The vision of Serenity Wilderness Lodge is to create a high end home-away-from-home environment. SWL is suitable for large families, groups, sports teams, those with disabilities, as well as executives. SWL will be ideal for extended family vacations, weddings, funerals, graduations, reunions, and retreats. Come enjoy our eco-friendly natural setting. Let nature entertain you!

SWL will provide accommodations to a customer base which is not currently being served in our community or neighboring communities. Therefore, there is no direct competition in our community or the bordering communities. There are numerous small tour and recreation businesses in the valley all suffering from a lack of a consistent customer base. The proposed increase in both the numbers and the types of customers will help to benefit many other local businesses and stimulate the small, yet optimistic tourism industry. SWL has already and will continue to network with other local businesses to provide activity packages which will enhance the experience for our customers as well as strengthen local businesses in the process.

The facility will consist of three lodges, a utility building, playground with a playing field, mini golf, climbing boulders/wall and hiking trails. Each lodge will be constructed as 2 units joined by a common entry and drying room. The units will be rented separately with the option to open and enjoy the complete lodge together as one even larger unit. The main floor of each unit will have a master bedroom with king size bed and an en suite bath. There is a full bathroom with laundry, ample closet space, and a full kitchen with a dining/living room. There are two hide-a-beds with a pellet fireplace in the sitting room. The loft will have 2 queen beds and large windows boasting a magnificent view. A large screened deck will house the hot tub and BBQ. If both units are being rented by the same group the deck divider can be opened to create a continuous flowing deck joining both spacious units.

Serenity Wilderness Lodge strives to build and maintain the facility with an absolute minimal negative impact to the environment. Building practices will meet or exceed most green standards. Our goal is to be certified Silver by LEED Canada standards. All of the visible wood in the buildings will be from logs that were removed during land clearing for the project. All milling and finishing is being done locally with the wood never traveling more than 15 km. So far SWL has already provided work for local operators of a skidder, logging truck, excavator, backhoe, and saw mill.

Wildlife is prevalent on the land and will continue to be encouraged in an effort to help people become more connected with nature. All trails will have interpretive signs informing users about information on the local habitat. There will be bikes, cross-country skis, snowshoes, canoes, binoculars and maps available for customer use. All units will be wheel chair friendly; some of the trail system will be wheelchair accessible as well. SWL provides the opportunity for all guests to enjoy the serenity of the river's edge with comfort, safety and ease.

Wood pellets will be the main source for nearly all of the heating; including hot water and hot tubs. Wood pellets provide the cleanest burning and most renewable heat source while being carbon neutral. The wood pellets will keep the power consumption low. There will be a backup generator which will allow the whole facility to be powered at all times. Outdoor solar LED lighting will be installed throughout the acreage as needed. A natural landscape will enhance the already esthetically pleasing environmental surroundings. SWL will strive to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Guests will be planning their return stay even before they leave!

Serenity Wilderness Lodge is owned by four partners:

Vanessa:
~Youth Entrepreneur on Community Futures team reviewing business plans and mentoring new businesses.
~Over 15 years management experience. Vanessa has trained and managed over 300 people.
~Completed courses in advertising, marketing, accounting, business law, and psychology.
~Currently office manager of augmented government office.
~Owner, operator, entrepreneur, of café/coffee shop for 5 yr.
~Customer service at large wholesale distribution company.
~Certified lifeguard and competitive swimmer.
~Paramedic with PCP/IV for 9 yr.
~Quality control contractor for hotel and restaurant.

Jerry:
~Owner, operator, entrepreneur of refrigeration and air-conditioning business for 3 yr.
~Research and development for 2 aircraft companies.
~Director of horse camp for 5 summers.
~Owner, operator, entrepreneur of computer business for 8yr.
~Work has included: web design, dynamic web programming and shopping carts, graphic design, photography, image restoration, 3D graphics and animation, visual effects, custom building computers and server network systems, and computer repairs.
~Presently Jerry has 6 yr at Home Hardware providing sales, warranty support, and equipment operator.
*My close connection with the company, staff, and local contractors will be a large benefit in this project.
~Many short term logging jobs over the years operating excavator, bulldozer, and bucking.
~Certified rock climbing instructor.
~Jerry has more than 15 yr experience working with youth groups.
~Built his own house, shop/garage, and guest loft.
~Worked in construction.

Glen:
~Has owned the land more than 45 years.
~Built his current home with hand tools.
~Worked in construction.
~Used his land as a wood lot which has supplied wood for many years.
~Created hiking trails on the land and many trails in the backcountry.
~Started and maintained alpine club.
~Avid mountain climber summiting many local mountains including Mount Robson twice.
~A wealth of adventure stories and backed up by thousands of pictures.
~Operated the lathe at a major mill for 15 years.
~Owner, operator, entrepreneur of upholstery and wood working company. His exquisite wood art has been purchased world wide. Compositions in Wood
~Glen has 45 yr leading youth groups.
~Extensive experience guiding backcountry hiking and skiing.
~Elder in the church.

Elsie:
~4 years of accounting training.
~40 years accounting and completing tax returns.
~Piano teacher for 40 years.
~Over 40 years experience with youth groups.
~Avid birder and local coordinator for the BC Bird Atlas.
~Founder and leader of RV nature.
~Leader of the local chapter of ADRA, a world leader in aid and disaster relief worldwide.
~Extensive hospitality experience.
~Organizes family reunions.
~Elsie has had a significant part in raising many kids from the community and extended family.
~Provides a generous home that is always open to anyone in need.