The Voyageurs’ Lodge & Cookhouse

The Voyageurs’ Lodge & Cookhouse is the winner of the 2010 Entrepreneur /Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Palmer Construction Group Inc. and is given in memory of the late Mike Rainone.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Voyageurs' Lodge & Cookhouse were its proprietors Gail and Frank O'Connor (shown).

This award recognizes an entrepreneur or business owner who successfully demonstrates a progressive attitude toward employee relations, a positive public image, a reputation for excellence in customer service and their contribution to the community.

To read profiles of other 2010 winners, please click here.

Here's what they said about The Voyageurs’ Lodge & Cookhouse at yesterday's award presentation:

************************ Congratulations to the Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse, this year’s recipient of our Entrepreneur / Business of The Year Award.

Since purchasing the Blue Water Motel in 2003 and the Shoreline Motel in 2004, Frank & Gail O’Connor have put in place a renovation plan that has been ongoing, with the goal of creating a destination resort that reflects the life and times of the colourful men and women involved in Canada’s fur trade.

In the past 8 years, renovations have included: remodeling the main dining lodge, landscaping, a beautiful outdoor band-shell area as well as a great deal of infrastructure work such as septic and electrical.

Guest rooms have been given new windows, new log furniture décor, floor coverings and amenities such as mini-fridges, microwaves and high speed wireless internet.

In the Spring of 2009, an LCBO outlet was added to the general store.

This joins additional guest services added in recent years such as ‘The Loft’ gift shop.

In just a few short years, the business has been able to significantly increase its number of employees, from 5 in 2003 to over 30 seasonal employees in 2010

The Voyageurs’ Lodge and Cookhouse prides itself in offering a truly Canadian experience for guests, from the hearty and delicious portions of Cookhouse fare to the exceptional customer service offered by staff.

For these reasons, we are proud to announce the Voyageurs Lodge and Cookhouse as the 2010 Entrepreneur / Business of the Year Award recipient.

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