Latest news with #Desroches
Montreal Gazette
5 days ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
End of an era: Scouts Canada sells historic Camp Tamaracouta in the Laurentians
By After sitting empty for more than seven years, Scouts Canada announced Thursday it has accepted an offer to sell the historic Camp Tamaracouta in the Laurentians. Canada's first Scouts camp, which sat on a 400-hectare property 80 kilometres northwest of Montreal, 'temporarily closed' during the winter of 2018/2019. Scouts Canada cited 'significant safety, financial and environmental challenges' as reasons for the sale. 'After careful consideration of all potential options, Scouts Canada's board of governors and the board of directors of the Quebec Property Society (Quebec Inc.) made the difficult decision to put TSR (Tamaracouta Scout Reserve) up for sale,' they wrote in a press release. The property was sold to entrepreneur Eric Desroches, in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the town of Mille-Isles. Desroches plans to preserve more than 80 per cent of the property for conservation while opening part of it to the public. The camp, which ran for more than a century, held a special significance for thousands of campers who attended. Scouts Canada says they understand the 'deep connection' that volunteers, parents and youth have to the property and that the sale will create opportunities for meaningful outdoor experiences in a safe and fun environment while ensuring the property is sustainable. Since the camp's closing in 2018, maintenance has cost $200,000 annually. Reopening the site would cost nearly $2 million in urgent repairs, according to the press statement. 'With our fiscal deficits and a membership base in Quebec not large enough to sustain operations, it was deemed that the camp would not be sustainable on a long-term basis,' Scouts Canada wrote. A 2019 town hall meeting explored various solutions to reopen the camp, including partnerships and operational changes. The decision to go ahead with the sale was made after a review by Quebec Inc. and the board of governors of Scouts Canada, with the support of Quebec Council leadership. Proceeds from the sale will be held by Quebec Inc. to benefit youth in Quebec.
Montreal Gazette
15-07-2025
- General
- Montreal Gazette
Montreal's shrine in the St. Lawrence
By Simon Desroches spent an entire summer picking up sharp rocks along the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Desroches is part of a collective that maintains the area around one of the city's premier places to surf — the standing wave near Habitat 67. 'One year, I injured myself and I couldn't surf, so I picked up all the sharp rocks so that people don't hurt themselves if they walk near the shore,' Desroches told a reporter recently. Others have installed ropes to help people navigate the rocky crags leading to the water. Desroches said last year, the city dumped some wood chips in the area that were spread out along the path, so it's not too muddy for those walking with bare feet. He said everyone who regularly comes to this spot contributes in some way. 'A bunch of guys and girls came and brought rocks to level this area out because it was falling due to erosion,' he said. Desroches has been coming to the standing wave for nearly 20 years. Like everyone who comes here, he waits his turn as one or two people surf in the wave. Then he paddles upstream, and eventually lets his board float down with the current to get to the wave. On this particular Saturday morning, he had already been in the water for two hours by 10 a.m. Desroches's red Rocky Mountain bike has a surfboard rack attached to its seatpost to allow him to make the 25-minute trek from his home in the eastern part of the Ville-Marie borough. He surfs here at least three times a week. 'This is where surfing is available to me, instead of me living in Polynesia, which I wish I did,' he said, as he took a sip from a beer can before pulling a box of cigarettes from his bicycle bag and lighting one up. 'This keeps me alive. I love my island. I love Montreal.' On this hot and humid morning, roughly a dozen surfers had come out to the secluded area. Several cars with surf board racks were parked along the road leading to Parc de Dieppe, located right near the de la Concorde Bridge that leads to Parc Jean-Drapeau. Surfers must follow a beaten path on the grass behind the tennis courts and then walk along the path covered in woodchips. Then they take the steep descent to the water. While surfing is by far the most popular activity in the area, kayakers and swimmers occasionally make appearances in this spot as well. It's also a great spot for bird watching. In recent weeks, there have been so many red-winged blackbirds that regular surfer Joe Lapalme has taken to wearing a safari-style hat to shield himself from the birds protecting their nests. Valerie Henitiuk started swimming in the fast-moving water three years ago. She first tested out the area wearing a life-jacket, with her husband spotting her. But eventually, she became a regular swimmer and then started inviting friends and neighbours. Now, she has a regular group joining her for a dip. 'Swimming is maybe a generous verb for what we do,' she said. 'Really, it's more just a dip in the water. We don't swim out into the current at all. We always stay really close to the bank, at waist deep. 'There are various spots you can find along the riverbank where the current is calm and the water is very still and safe.' Henitiuk is a big believer in urban access to water, and swam in the North Saskatchewan River in her former hometown of Edmonton before moving to Montreal three years ago. 'The water is gorgeous here,' she said. 'It can be very cold at the beginning of the year, but I don't mind that. The water is clear, and I've spoken with city workers who come to check the quality, and it's always really good here.' She suspects that because of the area's rapid current, this is one of the areas on the island where the water quality is the highest. 