Pine Vista Resort Enhancing Safety Measures

PKED caught up with Pine Vista Resort located on Gilchrist Bay in Lakefield, Ontario to talk about how they are using the Tourism Resiliency Fund to help their business through recovery from the COVID-19 global pandemic.

1. Where did the idea/concept for your business come from?

Pine Vista Resort began with 4 cottages on Stony Lake in 1945. Since then, Pine Vista has grown into a 4 season resort with 25 Housekeeping cottages and is one of the most successful cottage resorts in Ontario.

2. What has it been like navigating the pandemic with your business?

Although the COVID 19 pandemic has posed several challenges due to mandatory shutdowns and subsequent reservation cancellations, we are committed to following Government and Health guidelines in order to keep Pine Vista a safe Resort. We have implemented protocols for all areas of our Resort that keep our guests and staff informed and protected at all times. 

3. What will you be using the TRF funding towards?

We will use the TRF funding to continue to enhance our safety measures throughout the property including PPE, disinfectant products, housekeeping supplies, signage, barriers etc.

4. What are your hopes for the business in the next few years?

We hope that the pandemic ends and that there are no more devastating global health threats.  We also hope that travellers from around the world stay at Pine Vista Resort and that we have the opportunity to offer them our full range of services and amenities without restrictions.

5. What is it like owning a business in Peterborough & the Kawarthas?

The Owners of Pine Vista are all local – born and raised in Peterborough and also Douro Dummer Township. We are proud of this area and love sharing our knowledge of it with travellers who visit us.  

6. What makes your business unique to our region?

We are located on spectacular Stony Lake, and have a large beautiful property to offer our guests. We are family-owned and are known for caring very much about our guests and our Resort.  Our Family Recreation programs are very popular, especially our summer ‘Kids Klub’ program. 

7. What is your favourite thing about living and working in Peterborough & the Kawarthas?

We love the beauty of this area, as well as the small town community feel that it has. 

PKED is profiling several tourism-dependent businesses that were successful in receiving Tourism Resiliency Funding to support costs associated with adapting to public health measures and safety reopening, which will support the tourism industry’s recovery in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.