Born into a family numbering four generations of entrepreneurs, Dan Bigras has been making his dreams come true since he was a youngster. Five years ago he developed the Chic Shack project on a superb piece of land in La Conception. In fact, Dan has worked from dawn to dusk all his life:  before Chic Shack, he was the biggest producer of carrots in Canada. Read on to find out more about a man who truly loves a challenge.

A little over 25 years ago, Dan Bigras, then the owner of a major market garden operation in southern Québec and Ontario, saw a great investment opportunity in Mont-Tremblant and became one of the shareholders of Le Shack and La Forge restaurants. “My work as a market gardener let me spend my winters in Tremblant. We live in paradise,” says Mr. Bigras. “I adore this amazing region. This is where I wanted to live and to retire. But it’s way too early to talk about that, because I’m only 60 years old,” he adds, with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his lips.

His passion for new projects led him to create – with the close collaboration of his companion Marie Sicotte – a huge, beautiful enclave in the mountains of La Conception just minutes from Mont-Tremblant. The 38 micro-lofts that thus far make up the exclusive neighbourhood are tucked away in this magnificent haven.

“I was lucky enough to meet the woman of my life fairly late,” Dan Bigras confides. “Marie and I developed Chic Shack together. She made an enormous contribution to the success of the project,” he adds.

A community worth discovering

At the wheel of his pickup with his faithful golden retriever Bradley at his side, Dan drove us through the Chic Shack development, some 1200 acres in size, which is – or is on the verge of becoming – his vision made real. In all, 150 lots located beside the Rouge River and on the shores of Lac Xavier make up this vast real estate project.

The former farmer reminds us that the project, developed in partnership with his friend Danny Bonneville, could not have taken shape without the support of the people and municipality of La Conception. “Without the approval of the mayor, Maurice Plouffe, and of La Conception town council, the project could not have seen the light of day,” Mr. Bigras declares.

The Chic Shack project

The architecture of the Chic-Shack micro-lofts – Scandinavian-inspired and combining wood with many large windows – is designed to harmonize with nature. The homes’ exposure maximizes the sunlight, making the project residences unique in character.

To minimize the impact on the land, the buildings are set on pilings. “Not one tree is cut without the permission of the owners, and reforestation is done as soon as the house is in place, adding to the impression that the house is at one with the forest,” say Marie Sicotte and Dan Bigras.

Thirty-eight Bonneville micro-lofts have already been sold and there are only two lots still available on Lac Xavier. “Each house was carefully sited to add value to the properties for our clients,” explains Mr. Bigras. “We want the project to feel Zen now and still to feel that way in ten years.  I think we were very avant-garde in creating our concept,” he notes.

A 1,200-acre playground

When the project has been completed, an outdoor skating rink will have been added to the hiking, cross-country-skiing and snowshoeing trails. Cyclists and triathletes will enjoy the proximity to the official marked Ironman cycling course, and project residents have access to the river. In fact, it will be hard to resist the advantages of an active, outdoor life.  “We wanted people to have a playground less than 100 metres from their home,” says Dan.

Coming soon: phase 2…and other challenges

To wrap up, we should mention Phase 2 of the Chic Shack project. It will comprise 35 lots, from 20,000 to 28,000 square feet each, with a new micro-loft model—the Alti—added to those initially offered.

Ten or so micro-lofts will also be built for rental between now and June.  Starting this summer, a small village of refuges— shelters, accessible on foot, cross-country skis, or snowshoes — will also be built.  According to the notebook of this hardworking entrepreneur, there are many other projects to come, but that will be another story.  To be continued….

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