This resort is recognized for its winning designs

Wing Creek Resort is an upscale resort property on beautiful Kootenay Lake

Owners Debra Hamilton and Kevin Hoffart enjoy the spectacular views at Wing Creek Resort. — Lisa Crane photo

Wing Creek Resort, owned by Kevin Hoffart and Debra Hamilton, is a beautiful resort property on Kootenay Lake. In 2008, they filed a strata plan to expand the resort to include 27 timber homes, which are currently for sale. Wing Creek Resort was among the winners in our 2011 Best of Business Awards, and we spoke to Hamilton about the business.

Who is behind Wing Creek Resort?

Kevin Hoffart and I are the owners of the resort phase of Wing Creek Resort. Our partners for the development are Dwight and Debbie Smith, owners of Hamill Creek Timber Homes, and Jeff and Monica Davie, owners of Kaslo Building Supplies.

Can you describe Wing Creek Resort? How long have you been in business?

We started Wing Creek Resort in 2004 as a small but upscale vacation resort on 20 acres of property on the shores of Kootenay Lake.

What is your philosophy?

To develop an environmentally conscious waterfront community in keeping with the pristine natural beauty of the area. Also to create a unique place to live and vacation, as well as to create local employment and sustainable economic development for this area.

Who are your mentors?

Our first mentors were Roy and Leah Honkanen, owners of Honey Candles, which is a two-minute drive from our resort. They have lived in this area all their lives. They know how things work here and how to get things done.

Are you involved with the community?

Yes, I have been the president of the Kaslo & Area Chamber of Commerce for the past three years. I sit on the board of directors for the Kaslo infoNet Society and Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, the new destination marketing organization for Nelson, Balfour and Kaslo. Kevin has served as vice-president of the Kaslo & Area Chamber of Commerce and is currently an officer and director of the Kaslo Golf Club. Other members of our team are equally engaged in the community in many ways.

How is the resort eco-friendly?

Wing Creek Resort is very eco-friendly. All the new homes will be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). We expect a gold or higher level. Our show home will be the first LEED-certified home in the West Kootenay. We have numerous long lists of energy-efficient initiatives—which are a perfect fit for life in this beautiful natural area.

What highs and lows have you experienced along the way?

High: community support; Low: bureaucratic hoops.

Who designed your website? Can you comment on its features?

Artistech New Media of Kelowna designed our website and we have made numerous changes to it over the past several years. It is easily navigable with a beautiful yet simple design, making great use of our extremely photogenic resort and area. It includes easy forms to register for development updates and to book reservations. Our newest feature is our blog, which allows us to update content as often as we wish and interact with our readers without having to impact the design of our site.