The inhabitants of Château-d’Ex are suspended from the decision of the canton of Vaud. He must give his opinion concerning a project on which a family of farmers has been working on for more than a decade. This unprecedented project arouses shared opinions in the village of Pays-d’Enhaut.
Called “your circle of life”, the idea behind this project mixing agriculture, ecology and tourism is to build a farm for around thirty cow, surmounted by a restaurant with 80 places and a four -star hotel in around twenty rooms, with two saunas.
The building, with a modern design, is long and round. It has a vegetated roof and aims to an ecological integration in advanced, notably using the heat released by animals to heat the bedrooms.
A second building would accommodate an organic store, alternative medicine firms and a training room for companies. All for an estimated cost of 45 million francs.
About fifty opponents
But this dream, carried by the Mottier family for years, is not unanimous. About fifty opponents officially challenged the project, dreading a failure and denouncing a “too large” project with almost 3000 m² on the ground. In the event of approval, they promise to bring the case to the Federal Court.
To accommodate business training, you need a minimum of rooms. The size is linked to an offer consistent with the potential of the region
Esther Mottier includes fear but remains determined. “We cannot imagine doing it differently, because there are still profitability objectives behind,” she explains. “To accommodate business training, it takes a minimum of rooms. The size is linked to an offer consistent with the potential of the region,” she continues, insisting that the whole region will benefit.
The future of this project is based on a decision of the canton of Vaud which must decide on the modification of the plot of the plot. The municipal council agreed to pass it from agricultural area to tourism and leisure area. But around fifty people were formally opposed to it. Grouped together, they do not want to express themselves before the canton’s decision. In the event of validation, opponents, however, promise to appeal and go to the Federal Court.
Support of the Executive of the Village
The village executive supports the idea of the Mottier family for several reasons. According to the municipal in charge of the file, Maximilen Stauber, this project would bring activity, dynamism and life to the region.
For a region like ours, preserving employment and strengthening attractiveness are essential. It is therefore important for us to support this type of initiative, because it attracts people, strengthens the visibility of the territory and also benefits local shops and restaurants
“It is all the more appreciable since no financial participation has been requested, which is notable at a time when private investors propose to set up, create jobs and develop an economic activity,” he said. “For a region like ours, preserving employment and strengthening attractiveness are essential. It is therefore important for us to support this type of initiative, because it attracts people, strengthens the visibility of the territory and also benefits shops and local restaurants.”
On the side of the inhabitants, the reactions are contrasted. Some salute innovation and encourage the initiative, believing that this type of ambitious project must be supported, but others remain more critical. “It’s too big to be profitable.” Or again: “The idea was good, but the project took excessive proportions.”
The suspense remains whole in Château-d’Ex. The cantonal decision, which will determine the future of the “circle of life”, is expected soon.
Margaux Reguin/fgn
