A fantastic place for business and lifestyle

Emma Kirkland moved to Revelstoke to manage the Powder Springs Inn and has discovered that it’s a great all-round community

by Kristen Mitchell — March 25, 2013

A portrait of Emma Kirkland smiling in a black shirt with short blonde hair.

1 of 4Emma Kirkland has enjoyed bringing a wealth of hotelling experience to Revelstoke. — Photo courtesy Powder Springs Inn

A relaxing atmosphere with a fireplace, comfy brown leather couches and skis on the wall.

2 of 4The lounge at Last Drop Pub has a very relaxing atmosphere. — Photo courtesy Powder Springs Inn

A lit bar has an old English feel with stain glass lights and littered with bottles.

3 of 4The Last Drop Pub has been a popular addition with both locals and visitors alike. — Photo courtesy Powder Springs Inn

A volleyball court is littered with players and is built of sand in a parking lot.

4 of 4An annual volleyball tournament is a fun event initiative of Powder Springs Inn. — Photo courtesy Powder Springs Inn

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It’s been five years since Emma Kirkland moved to Revelstoke. With a strong history and diverse experience in managing hotels, she was an obvious choice when it came to running a newly acquired family business, the Powder Springs Inn, which was originally built in the early 1960s. She accepted the opportunity, leaving behind the head office of one of New Zealand’s top hotel chains. After arriving in Revelstoke, Kirkland undertook the rejuvenation of the Powder Springs Inn, and is now pleased to call the area home.

“I’ve fallen in love with Revelstoke,” said Kirkland. “(Before accepting the position) I’d never even been here. It’s been a big job with the hotel, because it needed a lot of work, but Revelstoke itself—the community of Revelstoke—is so welcoming.”

Getting known

Kirkland said that Revelstoke has been developing a positive international reputation since she moved to the community. To begin with, the city is a great halfway point between Vancouver and Calgary, and features some increasingly popular summer activities. Kirkland mentioned the renowned wildflowers at the summit of Mount Revelstoke, prolific mountain biking, and a delightful series of free concerts that take place every summer evening. Combined with the growth of winter sports in the area, Revelstoke can be a pretty busy place throughout the year.

When it comes to the Powder Springs Inn, Kirkland and the hotel’s team have had some pretty big projects on the go. The inn has been refurbished, although keeping it up to date is an ongoing project. The Last Drop Pub was added to in 2009 with great success. It is clear that openness to change is one factor that keeps this business growing.

“Obviously,the biggest change was the pub,” said Kirkland, “But we also have renovated another room and gone in conjunction with the Revelstoke theatre company. They put risers in and do three productions here throughout the year. We use that as a function room for the rest of the year. Annually, we do a volleyball competition where we truck 18 truckloads of sand into the car park and convert it into a court. We’ve got a lot of live music happening in the pub. We’re always just looking for something different—something new.”

Helpful hints

Surprisingly, Kirkland doesn’t necessarily look for experience when hiring staff but for personality that will work well in the industry and with the business. She’s a very hands-on manager who helps with training and is willing to work the front desk. Service is paramount, she claims, and going the extra mile for customers goes a long way. Additionally, the power of a smile and genuineness should never be underestimated.

It seems that Kirkland has found a place where she can use her skills and enjoy life all at the same time.

“I think it’s a fantastic place for anybody that wants a lifestyle as well as a business,” she said. “It’s the perfect spot—especially if you ski or you’re into the outdoors—and it’s loaded with history and beauty.”