| Creating 46º North
Q: Who is behind the vision for 46º North?
A: 46º North is a joint venture between one of Australia’s largest and most experienced private development firms, Walker Corporation, and the Canadian residential developer AXE Immobilier. Walker is an international developer of premier lifestyle and residential projects and, in addition, the company creates commercial buildings, retail shopping centres and industrial estates. One of Walker Corporation’s most famous projects is the Hope Island Golf Resort in Queensland Australia. Walker has projects with a total development value of around $12 billion underway in Australia and in international markets including Canada, USA and Malaysia.
Walker was seeking an exciting opportunity in Canada and was introduced to AXE Immobilier, who were seeking a suitable joint venture partner to develop this beautiful log homes development in Quebec. Together the partners have carefully crafted the vision to create a recreational environment around the resort and at the same time protect the natural features and trees on the site while constructing the traditional authentic log homes.
Q. What makes 46º North unique?
A: With a reputation for some of the world’s great wine and food, and a diverse range of cultural and recreational opportunities within a majestic setting the Mont-Tremblant area of Quebec is widely renowned as a premier lifestyle destination for international investors and Canadians alike.
Add to this the natural beauty of the environment and this particular property’s location adjacent to the national park as well as its several lakes and undulating land. Additionally, the 46ºNorth location is very close to the township of Labelle, which means that every convenience and service is readily available very closeby unlike some of the other more remotely located log home/resort properties in the Laurentides area.
46˚ North Resort is a series of luxurious log cabins in the Canadian wilderness with access to the convenience of a charming local township (LaBelle) and a sophisticated tourism environment (Mt Tremblant village) with miles and miles of national park nearby. The homes, landscape and recreational facilities will be created using the most modern design thinking yet still have the traditional look of the Canadian log cabin exterior.
Q: What is the built form vision for 46ºNorth?
A: A unique and essential element of the development is the charming traditional log home, typical of the Quebec area. The built form vision for 46º North is one of an integrated architectural and landscape environment that celebrates the natural forest atmosphere, locating each of the log homes in its own private sphere, nestled near trees or rocks, with views and vistas wherever possible.
The log homes will all be low-scale and incorporate simple yet striking architectural design principles combined with the use of the natural logs imported from British Columbia, and high quality, low maintenance finishes.
Q: How will 46º North complement the existing landscape?
A: Using log home construction actually helps us to preserve the existing natural landscape, because it is a low-impact construction style. We only remove enough trees to place the home on its site and create a small private grassed area for you to relax in your own front yard,
We are keeping the walking tracks and roads in the rustic theme of the Canadian country-side, and using rocks and logs to create landscape garden features in appropriate places. Planting of new trees will be native to the area and no exotic introduced species will be planted. Any special flowering exotic plants, if used, would be in pots where they cannot escape to spoil the local ecosystem.
Where is 46˚ North Resorts and how do I get there?
Q: Where is 46˚ North?
A: 46˚ North Resorts is situated at Lake Mitchell, 20 minutes north of Eastern Canada’s most exclusive ski resort - Mt Tremblant. We are also just a 5 minute drive from the township of LaBelle where there are activities such as snowmobiling in the winter and horseback riding in the summer months. Our property is situated on 500 acres of land that encompass Lake Mitchell and two other smaller lakes. We are also located next door to the Parc National du Mont-Tremblant with trails you could walk or bike for hours. Our location which is surrounded by Canadian wilderness and activities is the perfect place to come to relax.
Q:How do you get to 46˚ North?
A:
- 46˚ North is 1.5 hours drive from Montreal’s Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport.
- London Heathrow is a five and a half hour flight into Montreal
- One could fly directly from Toronto Island Airport into Mt. Tremblant with Porter airlines (www.flyporter.com).
- Mt Tremblant International Airport can also accommodate private jets.
- Ottawa is a 1.5 hour drive and New York and Toronto are within an hour’s flight or around a 6 hour drive.
Q: How Frequent are the flights?
A: Air Canada and British Airways have daily direct flights into Montreal, Porter airlines flies daily during the winter season only from Toronto Island to Mt Tremblant. There are many low cost airlines now flying into Montréal as well.
Q: How expensive are the flights?
A: Prices range from £150 in the off season to £299 during the winter season and around £350 in the summer months.
What’s at 46º North ?
Q: What recreational facilities will be available within 46ºNorth?
