Enterprise couple honoured with GNWT hospitality award
Vi and Eric Bartlett recognized for work at NWT/Alberta border
Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Published Friday, December 5, 2014
ENTERPRISE
Two residents of Enterprise have won a GNWT hospitality award.
This past summer, Vi Bartlett of Enterprise greeted visitors at the 60th Parallel Visitor Information Centre on Highway 1 at the NWT/Alberta border. - NNSL file photo
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Vi and Eric Bartlett won the 2014 Parks Hospitality Award for their work this past tourism season at the 60th Parallel Territorial Park and Visitor Information Centre.
The Bartletts received multiple nominations and were acknowledged for their generosity, friendliness and exceptional service on Highway 1 at the NWT/Alberta border, about 80 km south of Enterprise.
David Ramsay, the minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI), praised their work.
"For many people, the 60th Parallel Territorial Park and Visitor Centre is the first stop in their NWT travels, and Vi and Eric Bartlett ensured that it was a positive first experience for all who came their way," said Ramsay in a news release. "They went above and beyond to welcome guests, answer questions and maintain the grounds."
The Bartletts could not be contacted for comment, as they have apparently departed for their annual wintertime stay in Mexico.
However, in an interview with News/North in July, Vi Bartlett described her work at the border as being the perfect job for a people person like herself.
She met a wide variety of people as they entered the NWT - either visitors or Northern residents returning from the South.
"I love the people. I've met people from all over the world," she said, noting she greeted visitors from Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, Iceland, Mexico, Italy, Poland, New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere.
Bartlett's job involved providing travellers with information about the NWT.
"I guess this primarily is to inform people of what is in the North and what activities are happening," she explained.
Bartlett, who is originally from Saskatchewan, knows a lot about the NWT, since she has lived in the North for 22 years.
She and her husband were hired by the contractor who operates the park and visitor information centre for ITI.
Together, they greeted travellers, registered people for the campgrounds, and maintained the visitor information centre, campgrounds and facilities.
Eric did the grounds work and maintained the campground, while Vi looked after the visitor information centre and facilities.
They lived at the border during the tourism season, although Eric spent two days a week in Enterprise to look after the yard at their home.
The award winners were announced at a gala dinner that closed the NWT Tourism Conference and annual general meeting in Yellowknife from Nov. 18-20.
The Parks Hospitality Award was created in 2005 to recognize people who exhibit extraordinary hospitality and service in NWT parks and visitor centres.
Parks and visitor centre staff are nominated by visitors to the territory, who fill out nomination forms at visitor centres, parks and campgrounds.
