In recent years, holiday homes adapted for people with reduced mobility have finally seen the light of day. Pioneers in the field, Chalets U, which have been emulated in several regions of Quebec, demonstrate good expertise.
“Originally, it was two friends of mine, Martin Rivard and Jean-Philippe Roy, who launched the project. They became partners when the latter had the idea of building chalets for people with reduced mobility, because his friend, Aude Farley, is in a wheelchair. She was the inspiration and he was the instigator,” says Éric Gazaille, now co-owner and manager of the Chalets U rental service with Martin Rivard, Jean-Philippe having left the business a few years ago.
By expressing her needs and the problems she encountered, Aude allowed them, initially, to properly plan the spaces. Then they submitted this pilot project to Kéroul, the organization charged by the Ministry of Tourism with certifying tourist and cultural establishments accessible to people with mobility problems. After a few modifications, the Chalet des Diligences was erected in 2014 on the path of the same name in Austin, between the mountain and Lake Orford. The following year, the Malaga was built on the same model, still in Estrie.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Éric Gazaille, co-owner and manager of the Chalets U rental service, in the Diligences chalet
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the municipality of Austin, which was also a pioneer in providing a short-term rental permit to allow people with reduced mobility to vacation,” emphasizes Éric Gazaille.
A concept that feels good
The notion of gathering in a setting where everyone benefits 100% from the place without constraints linked to disability is at the heart of the project. “It allows lots of families to experience extraordinary business. It’s particularly touching when I meet them or when I read the appreciation notes,” continues Mr. Gazaille, who responds to the needs of tenants on a case-by-case basis.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The counter in the bathroom provides legroom for a wheelchair user.
But the house must still really meet all your needs, because advertisements can be misleading.
I have already heard of people who had rented a chalet supposedly adapted because it had an access ramp for people with reduced mobility, but once there, they realized that it was not the case. For example, some doors were too narrow for people to enter in a wheelchair. It is therefore very important to check that the establishment is certified by Kéroul before renting.
Éric Gazaille, co-owner and manager of the Chalets U rental service
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The common living area
Essential criteria
Wide doors, level spaces, properly placed electrical outlets and switches are some of the points necessary to make life easier for a person with reduced mobility.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The clearances are very wide in the common area.
In the U des Diligences chalet, nothing has been left to chance, starting with the large garage, which can accommodate a minivan and an access bridge to get out of the car protected from bad weather. Inside, the huge entrance opens onto the bathroom on the left, the three bedrooms on the right and the common living area opposite. You can move from one space to another without obstacle, since there is no threshold bar on the heated floor. In the common living area, the clearances are very wide, and the access between the interior and the terrace is designed for wheelchair access.
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PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
From the entrance, you can access all the other spaces, without obstacles.
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PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
The circulation space around the bed is large.
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PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
You can use a wheelchair on the veranda surrounding the chalet.
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PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Different storage heights are provided.
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PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
In the U des Diligences chalet, Nothing was left to chance.
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Among the other interesting features: in the bathroom, you can take a wheelchair into the shower, where there is a removable transfer bench. A low bathtub is also accessible, including with the help of a lift if necessary. The counter under the sink is open to allow the legs of a person in a wheelchair to pass through. Grab bars are provided in each area.
In bedrooms, sliding doors can be operated by a person in a wheelchair if their arms are mobile. The circulation space around the bed is spacious. A folding sideboard makes it possible to form a small desk under which the wheelchair passes. Different storage heights are provided. One of the three bedrooms is equipped with two single beds, one of which is electric.
How to find certified suitable chalets?
PHOTO AGENCY KODA, PROVIDED BY KÉROUL
Universal chalet La Voisine from Chalets Tourisma, in Portneuf
The Kéroul organization’s mission is to make Quebec accessible in terms of tourism and culture. “We are here to give people information so that they can find vacation spots that suit their needs. Our expertise has grown from year to year and we have just added ratings for people who have visual or hearing impairments, explains Faustine Maréchalle, communications and marketing manager at Kéroul. We have three jobs: we certify establishments, we help financially with the Ministry of Tourism program and we will train reception staff in tourist establishments. » She adds that several companies have followed the example of Chalets U, such as Chalets Tourisma, which built two universal houses, including La Voisine in Portneuf last year, and are in the process of building another. You will find all the certified chalets on the Kéroul website.