Case Study: Gull Harbour Marina

Q: What inspired you to enhance your existing operation?

A: When we purchased the marina, we saw the opportunity to expand the tourism experience on Hecla Island, one of Manitoba’s gems. The foundation was already there, and our goal was to change a seasonal business into a year-round experience. There are more and more residents living year-round on the islands and this offers a base for a sustainable business. We took a hard look at all the seasons. Summers are all about being progressive and maximizing the days. Winters focus on ice fishing and snowmobiling. The shoulder seasons offer opportunities for group business and specific interests such as wedding, reunions, retreat, yoga, and photography seminars. The winter and shoulder projects are about stabilizing the revenue streams throughout the year.

Q: How do you know when it is time to grow or evolve your tourism experience/product?

A: We strive to identify the need for a product that complements the existing services in the park and overall tourism on the lake and region. An example of this was the recent purchase of two ice cabins and an outdoor sauna. The ice cabins are luxury ice fishing shacks with eight holes, four bunks, bathroom, bar and wood stove. The sauna allows our customers a chance to relax with its change room, wood stove and access to a bathroom and shower. We are also offering massage in partnership with River Rock Massage Therapy Clinic from Gimli which can be booked through our website.

Q: Were there any major challenges that you faced in the development process? If yes, what were they and how did you overcome the issue?

A: Absolutely! We purchased this business and put in a lot of resources to update the buildings and the docks. One of the challenges was to update our buildings to be able to house our guests year-round. Many of these improvements were to infrastructure, so they are not glamorous but necessary to keep everyone happy and healthy.

Q: Do you have key partners or community connections for your operation? Can you explain?

A: Connection is the key for us. We’re in touch with the local cottagers; associations, Lakeview Hecla Resort, many Interlake businesses, and local communities such as Arborg, Riverton and Gimli. Travel Manitoba is most certainly a key partner, providing seasonal content and featuring our operation regularly.

Q: Did you consider economic impacts for your local community in your redevelopment process?

A: We consider our community to be more than Gull Harbour or Hecla Island. When our community is strong then we can build on it. The sustainability of our business depends on a strong relationship with the local community. Our goal is to always provide opportunities for local employment and growth with a strong connection to nature.

Q: What do you do to prepare to launch a new offering within the business? Promotion? Marketing? Staff Training?

A: Expanding the business has been a learning curve for all of us. We focus on listening and respecting our team—we all have skills that can be built upon to strengthen our offerings. For example, this year we have focused on our store. We want to provide the best product range for our campers and boaters and keep a list of what needs we are meeting and what we need to improve upon. Jodi our store manager has worked closely with our staff to try and bring in interesting and needed items. Gabriella and Genevieve are working to contact local artists to bring in unique gifts. Chef Allyson is developing creative menus that use local recipes. Brayden and his team are continually improving the service so we can give 100 per cent to our guests. Shashanah’s working to keep the rooms clean and stocked and the flowers watered and beautiful around the resort. And our maintenance crew led by Barry keeps us safe and everything running with their attention to detail. We meet every week to talk about what we succeeded at and where we can improve. Successful ownership starts with everyone involved with the business.

Q: How are you measuring the success of your expansion and new products?

A: We look at revenues by day and by hour and identify the pace of business on the books. If we have a request for business in peak times, we try to defer it to time of day so that we can maximize revenue for that day. Our goal is to cater to locals as well as guests who come out to enjoy the marina and restaurant. We listen to our customers; try to understand what we are doing right and build consistency within each experience. We operate with a goal to surprise and delight our guests so they leave with an amazing feeling. This remains our ultimate goal.

Q: Are you Indigenous owned? If so, what recommendations do you have for other Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs who are looking to launch a new product or experience?

A: We are not Indigenous owned but working with the Indigenous community to develop new initiatives is a priority. We want to explore more relationships, especially since we operate in a region that carries important locations for the community. We already host Indigenous youth programs where we take kids out fishing. We’d like to launch a storytelling experience on Black Island, a sacred island within the Indigenous community.