Looking for a unique place to host a meeting, a convention, a wedding?
A new Northern Ontario facility in Killarney can provide that and so much more.
Canada House is a 34,000-square-foot convention centre, which is nearing completion in Killarney.
DMe Public Relations spokesperson, Tom Martin, says what makes this building so unique is that it is the largest log structure under construction in the world.
What also makes it unique is that 177 tons of white pine logs were obtained and constructed locally, thanks to the Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation.
Up to 20 new jobs will be created once the facility opens.
Resort owners Holden and Carey Rhodes are planning a grand opening for the Spring.
The facility will offer eight meeting rooms, two banquet halls, fitness centre, steak house and host a variety of events, such as hosting conferences and weddings.
Architect Ryan Sterling, of Tillman Ruth Robinson, says the most unique thing about this project is “it’s completely log-cabin built.”
Laverty Log Homes, near Kitchener, sourced logs from Quebec and as far away as British Columbia, and some 177 tons of white pine logs locally harvested by workers from Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve on Manitoulin Island.
The largest logs are two feet in diameter.
“Shipped directly to us, raw logs are then stripped of bark and seasoned for several weeks,” says Earl Laverty. “We shaped the logs with a draw knife, then pre-assemble them in our yard. We truck the tagged logs to the construction site and we’re confident of the final fit and finish.”
Todd Lewis, manager of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve Forest Resource Program, said band members were pleased to be included in the project.
Canada House also needed a sustainable finish that could provide the right aesthetics while being easily maintainable for years to come, and found that through a product from Sansin.
“Sansin’s deep-penetrating wood finish provides the durability required, while allowing the natural character and beauty of the wood to shine through,” says sales and marketing director, Caroline March-Long.
Killarney general manager Kelly McAree says the right mix of contractors ensured a unique structure.
“We were very fortunate to have the right team of contractors,” McAree said. “The structure is so unique and impressive we are giving tours even before we open, and we’re already booked for 2019 with weddings.”
The Rhodes purchased Killarney Lodge in early 2015 and a little over a year later, also bought The Sportsman’s Inn, the only other waterfront hotel/marina in Killarney.
And more growth is planned. The Rhodes are looking to add another 150 to 170 rooms starting in 2021 to further facilitate their growth and expand employment opportunities well into the future.
For a photographic tour of the Canada House, go to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/talkingchief/44909870204/in/photostream/