by Eliane Tremblay-Moreau
The Manoir D’Youville, located on Île Saint-Bernard in Châteauguay, has evolved considerably over the years. A former seigneury of Châteauguay, Marguerite d’Youville, the founder of the Sœurs de la Charité, used it to farm the land and feed the sick. The land was then transferred to the Government of Quebec to protect it while remaining accessible to the public in the form of a wildlife refuge.
Today, this resort boasts 115 rooms, a restaurant and a bistro. It has become an exceptional destination for business meetings, thanks to its enchanting setting and the possibility of activities nearby.
The strength of a leader
The Manoir D’Youville sets itself apart with its human element and unique character. All of its charm would not be possible without the work of a developed and motivated team, as well as the leadership of an executive director with good values.
A veteran of the hotel industry and former specialized educator, Jean-Martin Côté took up the top position at the mansion five years ago. Since then, the Manoir has changed significantly.
“After I took over, I standardized the venue and reworked the customer approach to make the hotel more accessible and attractive. The human experience and the five senses act as our guiding lights. I like being different. I have reinvented the hotel business to create a social enterprise hotel,” says Jean-Martin Côté, Executive Director of Manoir D’Youville.
In fact, the mansion has become the first social enterprise hotel in Quebec. Social enterprise hotels use an approach within the hotel industry that emphasizes social responsibility and sustainability. It aims to provide accommodation and food services while integrating aspects of sustainable development, social inclusion and community responsibility.
To help the community and deal with the labour problem, the Manoir D’Youville employs several people with autism or intellectual disabilities.
A forerunner in the field, several events are held there, including the Salon du Bien-être et du Bio, as well as the Soirées Mythes et Légendes. These events enable the community to reclaim the manor.
Why organize your business event at the Manoir d’Youville?
The Manoir D’Youville has a dozen reception rooms that can accommodate between 15 and 145 people. Several options can be added to provide a turnkey service. To breathe new life into it, a few rooms will be expanded, either to make them multifunctional or to offer a view of the water.
Organizing your business meeting or corporate retreat at the Manoir D’Youville opens the door to a variety of other activities. Located directly on Île Saint-Bernard, you can go for walks, breathe in the fresh air, admire the site’s wildlife and plants, pick organic apples, and much more.
The site has also integrated sustainable development into its operations. For example, it uses compostable glasses, pasta stir sticks and produce from its own garden for its restaurants. It employs people from the community and promotes buying local.
Over the years, the establishment has received numerous awards and recognition such as Hotel of the Year. On October 17, 2023, Jean-Martin Côté was awarded the Medal of the National Assembly in recognition for his work.