A well known and unique resort in Callander has officially re-opened its doors to the public.
Terrace Suites, located in Callander and overseeing Lake Nipissing, has been taken over by two new co-owners in Jimmy Kolios and John Jameson.
The resort has been closed for the past two years.
The resort has 20 newly renovated suites that include wifi, kitchenettes and fireplace in every room.
“Jimmy and I have been in business for a number of years and when this became available we saw this as a good investment,” stated Jameson, a Powassan native who resides in Markham but has a summer cottage on Lake Nipissing in Callander.
“We thought it was a lovely place with the view that it provides and thought we’d like to do something with this place. It had been sitting for two years vacant and it just to me seemed a shame that this place was not being used.”
Jimmy Kolios, the well known owner of Churchill’s and Arugula restaurants in North Bay, says it’s a pleasure to show guests the beauty of this location.
“Living here we sometimes take it for granted, but folks traveling for business or a romantic getaway always remark on the sunsets, scenery and outdoor activities available here,” said Kolios during the media event Thursday morning at Terrace Suites.
The newly renovated facility has been open since August and it's fully booked this weekend to accommodate hockey teams.
Callander Mayor Hec Lavigne is thrilled to see the resort back in operation.
“I have never met anybody that didn’t think this was a great facility, the views, the facilities themselves...so we are quite excited to have it opened. Through the coffee shops in Callander, the constituents are saying the same things, so people from Callander look forward to using the facilities and seeing that it does stay open and they utilize it as the place that it is,” said Lavigne.
Jameson says there is possible growth on the property as well. He says the old 18-hole chip and putt golf course right behind the resort may be re-opened as a nine-hole course depending on the development costs to repair the old fairways and greens that are now covered by weeds.
The Lookout Inn is also on the property and Jameson says they may look at another development in that location too.
“The old Lookout Inn, we are going to have some engineering people come in and look at it to see if it’s restorable. If not we would have to demolish and decide whether we want to do anymore building on the property,” said Jameson.
Terrace Suites also includes a new restaurant on the property called Vista. It will focus on Italian cuisine.