riverfront deck around it – a perfect site for weddings, gatherings, reunions and such. They also added three Russian-built log chalets and a Banya – a Russian word for gathering place – meant to be a sauna and spa.” Sadly, Jack passed away in 2011. “Operations continued well under the leadership of Heather, but the business encountered some unfortunate challenges and unfortunately, four years later, was forced to declare bankruptcy in May of 2015,” Steve explained. “Licia and I studied it long and hard and decided that we could undertake the venture,” he continued. “Although I didn’t have experience in the hospitality and adventure tourism sector, I did enjoy a 30 year career in Technology Leadership in the medical, aerospace, and energy sectors. I remember reflecting, ‘There must be some learnings lurking somewhere in there that would be applicable to this type of business.’ Hence, we worked with Grant Thornton, the trustee, and BDC to provide loan funding and, long story short, acquired the land, buildings, and equipment through an order in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in October 2015. So, we are the third owners of the business and could not appreciate the efforts of the two predecessors more. The foundation they laid has made us what we are today: the largest tidal bore rafting business in the world.” The Elders exemplify the graceful modesty that Shakespeare’s Hamlet eulogized at Elsinore Castle. The fact is, their efforts have been worthy of coverage by a renovation reality show – calling Mike Rowe! “Our mission was to restore the entire property back to that of a four star resort,” Steve said. “This included equip- ment overhauls and replacements of major systems, like heat pumps. We installed new energy efficient doors and windows, decorated the rooms with new drapery, dressed the beds in new linens, that sort of thing,” Steve recalled. “The main lodge was not winterized, but we recognized its vast potential in the off-season, so we insulated it, sided it with split shakes, built a proper entrance and reception area, tore out and replaced bathroom facilities where it was needed, and added a servery. These changes have made the Tidal Bore Rafting Resort the perfect destina- tion for meetings, reunions, weddings – you name it. And business in these areas is certainly picking up. We con- verted the Banya into a rentable cottage – and it’s lovely. It’s well-equipped, with a hot tub on the back deck. At the main lodge, a deck was removed, the pool was replaced, and in the spring of 2017, we will be adding a new deck with a patio bar as well as another hot tub. We took the showers out of the main lodge, which I understand was an issue in the past in terms of plenty of river mud in the building drains. Men’s and Ladies’ hot showers are now housed in sturdy 12-person tents at the North end of the lodge area. It is much more functional and much more eco- friendly. Trip Advisor has recognized our eco and energy savings initiatives, and awarded us a 2016 Green Leaders
bore to pass, riding the waves to the upriver side, then going downriver to catch several more sets of rapids before they dissipate,” Steve explained. The Knols, Steve clarified, also laid the foundation to the dry side of the business. “They built cottages and developed the resort’s reputation as a leader in lodging,” he said. “Then in 2005, Jack Robinson and Heather Smith bought the property and launched some impressive projects, which really took things to the next stage. They built the Sandbar Restaurant and a three-level covered
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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2017
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