The opening of Port Hardy’s Kwa’lilas Hotel has been delayed until September.
Over the last eight months, KEDC and k’awat’si Construction have been working alongside their suppliers and partners to get the hotel ready to welcome local and global guests to the North Island. The company is citing “forces beyond our control” as the reason behind the delay.
“There is no question the transformation of the property into a 4-star hotel is taking longer than we expected, but given how important this project is to our community and the North Island, it is critical that we do not compromise on quality and craftsmanship in our rush to open the Kwalilas Hotel,” said KEDC CEO Conrad Browne.
“Like any large renovation, there are unexpected issues that arise that create challenges and we have no choice, but to be creative in finding solutions for them and unfortunately, that takes time. We are continuing to press forward and work through each one with our goal of a soft opening planned for late summer,” Browne said.
Some of the challenges included a multiple week power outage for necessary upgrades to ensure a safe and reliable electrical supply. This has been compounded by a shortage of local skilled construction trades labour throughout western Canada and delays in receiving accurate shipments of important supplies.
“I have every confidence in KEDC, k’awat’si Construction and our partners to rally around us and work through these delays with tolerance and skill,” said Chief Paddy Walkus.
“Even though our timelines have moved, my excitement for this project has not changed. It only grows in anticipation knowing what Kwa’lilas Hotel means to our community and what it will bring to the region. We will get there in good time and when we do, we will be proud to show and share our culture and region with the world,” Walkus said.
KEDC expects a soft hotel launch in September and the restaurant and pub will open shortly thereafter. In the meantime, they are working closely with their sister hotel, Pier Side Landing, to accommodate guests and tours.