, Mr. Massicotte says he was inspired by a village in Copenhagen. The owners of the chalets will be able to rent out their residence on specialized sites. Which is already allowed by the zoning.
Each pavilion will consist of two attached chalets which can be delivered in 12 weeks. The price of a pavilion will vary from $759,000 to $1.1 million.
The manager hopes to start work before the end of the year. He plans regarding two years to complete the entire project.
Courtesy picture
One of the chalets of the La Metsa project.
Others elsewhere in Quebec
Mr. Massicotte is also analyzing the possibility of repeating this formula in the greater Quebec City region and in Estrie. Talks are said to be underway.
In March 2021, the businessman said he was working with a private group, including a New York fund, on a $200 million post-COVID-19 recovery fund to buy “theme parks, spas or villages holidays” across the province. He wanted to set up a “Disney of the North”.
–With the collaboration of Philippe Langlois
The Metsa project
- Planned in Sainte-Adèle
- 72 double cabins in the forest ($52 million)
- A geothermal lagoon ($12 million)
- 100 double chalets near the lagoon ($100 million)
- Total investment of $164 million
