A major goal for Revelstoke Mountain Resort can now be checked off, with staff settling into the first phase of staff housing.
The development has long been in the works with ground breaking on the project in 2022. With 92 units available and over 200 occupants moved in, the build pulls a sizable chunk of the resort’s staff out of Revelstoke’s rental market.
“This is a point of pride for us, that we can provide quality housing for our staff instead of relying on the town’s market,“ Jason Kelder, resort president said at a Nov. 26 information session.
The new build welcomed folks during an open house Friday, Dec. 5 while staff suited up for the upcoming opening day. Apartment layouts, along with gear storage, laundry facilities and a future fitness room were all on display.
Peter Nielsen, vice president of operations and Revelstoke Mountain Resort general manager said he is excited to see what keeping staff close to the resort does for guest experiences and resort culture.
“Folks who live full-time in that area really help animate the whole experience there,” he said, explaining that keeping staff connected to the resort outside of working hours helps increase guest experiences.
Axel Mellon, Sutton Place laundry attendant and new staff housing occupant doesn’t see himself entirely detaching from Revelstoke though, even if more amenities become available at the resort such as meal and entertainment options.
“Actual experiences, date nights, movies, the town still has it all,” he said, adding while it might take some planning on staff to commute to downtown and other neighbourhoods, many choose to work at the resort because of the community in town.
“Revelstoke’s a town that’s worth the effort,” Mellon said.
Staff housing for the resort has been a mix of in-town leases, long-term use of The Cube, a hostel-style accommodation and other properties acquired by the resort. With the latest build now open, the resort no longer rents any units in town, Kelder explained, adding it still owns one home in town. Some staff still rent or own independently as well, preferring options outside of the staff housing.
“We have staff, they’re members of the community. They’re well established in Revelstoke and want to build a home here,” Kelder said.
Having an option for staff housing and the details in the units provided showcases a level of care the resort has for its staff, Jaimie Curtis, Sutton Place housekeeper said.
“Staff experience isn’t necessarily at the top of the list for what to invest in for big resorts. It feels really cool here that we feel like we are being valued, and our experience is just as ingrained as the rest of the mountain,” he said.
For an employer that often attracts staff new to the city, the province and even Canada, Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s staff housing will also be a key resource in helping newcomers settle in and connect, Georgina Moir, Sutton Place housekeeper said speaking from her own experience.
“Moving into staff accommodations is always great if you’re coming alone in terms of meeting some great people. I found some really lovely friends through living in staff accommodations.”
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