A: The focal point of 46 ºNorth is the stunning Clubhouse designed by architect Philippe Lupien, and oriented to capture lovely views of Lake Mitchell. Other recreational facilities include:
• Resort swimming pool
• Scandanavian spa and massage treatment room
• Resort tennis courts
• Fishing equipment
- Non-motorised boating
• Canoes and paddleboats
• Long and interesting adventure trails
• Maple Sugar Shack to show the story of maple harvesting
• Clubhouse Discovery Centre & Concierge services to book activities
• Village Green and BBQ facilities near the Clubhouse and swimming pool area
• Clubhouse Library and Games Room
We will be continually adding more activities as our visions expand for this new development.
Q: When will the tennis courts and pool be completed?
A: The development will be completed progressively in phases over the next 4 years or so. Current plans are for the swimming pool and tennis courts to be completed by summer 2009.
Q: Do I have to pay Membership Fees or join a Club to use the facilities?
A: No, all of these facilities are free for you and your friends to use. You will need to pay for any food and drinks you consume at the Clubhouse, and for spa/massage treatments.
Q: Will there be any retail facilities at 46ºNorth?
A: We will sell a small range of necessities only at the Clubhouse, in case you have forgotten something. The main area for shopping for daily essentials will be Labelle town, located only five minutes drive from 46 ºNorth. Many businesses in Labelle will deliver directly to your door. You can ask for assistance at the Clubhouse Concierge to help find suppliers for everything you need. For more sophisticated gifts and fashion shopping, there is a wonderful range of shops at Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort.
Q: Will there be a hotel or resort accommodation for my friends?
A: No, we are not creating a hotel. Many owners of log homes at 46º North will rent them to holidaymakers when they are not occupying the homes themselves. We will create a “rental pool” so that friends can stay at 46 North and owners can gain more return on their investment.
Log Homes at 46º North
Q: Who is building my home and how do I know that it will be a quality construction?
A: 46˚North Resorts Inc has a General Contractor License, is a member of ACQ (Association des Contracteurs du Quebec). The construction programme is being managed by a very experienced builder who has completed a number of successful developments in Canada. In addition, Walker Corporation of Australia has extensive experience in residential development and is contributing to the development programme with a range of environmental and design initiatives to ensure a top quality development outcome.
Q: Where do the logs come from, what type of wood is it, and how is it treated to last for many many years?
A: The logs come from British Columbia.
Q: How long does it take to build?
A: If there is no change in plans, construction can start within 4 weeks of deposit and financial approval. Construction takes 4 full months and if it is during winter we will have to come back in May to complete landscaping and exterior stain.
Q:What construction guarantees are available?
A: Every house is totally built by licensed subcontractors. 46˚North Resorts has a General Contractor License, is a member of ACQ (Association des Contracteurs du Quebec) and is accredited by La Garantie Qualite Habitation which provides a 5 year guarantee.
Q: Can changes be made to the design or specifications for my home?
A: Yes, we are happy to talk to you about changes, but it may stretch the construction period depending on the extent of changes you want.
Q: Are the homes well insulated?
A: Yes, and the authentic log home is a warm home in winter and cool in summer.
Q: Are there heating and air-condition systems?
A: Model A and B comes as a standard but it is an option in Model C
Q. Can I paint my home a different colour?
A: No, we are only offering two colours
Q: What security systems are available?
A: The developers will establish an Owners Association, which will consider a number of matters, including whether to employ a watchman. Owners may install their own security systems at an extra cost.
Q: What parking facilities are available?
A: Every home has its own car parking facilities. Some homes have one place garage with 2 parking spots in the driveway, and some homes have only driveway parking spots. Visitor parking will be available near the Clubhouse.
Q: How do I puchase the furniture and who will install the furniture?
A: There will be furniture packages created for clients who would like to buy and decorate their home to resemble the “stay and play” unit. This furniture is supplied from within the local area and the suppliers are happy to install the furniture for you.
Q:Is there satellite TV & Internet access?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I have my own garden?
A: Yes
Buying at 46º North
Q: How do I go about owning a home at 46˚ North?
