Thursday, December 8, 2011

RENOVATIONS



 Elissa and I have a dream for Wekusko Falls Lodge.  We have a ways to go in order to make that dream come true, but we are getting there.  Part of it is getting into the elbow grease and giving camp a major face lift.

  Since taking over, we have been trying to upgrade the camp as much as we can.  One major renovation was a  total cabin 1 & 2 renovation.  This cabin was in major need of this, and the guest response to it proved to us that it was a wise decision.  Another large cabin change was in cabin 6.  It was winterized with a semi-vaulted ceiling, all done in pine tongue and groove.  It hasn't had a full renovation done to it yet, but it sure has a good start on it.   

  Two things that got done to all the cabins was butt outs, and tin.  We set up black butt outs at each cabin and strategically in other areas of camp, so that collectively we can keep our camp and the wilderness as clean as possible.  Tin was installed on all the roofs of the cabins and half of the lodge (still have to finish the porches) and was finally completed this fall, thanks to help from my dad Allan, nephew Avery, employee Ben, and Elissa's Uncle Ron.  The lodge roof was a little scary being it was such a big roof, but it all got up and looks great.  I want to send a big thanks though to my dad- Allan- because without him I never would have got it done.  It is amazing to see a 70 year old man climb a ladder so much- but it helped keep him in shape for getting into the combine for harvest I guess!

  A couple things electrically got changed as well.  New wiring to the docks was installed with more plugging in options for boats in the water, and runs on 2 separate 20 amp switches.  Hopefully this will keep everyones batteries fully charged for the next day of fishing.  I also put up new yard lights so less shins will get banged in the wee morning hours.   And new air conditioners for any not working correctly- so all guests can now have relief from the the hot summer sun.

   New towels for camp!  Yes, it's true.  We bought all new towels as phase one of our new linens project.  Hopefully by open water 2012 we will complete the linen project.  We will keep you posted on this.

  Internet also got a boost.  We put up a new tower at the corner of the lodge, so that our equipment runs smoother and more effectively.  This means faster and consistent internet!

  As for the lodge, we did one big reno, and that was the lodge washroom.  We converted it into one large handicap accessible washroom, and even made a special spot for the flying turkey!

  The filleting shack also got some touch ups.  The biggest of which was a new table top made out of commercial food grade plastic.  This was thanks to a 3rd year comer of the lodge- Mike Nyczai.  My goal is to to keep it pressure washed clean and with fly spray always available, to make the time you spend in there as enjoyable as the work can be.

  A new exciting addition is a new water system.  Manitoba Government will be "cracking down" on fishing lodges as they are considered semi public water.  Because of this, I decided to get ahead of the game, beat the rush, and have Wekusko Falls Lodge running on the new regulations that aren't even in place yet.  The system runs the entire camp, and consists of 4 filters, U.V. system, and Sodium Hypochlorite injection.  Our water has always been great, but now it is "government safe"!

     There are many other additions to camp made so far, but we feel that these may be the most noticeable to our guests.  It is our hope that these changes will help to continue our guests feel welcomed and confident in our lodge.  If you have any other ideas for us, please feel free to run them by us.  

Bryan and Elissa

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