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Building a Solid Foundation
A $1-billion expansion won't change Fairmont's character.
If there is one message that Richard Haworth, vice-president of development at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, and Harrison McKay, the resort’s marketing manager, want people to hear, it’s that the beloved vacation and wellness destination will retain its family-friendly atmosphere and quiet character—even as it grows, develops and takes a lead in creating a cohesive community in the village.
Haworth said the resort has undergone several subtle changes since a change of ownership in September of 2006, when Ken Fowler Enterprises (KFE) took over the operation of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. There are several existing upgrades to the amenities as well as plans for the expansion of the ski resort and reconstruction of the public hot pools that will better reflect the natural Rocky Mountain backdrop that is such a great part of their appeal.
But the big news is the $1 billion development plans that will see the resort become the centrepiece of a cohesive, year-round village. The long-range project is an exercise in building a community rather than a single development, and it’s one that is taken seriously by Haworth, McKay and the team at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. The extensive plans include a market square with a variety of shopping and dining choices, a community centre and cultural village, a range of accommodations and an extensive network of recreational trails that will tie it all together.
Currently, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is offering 56 custom homesites for sale as part of the expansion of the resort, and the lots are garnering interest from people who have been visiting the area for years—and sometimes for generations.
In fact, it’s the generational appeal that seems to be one of the greatest selling features. Many interested buyers have been travelling to the valley with their families since they themselves were children, and more are looking at it as a place to live year round. The long-range vision is a concept that will create a destination that will continue to attract the next generation of homeowners and visitors, said Haworth.
“Our land base is such that we have to have a bigger vision of what it can be,” he said. “One of the differences with the resort is that—unlike some projects where it’s more of a land play to get in and get out—our vision and our goal is to operate the resort when we’re done. We want to be here and we want to be part of it for the long term, so we’re taking a longer term approach to looking at it. So let’s make sure we get it right because we’re going to live with it forever.”
Haworth said the project has brought together consultants to pool ideas and concepts from resorts around the world to create a vision that is unique in terms of implementation and location.
“I think one of the things that is really exciting is that it is the heart of the Fairmont community,” said McKay. “We’re playing a key role in working with the community to decide what we want it to be, so everything about this is so well thought out.”
The slowing investment real estate market doesn’t concern Haworth, who said families have always been the primary market.
“In some ways it’s great for the resort,” said Haworth. “A real community doesn’t form on investment buyers; it forms on people who want to buy and be there and that’s what we’re seeing now.”
“People have been coming here a long time,” said McKay. “They love it the way it is. I want (those people) to know that it’s just more of a really good thing.”
story and photo by Tanya Laing
Added on August 17th, 2008
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