Item
St. Croix Courier
Jan 28/1992
McKernan to film [award winning] Quoddy Loop intro.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 4/1992
Arena dumps hockey school. No business willing to commit. Former arena manager bobby Thompson "retired" with $40,000 leave package.
Algonquin delay—Council wants compensation. As expansion construction to the Algonquin Hotel has been delayed until the Fall, the town of St. Andrews is asking for a grant from the Province to compensate for the loss of funding and tax revenue. This request was decided at a committee of the whole meeting Jan.6 by councillors regarding a written letter to be sent to premier Frank McKenna. the minutes of the meeting state: "a grant from the province and Algonquin Properties Limited subsequent loss of funding from the Foundation and loss of tax revenue." In addition to a grant the town will be requesting a meeting with the premiers as well for his support for a leasing arrangement with New BrunswickCC in St. Andrews. The Town will also note the unconditional grant in this year's budget as no grant is available for the additional arena costs.
Telegraph Journal
Feb 11/1992
Delay in Building the Addition is costing Algonquin Hotel
Theresa Thibodeau
The Algonquin Hotel has lost some business due to a delay in construction of its 50-room addition. Work on the addition is scheduled to begin this fall, one year behind schedule. The delay was due to conflicts with town residents who opposed street rezoning to allow the extension. Some residents appealed town council's decision, further slowing the process.
General Manager of the Algonquin Jim Frise, says conferences are often booked one to five years in advance. He says an announcement about the expansion was part of their marketing and the delay caused them to lose some bookings. No exact figure for lost revenue was available. The new wing is the second part of renovations. The first phase saw new banquet and conference areas added.
Frise says some groups had to cancel because they needed the additional rooms. He says these would be large groups who would need more rooms than the current 200 at the resort. Other groups who booked the hotel wanted the more up-scale rooms promised with the addition. Some of these groups cancelled when they learned the new, fancy rooms won't be available for the 1992 season.
It's been a challenge for Algonquin staff to keep up the hotel's momentum in the marketplace. But Frise says bookings this January look good for 1992 and beyond. "There's an edginess in the marketplace. Groups will go elsewhere if there is any uncertainty," explains Frise. The new addition is being promoted for the 1993 season. Frise says he has no reason to doubt the expansion will go ahead. The Algonquin is owned by the provincial government.
St. Croix Courier
Feb 11/1992
Edit—Council and Arena (on dumping hockey school; generating new business)
St. Croix Courier
March 10/1992
Danny Cameron speaks On the Record:: "The Algonquin Hotel, which is owned by Provincial Holdings, has been a loser for years. They decided to spend more money on expansion, money which they don't have, and in the process they have alienated Lady Beaverbrook. Now they are trying to sell it. Who would want to purchase the Hotel? It would have to be CN or some other government office body. The problem is tourism is down. Hotels in the province have a low occupancy rate. Why are we sinking more money into a project like this now? The provincial government should have left the hotel alone. On the one hand it says it will not spend more money for income assistance, hospital beds, salaries and then it spends millions on a hospital in the Premier's riding or on the Algonquin Hotel."
St. Croix Courier
March 24/1992
Our town's well known Kilisli twins are getting big—Turkan and Habib look after them well. Ali has had to spend a few days in the hospital with a severe case of bronchitis, but is now recuperating at home. Selma was not touched by the bronchitis bug and is well. Annabel Williamson, Around St. Andrews.
Albert McQuoid (photo) playing piano to Mac MacLean's fiddle and Mike Butler's guitar at CC Jam concert.
St. Croix Courier
March 31/1992
Photo: LBJ comes to St. Andrews, 1965, for meeting with Pearson at Rossmount.
St. Croix Courier
May 5/1992
St. Andrews election: Is Shiretown for Tourists or retirement? See A-3.
