Pelican Rapids returns

by Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 19/98) - Ten months ago, Don Fergusson watched the motel he built burn to a cinder.

But last Thursday, a rebuilt 31-room Pelican Rapids Inn reopened.

"It was the Ides of March," Fergusson said, referring to the March 15 fire date. "The motel was 90 per cent destroyed."

A careless smoker was blamed. No one was hurt.

Fergusson built the Pelican Rapids Inn 25 years ago, adding to it over the years.

After last year's fire, most of the staff were forced to find other jobs. Fergusson is now looking to hire a manager for the rebuilt Pelican.

He said the top floor of the new hotel is operational and he plans to have the first floor ready by the end of the week.

The new 1,260-square-metre building includes rooms, restaurant, lounge and meeting rooms all in one structure.

"It's a complete modern hotel -- some rooms even have kitchen facilities."

The new structure was attached to the old restaurant and lounge, build next door.

The contractor for the $1.3-million job was Hay River-based Arcan Construction.

"I'm happy this is coming to a close," Fergusson said. "We're looking forward to our clientele returning. The process of rebuilding has taken a lot of effort."

Fergusson, who lives in Hay River, also owns the community's 29-room Caribou Motor Inn and 22-room Migrator Motel.