Latest news with #HarbourHouse
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism businesses in Hay River, N.W.T., question gov't priorities with new building project
A longtime business owner in Hay River, N.W.T., is raising concerns about a new government-funded building going up at the town's main beach, a place she says has become mostly unusable after floods and fires in recent years. The territory's Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment says that the new facility will replace a beach attendant building destroyed in the 2022 flood. The new structure will be a lifeguard station and picnic shelter, with a stronger foundation to handle future flooding. But Jane Groenewegen, who owns Harbour House, a guesthouse just across from the beach, says she was shocked to see construction begin last week without any public notice or signs explaining what was going on. "We didn't see anything posted. And we're down here quite often," she said. "Whenever there's a development, there's usually a 90-day appeal period where people can comment on what's proposed." Groenewegen said she's frustrated that there was no opportunity for public input, especially since many other tourism-related sites in the community still need to be repaired after flooding and fire damage. She said that while the new building may replace something that was lost, it's the wrong time and the wrong place for it. She also doesn't understand why the territory chose a location that has already seen serious flood damage. "Who asked for this? Yes, it's replacing something, but the timing is off. The beach is a disaster," she said. "The beach is just kind of a swamp now that goes from one end to the other." Groenewegen said the flooding dramatically changed the landscape. The shoreline has receded, and the sand is now overgrown with poisonous vegetation, such as water hemlock. Dead trees still line the campground. She said the beach isn't the only area that still needs attention. At Twin Falls Territorial Park, a major tourist attraction located just outside Hay River, the trails and stairs to the falls remain uncleared since the 2023 wildfires, leaving the site in a rough state and unsafe for visitors. "Our government always says they're so hard up … they got no money for capital projects," she said. "But they got [money] for something that nobody asked for." 'We've had our difficulties' Darrell Dean, who owns Castaways Cottages and Campground on the other side of town, says the new building going up at the beach isn't a top concern for him, but he agrees that there are more urgent priorities in the community that the territory should address first. "I'd rather see them spend their money cleaning the beach up, because nobody's going to go there to stay in a swamp," he said. "It just doesn't make any sense." Dean says he's still trying to recover from the wildfires that burned through his site in 2023, destroying trees, campers, and four cabins. "We've been hit with a couple years of COVID, and then ... a couple years of flood and then a forest fire. So we've had our difficulties," he said. Dean said his campground wasn't insured when the fire hit, because there are no fire hydrants in the area, and coverage has become increasingly complex and expensive to get. Without insurance, he had to cover the cost of replacing everything himself. On top of that, he says one of the biggest challenges he faces is competing with the territorial-run campground, which offers amenities like wi-fi in certain areas, power hookups, and lower rates. He says private operators like himself can't match those prices. "We can't afford to put that kind of money on infrastructure and then charge that little amount of money," Dean said. "The going rate down south … is anywhere from $60 to $125 a night to stay in a campground. We're well below par on the rates." For Dean, offering basic services like power is not financially feasible. He estimates it would cost around $150,000 to install electricity at his campground. Dean said that the territory's infrastructure department has supported him with funding in the past, but large-scale upgrades, such as power installations, remain out of reach for private operators, and he's not aware of any funding program that could cover such high costs. "[The territory] should be investing money in local tour operators, I think, because it's a plus for everybody," he said. Ongoing municipal issues don't help either, he said. His road often isn't plowed or graded, and a flood-damaged culvert still hasn't been properly fixed, making it hard for large campers to reach the site. He says it took over a decade of complaints to get consistent road maintenance.