The question whether the town is directed towards tourists or retired couples is a concern to several candidates vying for Councillor positions in Monday's election. Leigh Beaton says the town is losing sight of the importance of its residents and says the economy of the town depends on the direction the town will take in the future. "The economy is a main issue and I'd like to try to get it growing but have to decide whether it is a tourist, retirement or industry based town. I like the small town concept and I'd like to get it back to where people are important. I think that's on its way to being lost. It's nice to bring tourists here but the town needs to attract them to return and perhaps even settle here. We need to ge the townspeople working together with different points of view," explains Beaton who was raised in the area before joining the military 26 years ago. Beaton has his own diving business after retiring four years ago from the military. He says his running for Council seat would not bring him any personal gains as he is merely interested in the business of the town being open to everyone. The economics involved in tourism, local business and taxation is a concern to candidate Joan Fanning. Fanning is a local supply teacher who has interest in the youth and recreation of the town. "We need to open the dialogue between Council and residents as it is the Councillors who represent the community. I'm concerned with the tax base and how we will be able to fund activities. With tourism, we must look at the economic picture as the recession has had a direct hit on everyone. I'd like the area to be sold for its natural beauty that's present as well as expanding the tourism base. The water facilities is an important factor in that we need the wharf upgraded and I'd like to see docks built for the sailing community here and from other places," explains Fanning. Fanning says she would like to see the town develop a youth drop-in-centre and a playground. With a background in businss, John Ferguson says he is approaching the election with no particular issues . . . . Candidate Christina Fitzgerald says she is not making any promises either but is concerned with the tourism aspect of the town. "I haven't been actively involved in community affairs but I'd like to maintain the quality of small town life. There is room for development and growth for tourism but we have to strike a balance between the growth and type of growth residents like, " explains Fitzgerald who works in the Accommodation, Food and Beverage program at New BrunswickCC. Jim Stewart says his interest in a Council seat lies with the openness of Council with residents and also the town's direction. "We've got to sit down and find out what the town is, a tourist or retirement town. I've been attending meetings and find a lack of communication between the Council and townspeople. "There is a certain element of courtesy needed as people approach the town with concerns and they need to know their concerns are recognized," says Stewart. (Ray Peterson wins Mayor's seat by acclamation)
St. Croix Courier
May 26/1992
Golf Course "in great shape." (New pro Lyndon Garron. Details on recent and future operations.)
The Algonquin Golf Course is in excellent shape, according to new pro Lindon Garron. Despite the lack of rain this spring the course has turned up in good condition, although rain would help the grass later in the season, he said. Greens 14 and 15 which were rebuilt last year have turned out better than expected. The old 15th green was always the last to come in and tough to maintain throughout the season, he said. There was a problem with the old 16th tee because it brought the number two green into plan and was a bit dangerous. "Long hitters on 16 were right onto the second green or close to it. It meant some delays on 16 and some nervous putting on two." The 15th green was moved closer to its old tee. A small brook that runs through the course used to be in front of the green and now it runs behind the green. The 16th tee was moved sideways onto the 15th green to give a better and safer angle to the 16th green. On both the 14th and 15th holes, the tees were moved as much as the greens so the 14th remains a par four and the 15th a par three. Plans are in the works for new tees on 14, 15 and 16. Presently, old green 14 is being used for the 15th tee and the old 15th green for the 16th tee which actually makes for pretty good tees, Garron said. New construction was planned through Course Superintendent Leon Harvey and architect Bill Robbinston of British Columbia.
St. Croix Courier
June 16/1992
Guttormsen tries to get Maine Tourism Comm. to visit Calais.
St. Croix Courier
June 30/1992
Tourist operators says business slow (recession). See A-2. St. Andrews featured.
Rossmount changes hands. Original building 1889 by James Townsend of Brooklyn. Ross's purchase 1902. Renamed Rossmount. Burned 1960. New building built on old foundation, with original chimneys and front steps. Carriage house also built 1889. Barn 1750. New owner David Garcelon.
St. Croix Courier
June 30/1992
Frise outlined CC Tourism at Symposium two weeks ago. (speech—good stats, history)
Before the thought passes through anyone's mind that my perspective could reflect on only the experiences of a so-called "big operator" I have to say—I don't think so. Many varied business associations in Charlotte County, around the Province and beyond have firmly established my understanding, and my operating philosophy, so that no business or organization can be successful in isolation. Every tourism entity, from the "ma and pa" to the large chains requires the resources, the support from the variety of activities, attractions, shops, services, and natural features which exist in an area like this County. The synergy created from every kind of tourism business or activity interacting with each other and just as important interacting with those entities beyond our industry classification, will sustain the viability of our business and influence further growth and development. The restaurant, the inn, the contractor, the hardware store, the bank, the museum, the doctor, the educational institution, and on and on—it all has to be there. And those tourist area destinations which have found the formula for genuine, enthusiastic common commitment, which have recognized their strengths and minimized their weakness4es, are far ahead in the horse race for economic well being.
