MOUNT CAIN—Alpine recreation enthusiasts will soon be able to gather in greater numbers at Mount Cain’s Kapitany Hostel and Old Lodge with new guest beds being added to the resort.
The popular community-owned ski hill and alpine recreation destination will be moving its staff housing to a modular building being brought to the site this summer. The Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) is contributing $48,500 through their Economic Infrastructure Program to support the cost of moving and renovating the building.
“Mount Cain’s Kapitany Lodge is a multi-use facility currently operating beyond its capacity,” said ICET Chair Phil Kent. “Mount Cain has very limited accommodation available and visits have been steadily increasing in the past 5 years. Now, thanks to this new opportunity to create cost-effective staff housing, the lodge will be renovated to accommodate more guests, allowing it to boost its economic sustainability and attract even more visitors to the region.”
Mt. Cain is a key economic resource for the North Island, bringing in visitors for winter tourism opportunities. For communities from Port Hardy to Sayward, Mt. Cain also serves as the largest employer of youth in the region.
A portable office building consisting of six industrial modular units was donated to the Mount Cain Alpine Park Society by Kiewit, the construction contractor for the Kokish River hydroelectric project, to save the cost of moving it to a new location.
“This is an unexpected and welcome opportunity for Mount Cain,” said Mount Cain Alpine Park Society Director Donald Mancell. “Having separate accommodations gives both employees and guests greater privacy, improving the overall experience for everyone.”
The increased overnight guest capacity means that the Lodge can host larger groups and events on a year-round basis, helping to generate more visitor interest and economic benefit to Northern Vancouver Island.
After relocation and renovation, the modular building will include administration offices and staff housing. Meeting and training rooms are also included in the design to provide first-aid, avalanche and winter camping education to the community.
The Island Coastal Economic Trust is a $50 million endowment established in 2006 by the Government of British Columbia to help diversify the economies of central and northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.
ICET is guided by a Board of Directors and two Regional Advisory Committees which include more than 50 locally elected officials and MLAs and five appointees. This exceptional team of leaders collaborates to set regional priorities and build vital multi-regional networks.