Walter's Cove Lodge Sold to KCFN First Nations

[Dogbreath]

New Resort Lodge purchased by First Nations in Northern Vancouver Island - My Campbell River Now

Thanks to funding support from the Island Coastal Economic Trust, the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) has purchased a floating resort lodge. The lodge was acquired from the Vancouver Island Forest […]

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New Resort Lodge purchased by First Nations in Northern Vancouver Island

Thanks to funding support from the Island Coastal Economic Trust, the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) has purchased a floating resort lodge.

The lodge was acquired from the Vancouver Island Forest and Marine Group. The Nation had been leasing it since the Walters Cove Resort closed in 2020.

KCFN Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia Blackstone says that the lodge brings a lot of benefits to the Nations in Kyuquot Sound.

“The purchase of the floating lodge will allow the Nations to generate community and economic benefits from the sports-fishing sector – a significant local economic driver and large-scale seasonal employer within Kyuquot Sound,” says Blackstone.

“This acquisition also allows us the possibility to explore new eco and cultural tourism projects in the area.”

Along with helping the communities expand their tourism operations in the summer, the lodge helps in creating rental space for families, gatherings, and meetings during the shoulder seasons.

The Trust says the barge has its own kitchen, refrigeration, water, and waste system, with a total of 23 individual rooms, which includes dining, games, fitness, and laundry rooms, as well as a camp lounge, hot tub, and patio areas.

MLA for the North Island Michele Babchuk explains how tourism operators play a big part in their communities.

“Indigenous tourism operators play an important role in the North Island, from bringing in revenue and creating jobs, to encouraging tourists from across the world to come explore and experience all the exciting things that the North Island has to offer,” says Babchuk.

“I am pleased that the BC Government was able to work with Island Coastal Economic Trust to bring this exciting new project to life.”

The lodge will be located at Amos Island, where it will carry the Walters Cove Resort name.

 

[RevyG]

Still "allowed" to sport fish? I see what happened in Shearwater............eco tours only

 

[Samnjoe]

Still "allowed" to sport fish? I see what happened in Shearwater............eco tours only

Do you know of any fishing charters still operating in Bella or Shearwater?
Aside from KPL.

 

[RevyG]

Do you know of any fishing charters still operating in Bella or Shearwater?
Aside from KPL.

no, a few Mobile Tug boat types cruise around, The Tortuga from Bella Coola once in awhile but that is all I have seen, CCA folded up.

 

[Dale66]

no, a few Mobile Tug boat types cruise around, The Tortuga from Bella Coola once in awhile but that is all I have seen, CCA folded up.

Forced out more like it

 

[Sharphooks]

I met a guy in Shearwater a few years ago who is a business consultant that advises the FN groups in that area. He mentioned that for the last decade he has advised FN groups to run for the exits when discussions of investments in guided sports fishing ventures comes up. He calls such ventures money losing vanity projects.

I was anchored up in Kitasoo a few years ago waiting out a blow. I saw boatload after boatload after boatload of eco-tourists come and go in that area, day after day—-and not a rod in sight.

Yes, leasing arrangements and FN politics put the squeeze on charter outfits but I’m guessing it’s the economics in this day and age that’s the nail in the coffin

I’m amazed KPL is still operating. I would have thought their rude sullen guides would have chased away all their clients a long time ago.

 

[Wondermur]

I was under the impression that the Heiltsuk would run some guide services out of Shearwater.
Couldn’t understand why they didn’t buy the little fleet of boats that were there when they bought Shearwater.
You already own the infrastructure, have the accommodation, it’s an added income stream. Just like eco tours. Plus you have control over local competition.
I think they will open something up in the next few years?
Comparing 2022 when we were there to 2017 the town is very quiet. 2017 the pub was full, 2022 nobody in there.

 

[Dale66]

I was under the impression that the Heiltsuk would run some guide services out of Shearwater.
Couldn’t understand why they didn’t buy the little fleet of boats that were there when they bought Shearwater.
You already own the infrastructure, have the accommodation, it’s an added income stream. Just like eco tours. Plus you have control over local competition.
I think they will open something up in the next few years?
Comparing 2022 when we were there to 2017 the town is very quiet. 2017 the pub was full, 2022 nobody in there.

Look at west coast resorts, gone due to poor management and not enough interest from eco tourists from what i hear about shearwater it isn't far behind. and owner of kpl is now dating heilsuk counsilor might help