The Quaaout Lodge and the Talking Rock Golf Course near Chase were not damaged by the Bush Creek East Fire.

Larry Read, the Communications Coordinator for Skwlax te Secwepemculecw, formerly known as the Little Shuswap Lake Band, confirmed the golf and spa resort on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake was not among the structures destroyed last Friday.

“They have burned trees but they saved all their golf carts and all that sort of stuff so when things get back to normal, they’ll be back in service,” Read said.

It is not clear when the resort or the golf course will reopen, as the area remains under an evacuation order.

“Please check your local government websites for all Wildfire updates before travelling,” a post on the resort’s website said.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We continue to pray for everyone affected by the wildfires.”

In June this year, Kukpi7 James Tomma told Radio NL that design work on a rebuilt Quaaout Lodge was nearing completion. All 70 guest rooms were damaged by a fire in May 2022.

Described on its website as “the pride of the Little Shuswap Band,” Tomma also told Radio NL the band is looking at ways to make the facility one that is viable around the year.

While the lodge opened in 1991, according to its website, the idea of a hotel was conceived back in 1979 to spur economic development while also offering employment and long term security for the band and its members.

“Quaaout Lodge is an important part of our community,” Tomma told Radio NL in May 2022. “It’s an engine of economic development, but also the cultural heart of the community.”

Band confirms at least 85 structures damaged by fire

A total of 85 structures on Skwlax te Secwepemculecw land have been lost to the fire while 13 others were partially damaged,

Another 139 structures had no damage, Read said, noting that all of those numbers are still preliminary.

It is not clear what the breakdown is between houses and other structures. Tomma said Friday that 31 homes that belonged to band members – including his own – were destroyed.

Sources told Radio NL also say about 30 leaseholder properties – non-band members who lease lots from the Little Shuswap Lake Band – were also destroyed by the fire. It is not clear if those properties were included in the number released by the band.

“As far as band and leaseholders and concerned, more details will be coming out once that rapid damage assess has been finalized,” Read said.

Tomma said Friday the plan is to rebuild, noting it could cost between $30 million and $50 million, depending on the extent of damage to infrastructure.

The Squilax gas station has been destroyed, as is some adjacent office space and four rental suites. But Tomma also confirmed that some other major community infrastructure survived, including the band office, the fire hall, and the community wellness centre.

“As it stands, they have no idea when the band members would be able to return to their homes, the ones that survived,” Read said. “The ones that haven’t, a committee is being struck this week in order to get some plans going to rebuild those homes.”

Read also confirmed that Tomma is hoping to organize a tour for band members – who are all safe – as soon as possible so they can see the damage firsthand. A call centre is also being set up so band and community members can get information directly.

“I want to thank all the various levels of government including the CSRD for their cooperation and help in all this,” Read said.

“Kukpi7 thanks you for your support and your offer of support. We will take the public’s offer up when we realize and figure out what we need.”