A: The process will begin by selecting a plot of land and confirming your interest by filling out a reservation form and depositing ₤10,000 (= CAD 20,000) to secure your property for thirty days. It is important to note that all sums deposited with 46˚ North are put into a Trust Account with a Notary so that all funds are secured until closing. In addition to this securing your interest, it will ensure you are eligible for a discovery visit which will permit you to join us at 46˚ North and experience life there. During this time you will actually get the opportunity to live in one of our unique log homes and discover the charm and authenticity of wilderness living in the Mt. Tremblant region.
Upon completing your visit and if you intend to become a home owner at 46˚ North, you will then complete a Purchase Agreement on which you will confirm the plot, the home type, chose your furniture package and agree on a delivery date. At this time an additional deposit that will equate to 10% of the purchase price is required and will be deposited again in Trust with the Notary.
30 days prior to the commencement of construction of the foundation walls, you will receive a request for an additional deposit of 10% and upon receipt of this deposit, construction of the home will begin.
As previously indicated, all sums deposited with 46˚ North will be done via a Notary who will keep all sums in Trust up until the day we proceed with closing. As well 46˚ North will benefit from the interest earned on deposits and it is financing the entire construction of your home.
Q: Can I buy more than one home?
A: Yes, You can buy as many as you would like.
Q: Can I get local financing?
A: We have established a relationship with a few different financial institutions that have already reviewed and appraised the project. Financing will be available for all qualified purchasers. In case of non-residents, the maximum amount financed by Canadian Chartered Institutions is 65% of the total value of your purchase inclusive of any optional packages purchased on your home.
Q:What currency are payments made in?
A: Payment should be made in Canadian dollars.
Q: What are the taxes that need to be paid?
A: On closing:
On completing the purchase of your property, you will be required to pay GST and PST which equate to a total of 12.875%. This consists of the GST (5%) & QST (7.875%). It is important to note that if you intend to make the property available for at least 90% of the time for rental, you may be eligible – if you are registered prior to closing and receive an exemption certificate – to not pay the PST but if this is not done prior to closing and you intend to use the property as an investment, these taxes can be claimed provided the property is purchased for the exclusive purpose of renting it out on a short term basis.
In addition to the above on closing, there will be a Land Transfer Tax, also referred to a Welcome Tax or Stamp Duty. This will be assessed based on the total value of your home. In Quebec this is calculated based on certain thresholds and values but generally, as a rule of thumb, 1% of the Purchase Price can be used for a quick assessment.
On going taxes:
On an annual basis depending on its evaluation, the property will be subject to Municipal and School Taxes. These taxes are normally received in the beginning of the year and can be paid through installments.
Q: What happens if I decide to sell my property?
A: Upon selling your property, you will be subject to a Capital Gains Tax which at the time of print is approximately 24% on the gains of the sale of the home. If you are a non-resident, you should consult with a tax advisor to better understand the exact tax implications for your particular case. In addition, if you are a non-resident, you will need to verify if there are any tax treaties between your country and Canada, for example if there is anything between Canada and the U.K.
Q: Is there a rental pool?
A: 46˚ North will offer a full service rental pool program. This program is all inclusive and our objective is to maximize your return on your home at 46˚ North. Our management team will work with you in order to ensure that all monthly remittances are made on your behalf and that the net proceeds of your income shall be transferred into your account on a monthly basis.
Q: Can I rent my home outside the rental pool?
A: Yes you can and we encourage that you do so. 46˚ North will have an active rental program and in order for you to rent your home on your own, you will only be required to coordinate said rental with the rental pool in order to make sure that it does not conflict with an existing reservation on your home.
Q: Will I have to file an income tax from the income I earn from the rental pool?
A: Yes, you will and this must be filed within six months of the Homeowners Taxation Year (June 30). The taxes are paid on the net income after all expenses are incurred.
Q:As a non-resident are there any restrictions on home ownership?
A: No there are not tax restrictions
Living and holidaying in Quebec
Q:What is the climate like?
A:Quebec is truly a 4 season climate, with cold snow filled winters, hot sun- filled summers, a distinct Spring and spectacular Fall.
Q: Will I need to speak French?
A: Both French and English are both spoken in the Mt Tremblant area, Quebec and Ottawa. Most people speak English especially in the tourist areas
Q:When are the national holidays?
A: New Year’s Day, Good Friday/or Easter Monday, Victoria Day (Monday preceeding May 25th), Canada Day (July 1st) Labour Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving day (Second Monday of October), Remembrance Day (November 11th), Christmas Day, Boxing Day
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