Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jul 20/98) - Last week Blachford Lake Lodge launched a new product designed to offer guests more time at the camp for less money.

"Companies could use the guaranteed lodge time special for staff incentives, for VIPs, conferences or retreats," said owner Mike Freeland.

"Families could book a block of time," he added.

The rate is locked in and time bought carries no expiry date. The product is transferrable.

It also means customers are not subject to any future rate increases.

The new product, offers 150 person days of lodge time for $10,000 or 62 days of person lodge time for $5,000. These packages work translate to $67 and $80 a day respectively, or, 50 per cent and 40 per cent off regular rates.

Blachford's going rate is $135 per person per day.

Daily costs do not include $200 round trip from Yellowknife, meals, bar service or snowmachine rental.

"We've been working on the concept for a number of years," Freeland said.

"Blachford gets a large percentage of repeat customers and they want to stay longer and pay less."

The new product comes as Freeland is building a 4,100 square foot lodge at the site, about 90 kilometres southeast of Yellowknife.

He estimates that the new lodge, with a 35-person capacity, will be complete by October 1.

Freeland estimates that the new lodge is about 60 per cent complete.

The new lodge enables the operator to upgrade facilities and extend the business' season to 37 weeks.

Included in the lodge will be dining and conference rooms, quest rooms, bar, kitchen, showers, outside Jacuzzi-hot tub and a fireplace.