Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Vision and Planning

The great part of developing on 20 acres of undeveloped, unzoned waterfront property is the freedom to create your vision exactly as you imagine. When we considered developing this stunning piece of property, we knew that the design of the community must be reflective of the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Many inputs were considered and many site trips were made to other real estate developments throughout BC and Alberta. 

We considered subdividing the property, but this presented many challenges. Some lots would have exclusive access to the waterfront, some to the orchard, some would have creek frontage, others would have highway frontage. But no lots would have access to all. Providing road access to all lots in the subdivision would require an elaborate network of engineered, widegrade roads – reducing greenspace and expensive to build. Each lot could require an individual septic system and water source. The septic systems would require large areas where trees would need to be removed.  Then there was the challenge of how to incorporate the existing vacation cottages, spa, gift shop, etc.  In short, none of the options presented by parcelling the land would satisfy the overall vision of protecting the natural beauty of the property or give our owners access to all of the amenities that make Wing Creek Resort so special.

The decision was made to develop based on a Strata design. This would allow for a maintenance- free living style and a consistent level of property care. A Strata design would give the development a clear direction, a common focus and create a truly unified community.

Deciding upon a “Strata” was a great start, but how would we ensure that our homeowners built green and would meet our requirements to protect this property and surrounding area? How would we control the size and design of the homes?  Architectural controls are common, but more often than not, developers loosen their guidelines in order to make sales. Also, who would build these homes in such a remote location? Local contractors are few and trades are often difficult to obtain. Would buyers be willing or able to oversee the construction of these homes? Would they bring in outside contractors and trades? Would the building materials be purchased locally? It quickly became evident that in order to satisfy all our requirements we needed to design Wing Creek as a “Building Strata”. This would also give all of Wing Creek Resort’s current and future owners and vacationers access to the lush forest trails, waterfalls, orchard, vineyard and pristine beachfront for which it has become known.

Stay tuned for our next blog...

Friday, August 13, 2010

The Right Players Make the Best Team

The key to any good business is having a strong team of people striving toward the same vision. Wing Creek has spent the last couple of years ensuring that the vision is clear and concise. A number of challenges were associated with assembling the right partnership team. In fact, several investors were immediately interested in forming part of the development team, only to be dissolved when it was discovered to be less than an ideal fit for all parties. Unfortunately, the partner acquisition timing coincided with a significant downturn in the real estate market. However unfortunate, this event made it clear to the founders that it wasn’t only about putting a team together; it was about putting the best team together.


A little background on Kevin and Debra; after spending over 20 years each in corporate professions and living in big cities, the couple ventured out to find a business they could run together. After selling homes in Vancouver and Edmonton the couple purchased a 38ft motorcoach and travelled throughout much of North America looking for a small hospitality business. Looking closely at businesses in Arizona, California and Texas, they continued to feel the pull of their roots in Western Canada. They returned to BC and found their way to the interior, travelling through the Okanagan, Shuswap, Slocan, and finally to the Kootenay Lake valley where the instantly felt they had found paradise. At the time the vision of Wing Creek Resort was years away, but they bought the small accommodations business in 2004 and immediately began making improvements. The five existing cottages were completely renovated, new driveways were added and manicured, and a trail to the beach was put in capable of supporting a four passenger golf cart. As the early years passed, Kevin and Debra searched for an appropriate way to better utilize the 20 acre property. Their primary goal is to be able to stay in the paradise that they found and soon it became clear that a community development would not only achieve that goal, but surround them with like-minded people that shared their passion for the property and the area.

It wasn’t until 2009 that they found the right people to move this project forward keeping in mind the desire to retain the natural beauty and make certain it remained in keeping with the surrounding area. The new partners couldn't be better suited for this development. Both are local residents of Kaslo and bring a perfect set of professional backgrounds to the table. Jeff offers years of experience and access to supplies as the current owner of the Kaslo Building Supplies and Dwight brings his world class timber frame building company on board as partner and exclusive builder of Wing Creek homes. Dwight’s company is Hamill Creek Timber Homes and they have forged a reputation as a world class builder with major projects in Colorado and Hawaii, as well as many local area projects that continue to be heralded for their quality construction and stunning design.


It was a long road to find the right team to realize the vision of Wing Creek Resort and there have been times that Wing Creek Resort looked to be venturing closer to a forgotten dream. Today we are days away from beginning construction on our first world class resort home and we couldn’t be more excited.

Our next segment will be about the wonderful world of bureaucracy, as Wing Creek Resort moved slowly through the permits, strata conversion, infrastructure, and geotechnical engineering reports. It will be more fun than it sounds.

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Monday, August 9, 2010

Welcome to Wing Creek Resort | Kaslo, BC


The pristine beauty of Kootenay Lake has provided us with a spectacular setting to share the vision of Wing Creek Resort with you. Situated on 20 acres of waterfront property just five minutes north of Kaslo, BC, Wing Creek Resort is truly one of the last undiscovered jewels in beautiful southern British Columbia.



Nestled between the soaring peaks of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains and overlooking the sparkling waters of Kootenay Lake, the resort is a carefully planned luxury development designed in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. Wing Creek Resort is proud to partner with world class timber frame home builder Hamill Creek for this Legacy Project. 


Wing Creek Resort will consist of a total of 33 thoughtfully designed, custom timber frame homes and cottages plus special amenities. Surrounded by lush forest, the resort offers a spa, conference facility, orchard, mountain streams, gardens, trails, and exclusive waterfront features. Plans include the creation of an outdoor kitchen featuring guest chefs, a small vineyard and extensive outdoor living areas and amenities that will enhance owners’ enjoyment of this exquisite resort community.


Wing Creek Resort is committed to providing all owners with the same remarkable experience the current owners have enjoyed for years. Owners will have right of first refusal on upcoming phases, so you can grow right along with the resort if you choose. Become a resort owner and discover where you truly belong ... at Canada’s First Boutique Resort.


Experience this tranquil waterfront resort offering ownership opportunities, vacation rentals and the Falling Water Spa. Relax in your luxury cedar cottage, enjoy your cozy woodburning fireplace, revel in the scenic splendor of Kootenay Lake, surrounded by soaring mountains. 20 acres of orchard, gardens, trails, streams, and beautiful private beach. Welcome to Wing Creek Resort! If you haven't joined us on Facebook you can do so at facebook.com/wingcreekresort


Contact Us:
250.353.2475
info@wingcreekresort.com
http://www.wingcreekresort.com