Joint Statement

Montayne & Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation

February 1, 2024

This is a joint statement between the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation and the new owner of the Edelweiss Swiss Village, Montayne Capital Corp. We are pleased to announce the collaboration between Montayne and the Foundation to preserve, renovate and develop the historic Swiss Edelweiss Village in Golden, BC. 

Since purchasing the property in July 2023, Montayne has quickly invested in critical actions to protect and improve these historical and at-risk structures located on the property. This includes:    

1. Ground Stabilization: Conducted extensive testing and surveys to ensure the stability of the ground, confirming the safety of the buildings in their current positions. 

2. Site Assessment: Performed a comprehensive assessment of the site to gain a deeper understanding of its unique characteristics and intricacies. 

3. Fire Smart Measures: Diligently implemented fire-smart strategies in line with the BC Fire Smart Manual to protect the homes and the surrounding area. 

4. Site Cleanup: The site has undergone a thorough cleanup and removal of debris to enhance its overall condition. 

5. Renovation Work: Carried out a complete exterior renovation of the buildings, which included fresh paint, and roof and deck replacements.  

6. Preservation and Sensitivity: The restoration process was approached with sensitivity and with a commitment to preserving and recreating as much of the original building design as possible. 

7. Pest Control: Measures have been taken to eliminate rodents and other unwanted visitors, safeguarding the historic site. 

 Davin MacIntosh, Partner, and Founding Principal of Montayne, said: 

 “We respect the historical significance of the Swiss Village and the Swiss mountain guides who lived there. We understand the importance of the Village to The Swiss Foundation, the local community and to Swiss people living in Canada and abroad. Montayne’s collective passion and motivation is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of this unique place, including its legacy. Our current focus is to breathe life back into the structure of the Swiss Village and restore the chalets, preventing further deterioration.”  

 In the short term, inspired by the Swiss foundation Vacances au coeur du patrimoine - a project that combines tourism and the preservation of historical monuments - Montayne plans to rent the chalets to cover the expense of the costly restoration and land work. Furthermore, Montayne is actively nurturing a relationship with the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation with the aspiration of collaborating on the construction of a future Swiss Guides Great Hall that pays homage to the Edelweiss Swiss Guides at the site, for present and future generations to explore. “As for our long-term vision, it remains a work in progress. We are exploring a variety of ideas to determine the best use of the land.

 We express our deep appreciation for the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation’s continued support and dedication to the preservation of the Swiss Edelweiss Village. We thank them for being an essential part of our journey.”

The Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation is delighted that the historic village, previously at risk of demolition, found a safe place with Montayne as the new owner.  

Dr. Ilona Spaar, President of the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation, said:  

“We are looking forward to collaborating with Montayne in an advisory capacity and thank them for their trust and appreciation. We acknowledge the extensive work that Montayne has undertaken so far including the time-sensitive improvements of many of the at-risk elements of the buildings and site, and the restoration of the historic buildings which follow the original design to the best of their capacity.    

The Foundation appreciates Montayne’s genuine care for the site and its significant history. Montayne recognizes the important role that the original residents of the village played in the development of a mountain culture that today is cherished by locals and visitors alike. And with that, they also understand the educational component inherent in the site. We are thrilled to work together with them to create a place that strives to encompass education, culture, and community.”  

Acting within its capacity the Foundation has taken the following action:  

1. Advising and supporting Montayne in its efforts to bring to life the history of the Swiss Guides and their families on the site. This includes collaborating on the creation of a Swiss Guides Great Hall dedicated to education and community engagements. 

2. Safe packing and storage of the original artifacts and furniture from the Village that were generously donated by the previous owners to the Swiss Foundation. A digital catalogue will be created over the coming months to curate a display in the planned Great Hall and collaborate with Montayne to identify reproductions that will be displayed in the restored buildings. 

3. Coordinating and collaborating with a team from the University of Calgary, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology (Digital Preservation), in the creation of a digital copy of Swiss Edelweiss Village and the development of a digital archive. The project was made possible by the generous support of Presence Switzerland and the Consulate General of Switzerland Vancouver.  

4. Working towards a Statement of Significance (SoS) in collaboration with a heritage specialist.  A key heritage conservation tool that articulates the heritage values and character-defining elements of a historic place, a SoS lays the groundwork for any future heritage recognition.  This project is generously supported by a grant-in-aid fund from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District of which the Foundation is the successful recipient.  

Montayne and the Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation are looking towards the future of the Swiss Village with shared enthusiasm and passion. Together, they are making significant strides in ensuring the legacy of this remarkable place.  

Davin Macintosh                                            Dr. Ilona Spaar  

Partner and Founding Principal                     President and Founding Director

Montayne Real Estate Group                        Swiss Edelweiss Village Foundation