Tourism, if not the oldest is one of the oldest continuous economic forces in Charlotte County. In the latter 1800's the spread of summer vacationing destination development up the coast of New England and Maine, spilled over the border into our area, and accelerated with the construction of the Algonquin in 1889. By this time there was a variety of ways to reach the County. there were direct rail routes from such important cites as Boston, Portland, Montreal and Saint John. One could leave Boston on the Boston and Maine Railroad at 7 pm and arrive in St. Andrews by noon the next day, or leave in the morning, by through Pullman coach, and arrive the evening the same day. From Montreal, there were trains with Parlor Cars on the Canadian Pacific Railway that reached St. Andrews in 12 hours.
Alternatively one could travel by sea. From Boston it was a voyage of a day and a night on a steamer of the International Steamship Company to Eastport, and thence by a boat of the Frontier Steamship Company across Passamaquoddy Bay to St. Andrews in time for lunch. Regular boat service also connected Saint John , St. Andrews, St. Stephen/Calais via Eastport.
Around the turn of the century there was a flurry of construction of large summering estates through the area by well connected families from New England and Upper Canada. Lodges, camps and other leisure activity oriented service sprung up. Through the next 60 years, wars, depression, and development of modern modes of mass transit diverting travellers to other international destination resulted in only sporadic tourism activity in the area.
Popularity of rubber tire vacations—family automobile and motorcoach tours—accelerated tourist visitation through the County in the '70's and '80's. Increased desirability as a convention and corporate meeting destination, using primarily the Algonquin facilities, also contributed significantly to tourism revenue growth through this period. Tourism today in Charlotte County injects more than $35 million into the local economy. Recent studies identify the industry of tourism to have the greatest potential for long term economic growth. Expansion within the tourism industry is compatible with creating jobs and generating revenue while sustaining a clean environment and protecting a valued way of life. There is an opportunity for growth in the Service or Tourism sector, and Retail sector, and a potential for diversification within existing small business. Even today, two of every five businesses in the County belongs to the Service/Retail industrial sectors, and constitutes 41 percent of the total number of employees in this area. All indications point to Tourism as being ever more significant in the future economic stability of Charlotte County.
Governments and the private sector are working cooperatively to develop tourism in the region through such projects as: Quoddy Bay Fundy Isles Tourism Association—an initiative to develop and promote an international tourist destination area for Southwest Charlotte County and North-eastern Washington County through creation of the "Quoddy Loop" vacation area. Campobello Tourism Development—with the objective of employment creation and tourism development. West Isle Marine Park—a national park project. Deer Island Point Development—an initiative to develop a tourism site on Deer Island through upgrading existing facilities. St. George Tourism/Heritage Development Project. Fundy Region Tourist Association. St. Andrews Waterfront Development. St. Stephen Downtown Square Project. Huntsman Marine Science Centre Aquarium Project. Science-by-the-Sea Kiosk in St. Andrews. Swallowtail and Head Harbour Lighthouse land acquisition. Integrated Resource management—Forestry Site. St. Croix Estuary Project—Community based development of a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan for the estuary and coastal waters.
Sounds like a lot of activity—and there is, but I wish that we could help more of our population understand that Tourism, and related activity, is not just an annual eight week flash in the pan. I won't cite the volumes of statistics that are available, but you know that world wide, Tourism (the resource industry) is the fastest growing industry, and that by year 2000 it will be the largest. In 1990 it generated $2.65 trillion and it employs more people than any other single industrial sector. It makes a significant contribution to the economy of virtually every country on nearly every measure. In 1988, Canada placed ninth in the world in terms of international income from the sector, generating $24 billion in revenues—about $11 billion in government revenues.
Tourism is a major employer in Canada and the number of people working in the industry is growing. In 1988, just over 5 percent of Canada's labour force was employed by 60,000 businesses in 632,000 tourism jobs. It should be noted that a substantial number of these jobs are quality positions requiring considerable skill. For instance, in 1988, more than 11 percent of all tourism jobs, or some 72,000 positions were managerial and supervisory. In New Brunswick in 1988, Tourism was responsible for direct employment of 15,000 persons, and Provincial government revenues were $219 million.
The tourist industry is so woven into the fabric of our economy that its economic significance often goes unnoticed. But it is not an opportunity which we can take in the good years and forget in the bad times. Direct and indirect benefits from visitors to our area are an integral part of our economic and social fabric throughout Charlotte County. There are many, many businesses—which one does not consider in a tourism context—that can only operate year round because of sufficient income earned during the traditional summer tourist season.
