Jeremy Hannaford
Free Press
In less than two months, The Spruce Hill Resort and Spa at 108 Mile opens to the public.
Spruce Hill general manager Melonie Eva says she is looking forward to what the renovated resort will bring to the people of 100 Mile House and area.
“This place was a symbol to the community when it was The Hills Health and Guest Ranch. We want to make sure this is an affordable place for the locals, not just for out-of-towners.
“I came from a rural African community so I understand the importance of helping your community.”
Eva graduated in 1998 from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town with a degree in marketing, tourism and business. She moved out to the Cariboo in 2012 and became involved with the Spruce Hill renovation in January 2016.
“I love the service industry … and I thought there was so much potential for this place.”
She has worked in the five-star hospitality industry for 20 years in Africa and the United States, but his is her first project in Canada.
The renovations taking place in order to meet current-day standards and health regulations has been one of the many top priorities, Eva says. Fire escapes, wheelchair accessibility, pool safety, kitchen equipment and many other assets are being brought up to code, she adds.
“You always want to keep up with standards. Not only for the guests, but for the staff safety as well.”
As the construction continues, Eva says that she is thankful of the local tradesmen who have been hired on to do the renovations.
“We have fantastic local plumbers, carpenters, etc. Our local contractor Jim Leguerrier is doing a phenomenal job. We wouldn’t be where we are without him; he is a perfectionist.”
Eva also thanked Pat Corbett, the founder and former owner of the Hills Health and Guest Ranch for his support in the renovations.
Since its temporary closure on Jan. 18, the community has raised many questions as to all the changes the resort is making, Eva says of the name change as well as change in direction for the resort.
“The name change was for marketing and branding purposes. We are breaking into the youth adventure market. The resort will be more of a family orientated facility.”
As for the state of the renovations, Eva says she is hopeful that they will make their opening target date.
“I believe we will be open on time. If anything, it will be a law or regulation that will delay us, but with Leguerrier at the wheel, we will be finished on time.”
Despite the renovations continuing until July, the resort already has several weddings booked for June. Spruce Hill Resort and Spa is set to open to the public on July 18.