Hoping to create a peaceful getaway, a farm in Bristol that uses organic practices was given a grant for the construction of a glamping experience to enhance tourism for the region.

Alluvia farm, owned by wife and husband team Danielle Newman and John-Philippe, Smith is a space they plan to offer an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Their vision is to create a stay in the forest, on a farm, at the water’s edge, in an ecological tiny house.

The MNA for . . .

Papineau, Minister of Families and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, Mathieu Lacombe, announced, on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Lanaudière and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions, Caroline Proulx, the allocation of $54,600 to Alluvia to support the development of their project.

The financial assistance is paid under the Support Program for Tourism Development Strategies, which is intended to support the development of nature and adventure tourism in the Outaouais.

The grant will support the development of two high-end shelters, including an outdoor wood-fired hot tub, to develop recreational trails over six kilometres to allow the practice of sports activities (hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing), and access to the Quyon River and Red Rock Falls.

Originally from New Brunswick, Newman much like Smith grew up in a small town, and after living in the city for most of their adult lives they slowly started to gravitate to more rural settings when it came time to buy a home.

Newman currently works at Global Affairs and International Trade, and Smith is the Dominion Sculptor of Canada, and for him living in the city reminded him of how much he missed the region as he is native to the Pontiac.

They both shared the sentiment that they wanted to revert to living in a more rural setting and in 2016 they bought their property but would only visit on weekends. Slowly but surely they made the permanent move in 2018 as they realized how much they enjoyed the disconnect from the city.

“After we met it was just like this natural yearning to go back to our roots,” said Newman

Their project consists of two parts, one side of it is the agricultural aspect where they are currently growing an orchard and will continue to develop and grow fruits and specialized apple varieties which will allow them to make ciders in the future.

The tourism aspect is the tiny homes they plan on building on the property where visitors will get to explore nature, and the trails and enjoy a luxury camping experience.

“I see it a bit as bridging the rural urban divide, allowing people to come and experience wilderness and nature in the farm but with all the comforts,” said Newman.

In addition, the project was also awarded $35,000 through the 2020-2022 Regional Tourism Partnership Agreement. The Nature and Adventure Tourism Enhancement Strategy aims to make Quebec a destination recognized for its wide-open spaces and multi-activity offer.

Newman also noted that the Municipality of Bristol, the MRC and the Community Futures Development Corporation (SADC) have also been huge supporters in their new venture and without that, they wouldn’t have been able to start this project which has been a dream for both.

“The programs are out there for that, so why not try? Like if there’s nothing to lose in trying? So we just tried,” said Newman.

The couple hopes to attract people to the region to not just explore their property which offers a trail to a private river and no wifi, allowing people to really disconnect. But also the rest of the Pontiac, they want to point people outward.

“There seems to be like a lack of accommodations in the Pontiac so this would be two more added to the small list that people could just have this as a basis to explore the region,” said Smith.

Still at the beginning of the project, the couple hope to start construction of the tiny homes and plan to have it operational by next spring said Smith. They plan to keep it at a minimum of two tiny homes for now and then grow as they still want to ensure a level of privacy while visitors stay on their 89 acre property.

For them what is unique about their farm is the private water fall and river behind their property said Smith, “that’s the wow factor for sure.”

Through their travel endeavors they have collected ideas and experiences they wanted to replicate and bring to Canada and so what they are doing with this project is bringing their favourite moments from staying in unique accommodations and incorporating it in the Pontiac, they said.

The most exciting aspect for Newman is the anticipation of hopefully hosting people in the tiny homes as she has described it as a “labour of love,” and described starting their business as being tough but fulfilling.

“Eating your first apple. You know, you’ve planted like hundreds of apple trees and you finally get the taste of the first apple. That’s a pretty fun moment too,” said Smith.

The long term vision for the couple is they hope to one day make a living off of the land but for now they are not in a hurry, because they both still have full time jobs, highlighted Newman. They want to do it right and do it to last they said.

“I think the way that we see it is like, the fact that we have a long runway allows us to do things in an organic sustainable way, because we don’t need to force the land to produce in the first year,” she said.

“Generally we are just excited to be part of the growth and attracting people to the Pontiac,” said Smith.

To follow along with the progress of the project follow them on their Instagram, Alluvia.eco.

John-Philippe Smith and Danielle Newman pictured on a tractor on their property in Bristol.

Pictured is the waterfall behind their property where people can walk down and enjoy being on the secluded beach.

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