Driftpile Cree Nation Tourism
Currently under development
DRIFTPILE TOURISM PROJECT
The Driftpile Tourism Project consists of two separately located tourism projects, which include a beach resort, and a 24 room roadside motor lodge.
The campground, which is spread out along the beach and nestled in a wooded area adjacent to the beach, will be fully serviced with water and power available at each site.
The Driftpile Beach Resort will offer vacationers a variety of summer activities to enhance their stay at the resort, such as, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, sightseeing and relaxing.
Fully serviced, modern log cabins will offer vacationers beachside accommodations at an affordable price. Cabins will be spacious and private with all the conveniences of home including hot and cold running water, four piece bathrooms with showers, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces and porches.
Firewood and garbage collection will also be made available at each site. Firewood and garbage collection will also be made available at no charge. For boating and fishing enthusiasts, access to a public boat launch and docking facilities will also be made available at no charge to resort patrons.
The Driftpile Lodge, which is planned to be constructed of round logs, and containing 24 modern motel rooms, will be ideally located with direct access to the highway and within close proximity to the beach resort. Included in the facility will be a small restaurant, jacuzzi hot-tub, tennis courts, small meeting rooms and lounge. Future plans call for the development of an authentic Indian village with teepee rentals, pow wow grounds and numerous trails and outbuilding.
We Are Currently Looking for Possible Joint Venture Partnerships.
For More Information Contact:
Driftpile Economic Development
Tourism Investment Option
Message to Potential Investors
The Consortium is ideally pursuing the possible financial support of the federal government sources to provide funding for the project to a maximum of 90%. However, the Consortium also recognizes that spending constraints are such that government capital available for such projects is in shore supply and may fall far short of this target.
The Consortium is therefore willing to consider other options that may necessitate a joint sharing of the project’s ownership, including the land base in which the projects are to be situated.
Indian reserve land, ordinarily, is restricted from encumbrance to a third party other than an Indian, unless it is first surrendered to the Crown and subsequently leased back to the Band or its designated lessee, in this case the Consortium.
Once the land has been surrendered for lease, often for a period in excess of 40 years, the land will assume a market value to the holder of the head lease. Since the head lease may be transferable to someone other than an Indian, it will in essence offer sufficient security to lenders should debt financing be an option.
Market Identification
The target market can be broadly identified in terms of marital status, age range, and income range. The target market will be married, between the ages of 18 and 40, earning middle to upper level incomes. The analysis also shows that this target market prefers non-physical activities, lakes, and the wilderness.
Market Size
Total market size is derived by first determining the population size of the targeted regions in Northern and Central Alberta. Population figures used in this study were obtained form the Department of Tourism.
Net Benefits
The long term outlook for the project is very positive. It will provide needed income to the community, offer long term employment opportunities for the local population, and provide a training ground for local managers.
Because of unique circumstances, all three reserve communities do not presently share in the affluence now enjoyed by most Albertans. Unemployment is high, social problems associated with low self esteem and lower standards of living are systemic and debilitating, educational levels are below the national standards and very few opportunities exist for career development, economic growth and wealth generation.
With the prospect of sustainable economic growth involving tourism development, all three communities have reason to be optimistic that their tourism projects will benefit their communities and will provide some remedy to their present economic disparity.
The net benefit to the three reserve communities will be the creation of more than 60 jobs in all areas of resort management, hospitality, recreation and administration. Spin off opportunities will result for the entrepreneurial sector to provide food services, fuel, souvenirs, sporting goods and handicrafts.
Cottage industries that produce handicrafts and souvenirs will have a ready market and local contractors will be utilized in all phases of construction. This will allow for a greater circulation of wealth within the community that will in itself net jobs and business opportunities for local reserve residents.
Driftpile Tourism Dept
Phone: (780)355-3868
Fax: (780)355-3650
Email: tourism@driftpilecreenation.com
