Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

CRANBROOK – Ktunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council Administrator Chief Sophie Pierre announced today that more than one hundred construction related jobs in technical building trades will need to be filled as construction continues on the $40 million St. Eugene Mission Resort project.

“We’re relatively on budget and on schedule, and we call on local sub trades to continue to show interest in the project. We’re very proud about the positive impact our resort project is having in the local economy – we estimate another $21 million is to be spent to complete construction on the project - and we try to spend as much of this locally as possible” Chief Pierre said.

The Delta Cranbrook hotel at the St. Eugene Mission Resort is scheduled to open on National Aboriginal Day, June 21st, 2002 along with the Casino of the Rockies featuring 225 slot machines and 12 gaming tables. “We anticipate another big boost in local employment by mid-April, when Delta and Casino of the Rockies operators Lake City Casinos begins their employment screening and pre-opening training”, Chief Pierre noted.

The 18 hole championship St. Eugene Mission Golf Resort officially opened last spring, and enjoyed a record-breaking season. The facility was selected as the third best new Canadian course for 2001 by the prestigious Golf Digest magazine, as selected from over 250 courses nominated countrywide. The SEM golf resort is scheduled to open for the season in the third week of April, 2002. Phase three of the overall project, including the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre, a 24-unit teepee camp, and the Ktunaxa arts and crafts centre, are expected to open in April 2003.

Construction continues on the hotel and casino. “Although employment totals vary, we have about 40 construction workers on site as of today, and as construction continues over the spring we’ll need up to 150 workers”, Chief Pierre noted. SEM CEO Helder Ponte notes “this is a major boost to our economy at a time when major mines have closed, and local communities are bracing for government cutbacks.

As of January 23, 2002 St. Eugene Mission Project construction update

For additional information, please contact Helder Ponte, SEM project manager – 250-489-2372.

St. Eugene Mission Golf Resort

18 hole championship golf course – officially opened spring 2001 Named 3rd best new golf course in Canada by the prestigious Golf Digest magazine.

Scheduled to reopen for the season in the third week of April 2002 45 seasonal and permanent employees

Delta Cranbrook – St. Eugene Mission Resort

Under construction since winter 2001
Scheduled to open on June 21, 2002 on National Aboriginal Day
125 rooms, restaurants
Meeting facilities include 8 meeting rooms with a capacity of over 500 Aquatic, fitness and recreation centre
Delta Hotels and Resorts will manage the hotel and golf course
Reconstruction of the historic St. Eugene Mission School building continues in January 2002 $21.6 million estimated expenditures to complete the construction Estimated 150 construction jobs created Hotel will employ approximately 75 staff.

Aboriginal Amenities and features

Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre
24 unit rustic Teepee Camp
Ktunaxa Arts and Crafts Centre
Aboriginal components scheduled to open in September 2002.

Casino of the Rockies

Construction continues in January 2002
Will be managed by Lake City Casinos for the BC Lottery Corporation
Expected to open June 21, 2002
Casino of the Rockies will feature 225 slot machines and 12 gaming tables
Casino of the Rockies will employ approximately 120 people

Construction work opportunities for local contractors and trades contact information: Site Superintendent – Cory Hooper, Farmer Construction Ltd. 250-489-4911 Farmer Construction Ltd., attention Ric Smith, Victoria office 250-388-5121
Project Manager - Task Construction Management, Burnaby office 250-604-717-8898
KKTC SEM Project Office – Helder Ponte, CEO, 250-489-2372

Sub trades and contractors can view project specifications, plans and tender packages at local offices of the Interior Construction Association offices located in Cranbrook, Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria.

The Ktunaxa Kinbasket Tribal Council employment department will process local employment opportunities. Please contact Roxanne Wolfhead, employment officer, at 250-489-2464.