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Tourism businesses in Hay River, N.W.T., question gov't priorities with new building project
A longtime business owner in Hay River, N.W.T., is raising concerns about a new government-funded building going up at the town's main beach, a place she says has become mostly unusable after floods and fires in recent years. The territory's Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment says that the new facility will replace a beach attendant building destroyed in the 2022 flood. The new structure will be a lifeguard station and picnic shelter, with a stronger foundation to handle future flooding. But Jane Groenewegen, who owns Harbour House, a guesthouse just across from the beach, says she was shocked to see construction begin last week without any public notice or signs explaining what was going on. "We didn't see anything posted. And we're down here quite often," she said. "Whenever there's a development, there's usually a 90-day appeal period where people can comment on what's proposed." Groenewegen said she's frustrated that there was no opportunity for public input, especially since many other tourism-related sites in the community still need to be repaired after flooding and fire damage. She said that while the new building may replace something that was lost, it's the wrong time and the wrong place for it. She also doesn't understand why the territory chose a location that has already seen serious flood damage. "Who asked for this? Yes, it's replacing something, but the timing is off. The beach is a disaster," she said. "The beach is just kind of a swamp now that goes from one end to the other." Groenewegen said the flooding dramatically changed the landscape. The shoreline has receded, and the sand is now overgrown with poisonous vegetation, such as water hemlock. Dead trees still line the campground. She said the beach isn't the only area that still needs attention. At Twin Falls Territorial Park, a major tourist attraction located just outside Hay River, the trails and stairs to the falls remain uncleared since the 2023 wildfires, leaving the site in a rough state and unsafe for visitors. "Our government always says they're so hard up … they got no money for capital projects," she said. "But they got [money] for something that nobody asked for." 'We've had our difficulties' Darrell Dean, who owns Castaways Cottages and Campground on the other side of town, says the new building going up at the beach isn't a top concern for him, but he agrees that there are more urgent priorities in the community that the territory should address first. "I'd rather see them spend their money cleaning the beach up, because nobody's going to go there to stay in a swamp," he said. "It just doesn't make any sense." Dean says he's still trying to recover from the wildfires that burned through his site in 2023, destroying trees, campers, and four cabins. "We've been hit with a couple years of COVID, and then ... a couple years of flood and then a forest fire. So we've had our difficulties," he said. Dean said his campground wasn't insured when the fire hit, because there are no fire hydrants in the area, and coverage has become increasingly complex and expensive to get. Without insurance, he had to cover the cost of replacing everything himself. On top of that, he says one of the biggest challenges he faces is competing with the territorial-run campground, which offers amenities like wi-fi in certain areas, power hookups, and lower rates. He says private operators like himself can't match those prices. "We can't afford to put that kind of money on infrastructure and then charge that little amount of money," Dean said. "The going rate down south … is anywhere from $60 to $125 a night to stay in a campground. We're well below par on the rates." For Dean, offering basic services like power is not financially feasible. He estimates it would cost around $150,000 to install electricity at his campground. Dean said that the territory's infrastructure department has supported him with funding in the past, but large-scale upgrades, such as power installations, remain out of reach for private operators, and he's not aware of any funding program that could cover such high costs. "[The territory] should be investing money in local tour operators, I think, because it's a plus for everybody," he said. Ongoing municipal issues don't help either, he said. His road often isn't plowed or graded, and a flood-damaged culvert still hasn't been properly fixed, making it hard for large campers to reach the site. He says it took over a decade of complaints to get consistent road maintenance.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- IOL News
Discover the culinary delights of Harbour House in Camps Bay
Enjoy breathtaking views and an unforgettable dining experience at Harbour House in Camps Bay, where exquisite seafood meets warm hospitality. Image: Supplied Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Harbour House in Camps Bay is a restaurant that thrives on location — but thankfully, it offers much more than just a spectacular view. I recently attended the opening, and we were greeted by the warm hum of chatter and clinking glasses with the setting sun as a backdrop. Upon entering, one of the first things you notice is the attention to detail; the ceiling of the restaurant looks like the inside of a ship's hull, while the screens on the sides of the restaurant look like open water. From the moment you step in, the vibe strikes you: it's intimate, stylish, and perfect for the kind of night where you want to treat yourself and maybe escape for a few hours. The open-plan layout allows the salty breeze and ocean soundtrack to filter in — a signature Camps Bay experience. