SHANTELLE BISSON - Actor, Author, Shantilly's Place

By Jay Cooper Contributor, Graphic Designer & Musician

I had the chance to sit down with Shantelle and Yannick Bisson at their business, Shantilly’s Place Marina, on Chandos Lake to hear the story of their journey to be cottagers and marina owners.

How did Shantelle and Yannick Bisson find Chandos Lake? Shantelle explained, “My best friend from high school grew up on Chandos. We never thought we’d have a cottage because Murdoch Mysteries shoots in the summer. The only thing we knew about cottages was the Muskokas.” Yannick added, “Being trapped on Hwy 400 was never going to work with my filming schedule. I’d get up there by Saturday night and come home Sunday afternoon, so it was impossible. But we were stunned that Chandos was just a two hours drive from door to door. Sitting at our friend’s cottage with the sun setting perfectly due West and a few cocktails later, I asked about the shack next door to them. They were looking for a family member to buy it and since we are considered family, I bought it that weekend and we became cottage people very quickly (laughs)”.

They bought it in 2017, totally rebuilt it and moved in July 1, 2018. How do you go from buying a cottage to buying a marina? Shantelle jumped in, “We were just getting our bearings on what was around us and West Bay Narrows Marina came up for sale. We had no clue how important a marina is to a lake but my friend keep telling me to buy it. I needed that like a hole in my head, so I bought it (laughs). Four summers later and just crossed being open 365 days in total. But the amount of money we’ve had to put into this is incredible. The fuel tanks had to be replaced, the septic wasn’t up to by-laws, the roof, the decks, docks - it’s still a work in progress but we’re getting there”.

Being a cottage kid myself growing up, I can

Being a cottage kid myself growing up, I cantell a good vibe and feel of my surroundings and I was very impressed. Yannick continued, “Since we landed here Shantelle has created this atmosphere, gives jobs to so many kids and captured the essence of what it means to the community. You’ve got locals hanging out here, cottagers, day boaters and fishermen, so all aspects of cottage life.” It’s easy to see why Shantilly’s is a frequent stop. It’s much more than just a marina for gas or a boat launch. There is 31 flavors of Kawartha Diary Ice Cream, Grocery supplies, subs, pizza and a celebrity chef on long weekends in the summer.

I asked Shantelle how she juggles all of this with an already busy schedule? “I’m involved daily. Friends tell me they don’t see me muchanymore. I may not be on site everyday but I’m working on it full time.I’m always looking for different ideasto keep it fresh. I don’t want anyone to get bored with anything.”

The name of the marina comes from Yannick’s pet name for his wife and he clarified, “Yes, it does and when Shantelle is a lot to handle, she becomes Shantilly (both laugh). But I think my best friend, Rick Springfield, actually came up with it before me”. Shantelle added, “Well, who wouldn’t want to get their nickname from Rick? Good god, he’s got Jessie’s Girl and now Shantilly (laughs)”.

Stop by, say hello and enjoy a delicious meal on their ample deck with seating and a picturesque view. Tell them Jay Cooper sent you!

Shantilly’s Place 77 Narrows Road, Chandos Lake, Apsley. Shantillysplace.com