Particularly through Charlotte County, there is a wealth of untapped potential. With vision, imagination, and a strong desire to better ourselves we must improve our product—in terms of quality and variety—and we must improve our marketing. We can watch tourism growth go some where else, or we can grab it ourselves, control it to the advantage of everyone in the County, and use it to build a strong year-round economy.
The year 1992 in this region is not going to be an easy one for the tourism business. Generally speaking the downward trend which began in 1990 continues and at best levels off. The general recession too has brought restraint to pleasure vacation travel activities and other "social" business. The New England market which we have relied on so heavily in the past has eroded dramatically, as that part of the continent is mired more deeply in economic problems. Atlantic Canada is not the most desired vacation destination area in North America and when times are tough as they are, tour and travel wholesalers lift their marketing dollars from Atlantic Canada programs and redirect the investment to promoting more sure sell travel to the rocky Mountain and well known sunshine destinations. Maritimers and indeed all Canadians continue to travel south of the border where not only the price/value offering is attractive, but variety and service have tremendous appeal I must says however, that there are strong signs for positive change in tourism business activity for Charlotte County in 1993.
There are a variety of challenges in the next few years ahead, and since we are enjoying the company of representatives of the Government of Canada here this morning, I will conclude my remarks focusing briefly on those areas in which I believe the Federal Government has an important role to play.
Transportation: Although Charlotte County is distant from major markets in Quebec, Ontario and New England, there is continuous and significant demand for travel into the area, but this is stifled by deteriorating highways and grossly inadequate commercial air service.
Border Crossing: Major upgrading to Canada's fourth or fifth busiest border crossing at St. Stephen/Calais will be a visitation incentive to US travellers, rather than the discouraging irritant of overwhelming congestion which now exists due an inadequate customs and immigration operations.
Taxes: while it is recognized that the 1992 budget finally attacks the deficit through cuts to government spending rather than the introduction of new taxes or increases in existing taxes, a review of all of the various taxes and deductions that are administered by employers should be considered if the government is truly intent on simplifying the life of the small business person. Taxation of alcoholic beverages places the food service industry in a very uncompetitive position, particularly in an area close to the border as we are. Government would benefit through increased sales by the hospitality industry if federal and provincial taxes were reduced to licensees.
GST: Review and reconsideration are required in order to moderate the negative impact on inbound travel. Thss border does not offer the convenience of "instant refund" to US visitors at a duty free location as promoted by government. The tax has accelerated cross border shopping, vacationing and travel which will not be discourage by imposing any form of penalty. The burden on business of collection and accounting for the GST needs to be eased.
Business Development Incentive: Federal criteria in grant programs should concentrate development incentive to individuals or businesses who have established successful operations which offer strong potential for economic impact and employment growth.
Education/Training: Business activity, particularly in small businss, will be positively influenced by offering advanced education and upgrading incentives to owner/managers desirous of improving themselves and their operation, but prevented from that possibility because of financial limitations and the demands on their time from the operation.
One last thought: a well worn adage in the tourism business cites "Nothing happens until somebody sells something." An attitude or outlook appropriate to managing our economy in general I think. Tourism generates millions in revenues in Charlotte County, billions in Canada. Revenues to help pay for public works, social programs, transportation, education, health and welfare job creation, etc.
Perhaps it is time that governments at all levels increase their priority of protecting and expanding income opportunities with increased investment funding, and encouraging growth and development of such opportunities through tax and other regulatory change.
Tourism presents this strong opportunity.
St. Croix Courier
July 21/1992
CP Rail starts process of right-of-way sale. (See edit on "linear park" idea along track; not all land owners would be willing to relinquish privacy however)
Orthodontists fill Algonquin and spill over into other hotels. (473 delegates. Oxner: biggest in 5 years; next one Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants 150)
St. Croix Courier
July 24/1992
COR's Leader Calls for Algonquin Sale
Leader of the Official Opposition Danny Cameron wants the Province to sell the Algonquin Hotel.
Cameron released a 10-page report on expenditures and history about the Algonquin Hotel on Wednesday. He calls it a great White Elephant, and says expanding the Hotel is the wrong use of taxpayer dollars.
"I want to make it clear I am not taking a swipe at St. Andrews. I have a summer home in St. Andrews, but as a businessman I see the province owning this hotel as mismanagement on a grand scale. As a businessman, I would find a way out," says Cameron.
