Fall reopening at White Point

By Chris McGregor

WHITE POINT, NS—Owners of the 84-year-old White Point Beach Resort are wasting no time in getting the historic hotel reopened for guests.

Work has started on the lodge building that was destroyed in a fire last November. The 25,000-square-foot replacement lodge is expected to open later this fall, at a cost of $4 million. It is 5,000 square feet smaller than the original building, but the new lodge is oriented to give more guests a view of the water. Windows on two sides of the dining room will face the ocean.

The 150-seat dining area was destroyed in the fire.

Just two rooms are housed in the main lodge, down from the 15 in the original, while the hotel will have 118 units split between the guest rooms and cottages. The two lodge rooms and seven others on the property are barrier-free.

Former guests had their say in what they wanted the new property to include and what the lodge would look like.

“As we had hoped, with more than 100 submissions online, White Pointers came forth with their suggestions for the new lodge. It was reassuring to know that many of the thoughts for the lodge reflected our own,” said the resort’s owner, Robert Risley.

Local, natural wood and stone is a feature of the reconstruction, along with modern, energy efficient windows, insulation, mechanical and electrical systems. It requires less water and energy compared to the old lodge.

Each room is being upgraded, not just the ones affected by the fire. A new television, microwave oven and in-room safe are standard, and lighter colours are on the walls, with all ceilings and walls being repainted.

Bedding is upgraded, new carpeting will be put down in the Seaview and Lakeview rooms, and the carpeting is coming out in favour of sanded hardwood in all living rooms.

On the hotel’s lower level, guests will find the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness centre, games room and a new kid’s zone. This area has a permanent craft space, play area, a place to rest and an outdoor play space facing the ocean. The two barrier free rooms and the spa are also on this floor.