Coast Inn set to begin multi-million dollar reno

The saws and hammers will soon be rattling around the Coast Inn of the North as part of a $2-million renovation.

"Phase one deploys on Monday," said hotel manager Joey Beltrano. "The focus will be on the guest rooms first, depicting a modern feel and streamlining the use of space for guests."

Guests will see new bathrooms, carpets, window coverings, wall finishings, and new high-tech features as part of the first tier of the planned upgrades.

The general contractor for this project is Scott Construction based in Vancouver, working primarily with Prince George-based subcontractors and procurement sources.

All work for the first phase is expected to be finished by fall.

Not included in the $2 million outlay are the recent upgrades already seen around the hotel. In the past few weeks, the generic wall art has been replaced by recognizable local visuals, a Denman Spirits location is under construction for adult beverage sales, and the Coffee Garden has already undergone a significant facelift.

Beltrano said those upgrades were all done out of the hotel's preexisting budget thanks to resourceful maintenance manager Butch Doherty.

"We're also looking forward to next year about this time when we hope to launch phase two, which will focus on the hotel's common areas. We haven't even seen those plans yet, they are so new."

Part of the renovations, revamping, and new directions means the permanent loss of the Winston's Dining Room. It will close for good in June, although the bar on its front porch will remain and the other food facilities within the hotel are expected to expand their menus.