The Chief of the Skwla̓x te Secwe̓pemcu̓lecw says design work on a rebuilt Quaaout Lodge is nearing completion.

Speaking on NL Newsday, Kukpi7 James Tomma, says those designs are being put together with input from band members.

“Rebuilding of the lodge is quite the undertaking for our small band but we’re up to the task,” Tomma said.

“Obviously, we went through with the insurance and stuff but then it was using a couple of different contracting companies to engage with the band members on ‘how do you want your lodge to look like on the rebuild?'”

All 70 guests rooms at Quaaout Lodge were damaged in a fire in May of last year. Photos and videos from the scene showed a massive plume of smoke which could be seen as far away as Chase on the other side of Little Shuswap Lake.

Tomma says the goal is to build a new facility that will attract people throughout the year.

“Obviously, during the summer time we have the golf course but in the winter time, what do we do about that?” he said. “Band members are now actually talking about ‘what do we want to see inside there other than a restaurant and rooms?'”

“We have to try and make it so that we’re viable year round.”

It is not clear when construction will begin, but Tomma says it is expected to take around two years to complete.

“It is probably going to be shorter than that but I’m going to say two years, and we’re going to see a completely different lodge than was there in the beginning,” Tomma added, noting the rebuilt lodge will about the same size as the one that burned down.

Quaaout Lodge opened in 1991, though according to the resort’s website, band members conceived the idea of a hotel back in 1979 to spur economic development in the area.