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 Scott Van Den Bosch of Brandon, Manitoba, hammers away at the site of the Kissarvik Co-op's hotel and retail expansion project in Rankin Inlet. |
Interim store manager Seymour Jacobs arrived in Rankin on Oct. 1 and will be staying until Dec. 16.
The Co-op's board of directors is currently searching for a full-time manager to take over the operation.
Jacobs says the old Co-op building will be remodeled into the hotel side of the business.
The building being constructed will house the company's new 12,000 square foot retail operation.
He says plans call for the new hotel to feature 22 rooms, with about half being self-contained units with a fridge and stove.
"It's still difficult to put an exact date on when the renovations will be completed and the new store and hotel open for business," says Jacobs.
"However, if I had to pick a time, I'd say around mid-May (2004)."
The need for additional hotel space has long been recognized in Rankin Inlet.
Jacobs says a business cannot afford to stand still when opportunity exists.
"There's a real air of optimism surrounding this project.
"Members of the Co-op's board of directors are really excited about being able to offer hotel services and a better retail store to both its members and the general public."
The final cost of the project is expected to come in at about $4.5 million.
The new hotel will also feature a restaurant open to both hotel guests and the general public.
Jacobs says there's no doubt in his mind there's plenty of room to accommodate another hotel-and-restaurant operation in the community.
"We had a gentleman in town a few weeks ago and he ended up staying at my place because the one hotel in town was booked solid.
"I'm told there are many times throughout the year it can be quite difficult to find accommodations in Rankin."
Jacobs says price wise, the Co-op hotel will definitely be competitive with other hotels in the North.
And, he promises the new operation will offer superior service.
"With the restaurant in the hotel, as well as a meeting/conference room, our guests will have everything they need under one roof."
