(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Nipawin hotel study

Council in Nipawin signs off on hotel market study

Apr 9, 2024 | 4:10 PM

The Town of Nipawin is looking to determine whether the community needs more hotel rooms.

Council has approved the spending of up to $15,000 from the town’s Economic Development Reserve on a Hotel Market Study.

General Manager of Community Services Derek Seckinger said the idea for a study came about after the town received public input.

“We have received many written and verbal requests stating the need for accommodations,” Seckinger told northeastNOW. Many of the requests were made regarding the hosting of major sporting events at the provincial level, including hockey, baseball, and curling, along with conferences.

“I find that there’s lots of people that, when they come for sporting events, they do seek other places because there just isn’t enough room,” Seckinger said. “I do believe with more accommodations it could be beneficial for sure.”

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The Nipawin area is also a significant draw for destination weddings, according to Seckinger.

“There’s a perception by many that additional accommodations would increase facility usage, and of course provide the economic prosperity to our community.”

The community is also a very popular tourist destination, and Seckinger said a lack of accommodations could lead to fewer people coming to the region.

“The purpose of the market study is to provide statistical information regarding (the need for more accommodations) before we promote development,” said Seckinger. The study is designed to show whether more rooms are needed in the community, or whether it’s just a false perception.

The study will take about eight weeks to complete, and Seckinger said they will look for quotes and pricing to ensure it fits into their budget. He hopes to have the study complete by the end of summer, and it’s expected to play a large factor in the town’s direction regarding accommodations.

“If it comes back and it says that there is no need for hotels then it’s pretty tough for us to sell development of accommodations to investors or potential developers,” said Seckinger. He believes the study will accurately assess the demand for more hotel rooms.

The community currently has about 200 rooms available.

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Cam.lee@northeastNOW.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK