2022 News

DIGBY, N.S. 28-04-2022 - When Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa opens for the season on April 29, 2022, its doors are staying open for good.

Nova Scotia's iconic Digby Pines Resort and Spa opens Friday, April 29, 2022, after months of renovations. For the first time in its 93-year history, the upscale resort will be open year-round, offering guests welcoming hospitality, breathtaking coastal scenery, beautiful accommodations, and a magnificent golf course designed by world-renowned architect Stanley Thompson.

"We are renovating this iconic coastal resort to offer year-round accommodations and activities," said Glenn Squires, president of The Pines' ownership group. "Our guests will enjoy Digby Pines in all seasons for the first time in its 93-year history. We're excited for the growth this will bring to The Pines and Digby region overall."

Renovations currently underway will see an estimated $12 million invested over the next 18 months. This includes winterizing Digby Pines for year-round operation as a vacation destination and economic engine for Southwestern Nova Scotia. Ultimately, there is potential for $100 million in investment in The Pines over the next five to seven years, through the creation of a vacation village of investment properties that The Pines would manage for the individual owners.

"We are very excited about this historic investment in the future of Digby Pines, Bear River First Nation and the wider Digby region," said Chief Carol Dee Potter, of Bear River First Nation. Bear River First Nation is lead partner in the group that purchased The Pines from the Province of Nova Scotia in December 2019. "In the Mi'kmaq language, pjila'si is an expression of welcome and respect. This is what we want all guests to feel when they come to Digby Pines."

Upgrades already completed or underway include:

• Replacing the heating and air conditioning systems in the main lodge
• Updating the roof and exterior of the lodge, including winterization
• The addition of a new patio to the restaurant
• The addition of a coffee and wine bar in the lobby
• New carpeting throughout the building
• Upgrading and winterizing The Pines' 31 cottages.

"We will ensure that our guests in 2022 will not be impacted by our progressive renovations; in fact, they will benefit from them," Squires said. "Our aim is to bring more visitors to Digby to enjoy the world-class experiences we have to offer: our genuine hospitality, our vibrant cultures, our breathtaking coastline, our beautiful accommodations, our magnificent golf course and spa here at Digby Pines - and, of course, the best seafood in the world."

At Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, guests can expect to dine on inspired and fresh Nova Scotia seafood - including the world-famous Digby scallops. The resort, perfectly situated overlooking the beautiful Annapolis Basin, has been welcoming guests since 1929.

Digby-Annapolis MLA Jill Balser said with the year-round opening of Digby Pines, more visitors will be able to enjoy all that the Digby area has to offer. "You will always be amazed by the community's generosity and welcoming nature," she said. "The region offers some of the finest activities in the province, from whale watching to playing a round of golf at the Digby Pines Golf Course. You won't want to miss it."

The renovations and year-round opening of the resort has created excitement in the community, said Digby Mayor Ben Cleveland. He added that The Pines is committed to sourcing goods and services locally and that many local tradespeople have been working on the renovations. "People around here are proud to become part of making the resort a world-class, year-round facility."

Chris d'Entremont, MP for West Nova, said for its entire history, The Pines has been an iconic tourist destination and economic driver to the region. "It is an amazing place to discover, and rediscover, the beauties of our region that make it such a unique destination," he said. "I would like to congratulate Digby Pines Resort and Spa on their reopening and wish them a successful season!"

Financing for the refurbishment is in place through Peace Hills Trust, Canada's largest and oldest First Nations-owned federally regulated financial institution, operated by Samson Cree Nation.

Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa is perfectly situated overlooking the beautiful Annapolis Basin, and has been welcoming guests since 1929. It boasts an 18-hole golf course designed by world-renowned architect Stanley Thompson, a luxurious spa and stunning outdoor pool amid an expansive, manicured property.

For more information, please contact:
Glenn Squires
President, Digby Pines ownership group
gsquires@pacrimhospitality.com
(902) 401-6640

BEDFORD, N.S. 29-04-2022 - Congratulations to the Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake, NL on receiving the 2021 Spirit of True Hospitality Award from IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake, NL

The Spirit of True Hospitality award recipients must have completed a full year of service with guest scores exceeding 90% for “Guest Love”, Room Cleanliness and COVID Health & Safety. After receiving numerous IHG awards, the Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake, NL is again amongst IHG’s high-performing hotels.

“It has been a most difficult period in our industry and to have our hotel teams continue to deliver sincere and exceptional guest experiences in the midst of a global pandemic is impressive,” said John Squires, Vice President, Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. “Thank you to General Manager, Roseann Brake and the entire team for your significant effort and tireless commitment to our guests.”