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ For the opening, it was not a sit-down affair, but we were treated to various drinks, including a champagne tower and wine for the connoisseurs, and plenty of options for those who do not drink alcohol. My friend and I enjoyed their non-alcoholic cocktail throughout the night and did not feel left out. From the moment you step into the restaurant, the atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, with friendly and helpful staff. From the hostesses to the waitresses and waiters. Throughout the night, I cannot remember a time when our glasses were not full. Now onto the food. There was an incredible and fresh oyster station where guests could go throughout the night to get oysters how you prefer it. There was a friendly waitress responsible for keeping the station clean and ensuring that the flow was seamless. Enjoy breathtaking views and an unforgettable dining experience at Harbour House in Camps Bay, where exquisite seafood meets warm hospitality. Image: Supplied
CTV News
19-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘Fills a critical need': YWCA Lethbridge opens new long-term transitional housing program
Officials at the YWCA Lethbridge and District hope a new program can help support women and children who are looking to move beyond crisis but still face safety and stability barriers. The YWCA launched its Hope program Wednesday afternoon. 'It's that medium phase, it's that second stage where individuals that are fleeing domestic violence or have experienced gender-based violence are able to move into more stable and grounding spaces where they can truly recover,' said CEO Jill Young. The program is the first-of-its-kind in Lethbridge and will offer life skills supports and case management to women and children fleeing domestic violence. The YWCA renovated one of its floors to include individual spaces and a communal kitchen -- doubling the number of beds available. Young says the length of stay in the program will be between six to 18 months, compared to the 21 to 30-day stay at the Harbour House Emergency Shelter. 'When you've already experienced a lot of various barriers in your life – including going through a very traumatic experience – being able to jump straight into market housing can be extremely difficult, so this really fills that gap,' Young explained. 'We are able to provide that long-term stability and allow that recovery to happen.' She says once individuals join the program, space within the Harbour House will become available, allowing for more women and children to access resources and emergency supports. YWCA Lethbridge and District YWCA Lethbridge and District. The City of Lethbridge provided nearly $600,000 in capital and operational funding for the program through the federal government's Reaching Home program. 'This project represents a critical housing need in our community with transitional beds,' said Andrew Malcolm, City of Lethbridge community social development general manager. The Hope program will be able to support between 12 to 18 women and children at a time, according to Young. In 2024, the YWCA Lethbridge and District provided more than 20,000 services and supports to women and children. The YWCA will begin to accept intake referrals for the program, with capacity expected to be reached within a month. 'This is not a women problem, this is not a gender problem, this is a people problem, and we need to continue to address and face what is happening in our community and across Canada,' said Young.
Business Mayor
17-05-2025
- Business Mayor
World's cheapest long haul holiday is perfect for families – with no jet lag, jaw-dropping animals and perfect beaches
HEADING back along the dusty track towards our cottage, we gaze at the darkening sky, so clear it's littered with twinkling stars. Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes ahead makes us stop still. 7 Camps Bay suburb feels like a cross between Cannes and a fancy California town, with its white sandy beach, backdrop of Table Mountain and restaurants lining the beach Credit: Getty 7 To sample some of Cape Town's finest bottles, we headed to the historic town of Stellenbosch, set among the vineyards of the Cape Winelands Credit: Getty 7 The Cape Town waterfront Credit: Getty Two beady eyes emerge, followed by a set of stripey legs slowly plodding on to the trail in front of us. 'There are some zebras on the path,' my partner whispers. Not your usual walk home, but that's South Africa for you. This is a country so packed with wildlife that it is not uncommon to see exotic creatures such as baboons and ostriches feeding at the side of the road, or taking an evening stroll in front of your hotel room. Luckily, zebras are a gentle breed and the ones we encountered seemed entirely disinterested as we weaved around them to our cottage. It was a typical evening on our two-week road trip through Cape Town this Easter, a first proper bucket-list holiday with our six-year-old. We flew on Norse Atlantic Airways, the affordable airline whose budget prices meant we could fly Premium Economy on our overnight flight and stand a decent chance of getting some sleep. Everything in Cape Town is so accessible that we landed at 8.30am, got our hire car, checked into the hotel and were on the glorious Camps Bay beach in swimsuits by 11.30am. Camps Bay suburb feels like a cross between Cannes and a fancy California town, with its white sandy beach, backdrop of Table Mountain and smart restaurants lining the beachfront. Better still, the one-hour time difference meant we had no jet lag, so we could get stuck in straight away without the need to sleep it off. The famous mountain was the first adventure spot on our list. And it made for a great family day out thanks to the rotating gondolas that slowly spin to offer panoramic views on the ascent to the top. Best Value Winter Sun Long Haul Destinations You will also see plenty of cute dassies (a type of large rabbit, native to these parts) that can be spotted scurrying across the rocky landscapes or munching on plants . Once there, the flatness of the peak meant there was a vast area to explore, with circular two-hour hikes across the top. Easter is a great time to visit, because that's Cape Town's autumn, meaning it is relatively crowd-free at this time, with 20C to 29C temperatures. The next stop on our road adventure was Kalk Bay, a cute little boho town where ramshackle restaurants and hippy boutiques line the seafront. At the town's upmarket Harbour House restaurant, we dined on seafood and good wine for the price of a Pizza Hut meal in the UK — all while watching seals swimming in the harbour. Our accommodation was the charming Chartfield Guesthouse, staying in a huge two-bedroom apartment. It was bigger than my house back home, and cost only £94 a night. Kalk Bay is a prime spot for visiting the endangered African penguins of neighbouring Simonstown. There must have been around 100 on the town's shoreline, Boulders Beach, when we visited, swimming in the sea, waddling about or protecting their nests. That wasn't our only wildlife encounter in the area, though. Kalk Bay is also close to the 17,300-acre Cape Point Nature Reserve, with its sweeping ocean views and 200ft cliffs, where we spotted ostriches and baboons, among other creatures. Aside from its excellent wildlife, Cape Town is known for one thing: Wine. To sample some of its finest bottles, we headed to the historic town of Stellenbosch, set among the vineyards of the Cape Winelands. Here, we checked into the Evergreen Manor and Spa, a quaint property that felt like the home from the Anne Of Green Gables novel, and an outdoor pool to relax in after a day's wine tasting. Stellenbosch is the perfect base for exploring the region's family- friendly vineyards. We saw whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins and seals on our morning at sea, with our favourites being the bronze whaler shark and colony of Cape fur seals. At the Warwick Wine Estate, we relaxed on the lawn with a gourmet picnic, while my boy was more than content in the playground and water fountain. Another brilliant spot for the whole family was Soetmelksvlei, an immersive farming experience that recreates an 1800s farm, on the grounds of the Babylonstoren wine estate. We sat at the kitchen table of the manor house while the cook rustled up snacks, and learned how the staff churned milk. From here, we made our way to the coastal town of Gansbaai, aka 'great white shark capital of the world', to go on Marine Dynamics' Big 5 Marine Safari. We saw whales, sharks, dolphins, penguins and seals on our morning at sea, with our favourites being the bronze whaler shark and colony of Cape fur seals. The team on board were outstanding, too. I've been on plenty of marine-life spotting trips and never experienced that level of care. 7 The city skyline at sunset is a sight you'll always remember 7 A stunning view across Cape Town for our explorers Credit: Supplied Our hunt for Africa's animals continued afterwards, with a stay at the De Hoop Nature Reserve, an 84,000-acre area that is home to free-roaming zebras, baboons, ostriches, mongoose and eland. Because of the non-predatory nature of the animals, guests are free to walk among them. Which is how we found ourselves bumping into a dazzle of zebras on our way back from dinner. It was an eventful night. Apparently the baboons also snuck into the restaurant kitchen to steal some bread that evening. We'd already been warned about keeping the windows of our cottage closed when out, as the cheeky primates liked to break in for snacks. I could hardly blame them for wanting to have a nose around. The De Hoop Collection cottage we stayed in was gorgeous — spacious and designed in a country-chic style, all chintz curtains and huge squishy sofas. It was the perfect warm-up for our penultimate destination, where we splurged on a three-night safari at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. It is one of South Africa's largest privately owned nature reserves, with around 150,000 acres of land and a handful of 5* lodges, as well as the all-important 'big five' — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, among others. A whirlwind 14 days with so many memories made, that it felt like five holidays wrapped into one. My favourite wildlife spots had to be a herd of elephants and pride of lions, and both came within a few metres of our safari truck. But we had so many encounters, from giraffes and hippos to Cape buffalo, zebras, springboks and hyenas, that we felt truly spoilt. As we did by the hospitality at Sanbona, where we stayed in the 12-suite Gondwana family lodge. The hours between the morning and evening game drives were spent eating delicious food, sunbathing, swimming in the pool and playing one of the many board games, which are free for guests. Given we had packed so much in, it felt only right to spend our last 36 hours in Cape Town chilling. And there was no better place to do just that than the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, a 5* hotel in a prime coastal spot with far more reasonable rates than most of Europe. Last year, South Africa's tourism minister touted the region as such great value that 'British visitors can afford our 5* hotels'. 7 A bird's eye view of penguins at Boulders Beach Credit: Supplied 7 Luckily, zebras are a gentle breed and the ones we encountered seemed entirely disinterested as we weaved around them to our cottage Credit: Getty And the city was crowned the world's best-value long-haul destination in the Post Office Travel Money Report. Pitched up on sun loungers, we drank delicious wine — fancy stuff at just £4 a glass — while our son played with the other kids in the infinity pool, as dolphins played in the ocean 20 metres away. If it sounds like the trip was a dream from start to finish, it really was. A whirlwind 14 days with so many memories made, that it felt like five holidays wrapped into one.
