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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Using the premise of treating guests the same way they like to be treated when staying at hotels, a Fort Simpson couple has made their first foray into the hospitality industry by opening a new business and purchasing a second.

Leah Keats, left, and Colin Munro are the owners of The Willows Inn, a new addition to the Fort Simpson hospitality industry. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Leah Keats and Colin Munro opened The Willows Inn in Fort Simpson in November and took over the ownership of Janor Guest House at the same time. The couple had no previous experience in the hospitality industry.

"Our experience was being guests," said Keats.

The couple has drawn on that experience while establishing their new business. Keats and Munro purchased the building on the corner of 103 Avenue and 99 Street that formerly housed Nats'enelu, a Dene inspired fashion business, approximately four years ago. They discussed a number of different uses for the building including office space before settling on transforming it into an inn.

Energy-efficient

Under the guidance of general contractor Norm Prevost, extensive renovations began in May 2011.

"We went as green as we could possibly go," said Keats.

Energy-efficient changes included high grade windows, a propane boiler system that feeds an in-floor ceramic tile heating system and energy-efficient light bulbs.

The renovations created six rooms along with a small communal kitchen where a continental breakfast is served for guests every morning and a laundry room.

Each guest room is equipped with wireless Internet and a satellite television along with a microwave, small fridge, coffeemaker, desk and small table.

"We've had some very good feedback on how comfortable the beds are," said Keats.

Renovations were just underway when the couple received a call from Orville Zast and Jeannine Gaulin in July about Janor Guest House. Keats and Munro had previously expressed their interest in purchasing the business, which includes six guest rooms, when Zast and Gaulin were ready to sell.

With a project already in the works the timing wasn't ideal, but Keats said they decided they might as well leap into the hospitality industry with both feet. Keats and Munro took over the ownership of the guest house in November and hurried to get The Willows Inn ready to handle the overflow of guests.

Large volumes of traffic on the winter road coupled with work on the Enbridge pipeline made for a busy winter season and a successful first few months for Keats and Munro.

"I think it's been exceptional for everyone in Simpson," Keats said.

As the president and general manager of the Willows Inn, Keats said she has faced a sharp learning curve since November but she's enjoying the new challenges.

"I've met so many interesting people," she said.

Guests are often interested in the village's social scene and what residents do to stay occupied in the winter.

"It's a great opportunity to showcase your community and the North," she said.

The couple plan to hold a grand opening for The Willows Inn sometime this month.

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