'There's no smell or anything,' she said. 'And we get to see birds swimming by and our surfing friends, of course.' Henitiuk recommends wearing water shoes and a life-jacket for those who are not familiar with the area. Desroches agrees. Although many surfers go without it, he'll always don a life-jacket on top of his wetsuit. The strong current can be treacherous, he warns.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Royal Expert Says Prince William "Inherited" King Charles's "Fear of Commitment," So Kate Middleton "Agreed to Wait for Him"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot on April 29, 2011, in a fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey. However, the path to marriage wasn't totally smooth for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who weathered a high-profile split in 2007. And according to one royal expert, William inherited some serious trepidation about committing to marriage from his father, King Charles. In her book, The Making of a Royal Romance: William, Kate, and Harry—A Look Behind the Palace Walls, royal expert Katie Nicholl shared that the Prince and Princess of Wales took a trip to the island of Desroches in the Seychelles in August 2007, soon after getting back together. "With a population of just 50 and 3 miles long, the paradise island was the perfect escape," Nicholl wrote (via the Daily Mail). "[B]oth of them knew that at some point they had to discuss the future." Nicholl continued, "For a young man who has an inherent fear of tomorrow, this was not easy for William, but the tranquil backdrop of the island was as good place as any to discuss it." View Deal According to Nicholl, Prince William "assured Kate she was the one," as he wanted to make sure she realized just how serious he was about their renewed relationship. "William, who had inherited something of his father's fear of commitment, knew he would lose Kate if he could not give her some form of guarantee," Nicholl revealed. Although Prince William didn't propose to Princess Kate until 2010, the pair reportedly made a "pact" during their 2007 vacation. "They didn't agree to get married there and then; what they made was a pact," a close friend told the royal expert. "William told was not ready to get married," the source explained to Nicholl. "He promised her his commitment and said he would not let her down, and in turn she agreed to wait for him." After marrying in 2011, Kate and William welcomed 3 children together—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—and quickly proved they're a strong asset within the Royal Family.
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The secret pact between Prince William and Kate Middleton after their brief breakup, according to royal expert
It was the first time Prince William and Kate Middleton had been completely alone since their breakup in the spring and William told islanders it was the best holiday he had ever had. Secluded on the paradise island of Desroches in the Seychelles, Kate and William filled their days with kayaking and snorkeling in the coral reefs at the five-star resort.
Hospitality Net
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Budi Widodo has been promoted General Manager at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island announces the promotion of Budi Widodo to General Manager. With more than two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Budi brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service excellence to his new role. He joined Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island in September 2023, and has taken the island to new levels with his management. Budi's journey in hospitality began as a teenager working as a bartender and wine bar assistant. His career trajectory saw him take on various roles, including cruise ship butler and service captain, before transitioning into luxury hotels. In 2001, he became assistant restaurant manager at Park Lane Hotel in Jakarta, quickly advancing to head bar Manager. He further honed his skills at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta and Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, before joining Four Seasons in 2010 as Food and Beverage Director at Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta. His tenure with Four Seasons continued with significant positions at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and the former Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai. In 2017, he was appointed Hotel Manager in Shanghai, a role that showcased his leadership and operational expertise, and then made a brief return to Ritz-Carlton as hotel manager in Sanya, China. Under his leadership, the resort has garnered acclaim, including being named the top resort in the Seychelles by Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers' Choice Awards 2024. Budi attributes this success to the dedication of his team and their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Most recently, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island won the Four Seasons Guest Loyalty Property Pinnacle Award for Europe, Middle East and Africa, showcasing the outstanding contribution day in day out by all the staff led by Budi. Other new beginnings saw the opening of AHI, the resort's Japanese venue, where sensory East meets West dining experience in late 2024. Budi and the team currently have other exciting projects in the pipeline for the coming year that include areas in recreation, food and beverage. Beyond is his passion about mentoring emerging talent in the hospitality industry and is deeply involved in the local community. In his personal time, Budi enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, attending music festivals, and indulging in his love for Formula 1 racing, jogging, cooking, and fishing.
