Chalets Prunella lands $99K investment for luxury retreat expansion
Tashi Farmilo
Women-owned Chalets Prunella is poised for a transformative expansion, thanks to a $99,325 repayable contribution from the Government of Canada. This funding, announced through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), will enable the Thorne-based start-up to enhance its luxurious accommodations by adding three new mini-cottages and a thermal therapy area. This investment marks a significant step forward for Chalets Prunella, which has quickly become a sought-after destination for those seeking high-end, nature-inspired getaways in Quebec.
The investment is part of the government's broader strategy to support businesses in economically vulnerable areas, recognizing the critical role that regional enterprises play in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Chalets Prunella, situated on a sprawling 75-acre property near the serene Lac Johnson, is poised to become a key player in the Pontiac area's tourism sector, which has faced challenges due to a lack of quality accommodation options.
Sophie Chatel, Member of Parliament for Pontiac, underscored the government's commitment to supporting such initiatives, stating, "Implementing projects that enhance the long-term economic development potential of businesses is a priority for our government. In this spirit, we support promising projects such as the one by Chalets Prunella, a business located in one of Quebec's economically vulnerable RCMs. By assisting a start-up such as this one with its growth, we are helping to increase the economic spin-offs of tourism in the Pontiac community."
The funding comes at a pivotal time for Chalets Prunella, which has already established itself as a premium destination with its four high-end accommodation units. The addition of the mini-cottages and thermal therapy area is expected to attract more visitors to the region, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. The start-up's growth is emblematic of the government's broader efforts to nurture businesses that have strong ties to their communities and are well positioned to drive regional economic development.
Minister of Tourism and CED, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting, "Our government has a mission to guide the country's businesses and regions into tomorrow's economy and help them seize the business opportunities that will arise. That is why CED is going further in its approach by paying particular attention to more economically vulnerable RCMs in Quebec. Thanks to CED's support, Chalets Prunella will be able to increase and enhance its offering as the demand for its high-quality tourism product grows. All my congratulations to the co-owners!"
The co-owners of Chalets Prunella, Nancy Lemay and Catherine Lemay, expressed their gratitude for the government's support, which they see as instrumental in their business's expansion. "We are very grateful for this support from CED, which is truly driving the growth of our business. This financial contribution will enable us to enhance our tourism offering by building three new mini-cottages and by developing a thermal therapy area. This project is a crucial step in strengthening Chalets Prunella's position as a destination of choice in the Outaouais region and in contributing to the Pontiac area's economic development. We are proud to be part of this community and to take part in its economic vitality," they stated.
Photo caption: The co-owners of Chalets Prunella, Catherine Lemay and Nancy Lemay, are set to expand their women-owned start-up with a $99,325 investment from the Government of Canada, enabling the addition of new mini-cottages and a thermal therapy area to their luxury accommodations in Thorne, Quebec.
Photo caption: Courtesy of Chalets Prunella
