Valérie Chort-Roy
Steadfast in my conviction
From my earliest memories, I’ve felt a profound connection to nature. Whether it was the wild ocean near Arcachon, France, where I spent childhood summers swimming, or the untouched forests of Northern Ontario that I explored, this bond has shaped who I am and guided my personal growth and career journey.
Throughout my tenure in government, consulting, and industry, I’ve remained steadfast in my conviction that sustainable solutions require collaborative and concerted efforts spanning all sectors. This belief has fueled my commitment to promoting environmental stewardship and driving positive change in every aspect of my professional endeavors.
Bay Lodge
In 2002, my husband Jules and I had the opportunity to acquire Bay Lodge, a unique property along the shores of Lake St. Clair. Originally a waterfowl hunting preserve with 100 acres of wetlands, it served as the canvas for our vision of conservation and stewardship. Collaborating closely with conservation agencies, we embarked on initiatives to enhance aquatic and wildlife habitats, ensuring the preservation of its natural splendor.
As the years passed, Bay Lodge evolved into more than just a property – it became a part of our family – a place where we celebrated milestone moments, established family traditions, and where our daughter, Sophie, spent summers cultivating her passion for water and later the ocean.
Yet, Bay Lodge held more than just wetlands; it offered the potential for agricultural innovation rooted in Jules’ family heritage. Inspired by his father, Napoleon Roy, a pioneering figure in southwestern Ontario’s agricultural landscape, I embarked with my nephew Charles-Andre, on an experiment to cultivate peony cut flowers in harmony with our conservation ethos.
Fleur de Roy
Since 2017, our venture, Fleur de Roy, has flourished, fueled by partnerships with regional suppliers and a commitment to empowering the local workforce. It stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence, the authenticity of our relationships, and our enduring commitment to Bay Lodge’s conservation principles.
While I’ve always lived by the adage that it’s best to leave a party when you are having the ‘best time’- the journey with Fleur de Roy defies conventional wisdom. It’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, a testament to stewardship and innovation, and a party I have no intention of leaving anytime soon.
