Ottawa Senators owner, CEO of Devcore Group part of group bidding to purchase Chateau Montebello

Michael Andlauer, owner of the Ottawa Senators, is joining a group bid to purchase the iconic Fairmont Chateau Montebello. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer and Devcore Group CEO Jean-Pierre Poulin are part of a group bidding to purchase the Fairmont Chateau Montebello.

The nearly 100-year-old resort in Montebello, Que. was put up for sale after the previous owner, Chinese real estate firm Evergrande, racked up significant debt and was ordered in 2024 to liquidate $245 billion in worldwide assets.

A Quebec judge named PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. the official receiver for the resort, and the sale is being led by investment management company Colliers.

Poulin confirms to CTV News Ottawa he is part of a local group with Andlauer and Martin Paquette of Spa Nordik that has submitted a “fair bid” for the historic hotel.

“The bid is owned by two young, very successful entrepreneurs,” Poulin said. “They’re local. One of them grew up close to the Chateau.”

Poulin says Andlauer called him a few weeks ago to ask about the bid for the Fairmont Chateau Montebello.

“We all know how much he cares about investing in the Gatineau region as much as the Ottawa region, so it feels that it’s a perfect opportunity for us to do that,” Poulin said.

In a statement, Andlauer said he is open to opportunities on both sides of the Ottawa River.

“When I became the owner of the Ottawa Senators nearly three years ago, I immediately made it clear that I intended to get involved throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Since then, I have been open to any opportunities to get involved in the Outaouais,” Andlauer wrote.

The Fairmont Chateau Montebello is recognized as the largest log structure in the world. Originally built in 1930, the 210-room resort is located on approximately 925 acres along the Ottawa River.

“It’s an iconic asset,” Poulin said, adding the group wants to “celebrate” the history of the hotel.

“It’s close to home, it’s in our backyard and there’s so much history there. We need to celebrate history.”

Poulin wouldn’t disclose the bid price they have submitted, only calling it a “number to win.”

“It’s reasonable; it’s what we feel is fair for all parties,” Poulin said.

“I think it’s just more than just a number. It’s important for this asset to have the right owner, with the right decision and the depth on all fronts – financial, construction, development. All of this to do what’s best for the employees, for the Fairmont banner and, also, for Montebello.”

According to Colliers, the bid encompasses the operating hotel, an 18-hole Stanley Thompson-designed championship golf course, a 100-slip marina, approximately 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space, five food and beverage outlets, a full-service spa, and approximately 685 acres of excess land presenting future development potential.

The Chateau Montebello is currently managed by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts under a hotel management agreement.

“Chateau Montebello is a part of our history,” Poulin said, adding they hope the hotel will be locally owned.

Colliers says there has been approximately $17 million in capital improvements to the hotel between 2019 and 2025.

A spokesperson for Colliers confirmed the court-supervised sales process is “moving forward” under the direction of the count-appointed receiver.

“To protect the integrity of the competitive bidding process and adhere to court-mandated protocols, Colliers cannot provide any further details while the receivership process is active,” Colliers said.

Chateau Montebello is located approximately 80 kilometres east of Ottawa. The hotel has remained open since being placed in receivership.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Josh Marano

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