The historic Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews by the Sea is gearing up for a major expansion. In a move to attract top-tier staff to the resort, Toronto-based InnVest Hotels, the majority partner of Algonquin Resort, plans to build new staff lodging by fall 2024. 

"We have an intention to build 10-row townhouses. There'll be two levels, which will allow us to accommodate about 30 more mid-level and senior staff," said Jeff Hyslop, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at InnVest. "One of the challenges with the hotel is we have old-school-style dorms, which isn't really enough these days to attract the type of talent we need to provide Algonquin-level services."

These new lodgings will be built on the site of the O'Brien House, a condemned former staff housing unit that now sits empty. The Algonquin is already well underway in renovating existing staff quarters, but the new building will be its biggest employee housing expansion yet. 

At Monday night's Town of Saint Andrews council meeting, Senior Planner Alex Henderson of the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission presented plans on behalf of InnVest for both staff lodging and a new spa near Fort Tipperary. Mayor Henderson views the new housing unit for staff as a win-win for the community since it will free up more rental units in the town.

"I've had the opportunity to meet with InnVest Hotels in their management a number of times," said Mayor Henderson at the first regular Town of Saint Andrews Council Meeting for May 2024. "The investment that they are making into the hotel is greatly appreciated. When you look at projects like these two, I think the merit of both projects have a lot of benefit for our community. We obviously have some housing shortages in our community. I would go as far as to say O'Brien has been almost an unsightly premise in this community for a number of years. So the fact that they are investing in their employees to have a better place to live and to hopefully be able to recruit managers better, it makes a lot of sense. And of course, every unit that they get for their management means that another unit in our community can be open. So everybody benefits from this project."

As for the spa, InnVest plans to create a luxurious Nordic Spa to attract even more visitors to the area particularly outside of the already busy summer months.

"Our plan is to create a new Nordic spa experience here in St. Andrews that will be attached to the Algonquin Resort," said Hyslop. "And really, the great thing about these spas is they help extend the season because they're very popular during the shoulder season in the spring, in the fall, and even in the winter."

The Algonquin Resort is currently in the midst of a rezoning process to proceed with the construction of both the new staff lodging and spa. The next steps will be seeking comments from the Heritage Board and obtaining views from the Planning Advisory Committee. Once that information is back to the council, a public hearing of objections will be scheduled. 

The 2024 Greater St. Stephen Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place at the Garcelon Civic Centre on Saturday.

Michael Sweeney, a multisport athlete, was celebrated for his achievements in baseball, basketball, badminton, soccer, and hockey. His accomplishments included winning the 1983 National Baseball Championship with the Saint John Dodgers and earning silver and bronze national medals with the St. Stephen Sabres baseball teams.

The St. Stephen Sabres baseball teams from 1978-82 were recognized for their remarkable success at national, regional, and provincial levels, including winning a silver medal at the 1981 Canada Games and capturing three Atlantic Championship titles and four provincial championships.

Judy Wilson, with over 60 years of involvement in sports, was honoured for her coaching, managing, officiating, and statistical contributions to numerous teams. 

John Howard Crocker, a pioneer in Canadian sports, was recognized posthumously for his significant contributions to the development of basketball and his role in managing Canada’s first Olympic team.

The induction ceremony and dinner were a celebration of excellence and dedication in sports, showcasing the rich sporting heritage of St. Stephen.

Finally, in a bid to bring a taste of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour to St. Andrews by the Sea, students of Sir James Dunn Academy are hosting a fundraiser at the KIRA Amphitheatre. On June 1st, Swift Kick, a Prince Edward Island cover band, will take the stage, promising an evening fit for even the most diehard Swifties.

In a world where tickets to the hottest concerts are hard to come by, this event offers a low-cost opportunity to experience the magic, all while supporting a good cause. Organized by Sir James Dunn Academy's student leadership Renaissance and supported by Explore St. Andrews, the concert will be a fun-filled event, complete with the opportunity to purchase Swift-inspired friendship bracelets handmade by SJDA students as well as SJDA memorabilia. Tickets are available at kingsbraeartscentre.com/events.

-Vicki Hogarth, CHCO-TV NewsBreak26, St. Andrews, New Brunswick