In his report, Cameron says of the Algonquin: "Even circuses get rid of non-performing elephants, and this one wouldn't even make it to a sideshow. The Algonquin is 103 years old, considerably beyond its prime, and should have been written down to $1 on the province's books as a basket case."
Cameron would like to see the provincial money backing the Algonquin Hotel, and the money for the expansion, used to better serve especially N. B. bordertown tourist operators.
"One must assume this government cares naught for these small operators, but, when it comes to items like the Algonquin, that is high profile and fertile ground for misguided promotion and expenditures of taxpayers' dollars."
Cameron refers to losses of the Algonquin, including $414,541 in 1986; $94,688 in 1987; $134,165 in 1988; $673,019 in 1989; and $426,160 in 1990.
His report included renovation money for each year from 1973 to 1987, and noted the total between 1973 and 1990 was $8,535,523 for the Algonquin Hotel.
St. Croix Courier
July 28/1992
Cameron remarks called irresponsible (Jeff Holmes). See A-3. (Photo Frise at desk.)
Danny Cameron ignored many important aspects of the Algonquin Hotel when he attacked it last week says Jeff Holmes. Jeff Holmes, President of the St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce, says chamber members he has talked with are upset with a 10-page report released last Wednesday by Danny Cameron, leader of the Confederation of Regions Party. In that report, Cameron called the Algonquin a white elephant, and demanded the hotel's immediate sale. "The response I have heard is that Cameron's statement is irresponsible and inappropriate. He has not considered the impact of the Algonquin Hotel as an employer, as a taxpayer and as a tax collector,' says Holmes. Holmes says the idea of the Algonquin Hotel being owned privately is acceptable, but the facility must be maintained. "Until there is a candidate for ownership which can offer the present level of service, the province should not sell the hotel. I think government is acting responsibility in owning the hotel and in operating it under a management contract with CP," says Holmes. Holmes notes there are many business which rely in part on the Algonquin. "Many have benefited. During the recent orthodontist's convention one restaurant broke previous records. They also used Cline Marine, and the Huntsman marine Aquarium in their programs. There are some businesses in St. Andrews which are operating very close to the line, and they might not exist if it were not for the Algonquin Hotel businss," notes Holmes. Jim Frise, manager of the Algonquin Hotel, takes a wider view. "Speaking personally, I think it is an example of someone using the Algonquin in order to criticize government interests. I don't think it's a very good choice by not discussing the Algonquin operations completely," Frise notes. "The situation is being distorted. There appears in his comments no understanding of the value of tourism to the province and the importance of the Algonquin in this type of development." Frise says the province has put a large investment in this resort, but the province has also greatly increased the value of the hotel should it sell the Algonquin.
"I think this kind of negativity is doing a great disservice to both this part of the province and to the whole province because the industry has such a key potential in our economy," he says. According to Frise, the Algonquin also has earned an operating profit for eight of the last 12 years. "The new capital investment in the expansion is very important. With it our break even goes from 75 percent occupancy to 65 percent because of the expanded room base," Frise says. Frise says the expansion, to be constructed this autumn, is vital to the Algonquin's future.
See Moffatt edit and also cartoon of elephant)
Edit: CoR Leader Ignores Algonquin's Virtues
CoR leader Danny Cameron didn't tell all the truth when he blasted away at the Algonquin Hotel last week. To say the least, his comments were one-sided.
As we reported in the Courier Weekend, Cameron called the Algonquin Hotel a "white elephant," and launched into a financial analysis of the property. His figures are right, and without question the province has spent a considerable sum upgrading the hotel. And Cameron is quite right to bring those figures to the attention of residents. But Cameron misses the point. The Algonquin Hotel draws in people and groups which no other facility can. Look at the week Cameron decided to release his broadside at the Algonquin, and the week before. There was the Wild Blueberry Growers Association convention, with members coming from Nova Scotia, Maine and new Brunswick. For them the Algonquin is central. There were the Maritime Beekeepers from across the Atlantic provinces. There was the Gulf of Maine Council which brought to St Andrews environmental representatives from Massachusetts, Mew Hampshire, Maine and Nova Scotia as well as from this province. And of course there was CP rail using the hotel for meetings on the right-of-way purchase.
To top this off, the previous week more than 400 orthodontists and their families were at the Algonquin all week. Stop and think about the effect these and other groups have on St. Andrews, brought here by what Cameron calls a "white elephant." They all had an effect on town. Perhaps they had dinner at a restaurant, L'Europe for example. In fact, for the orthodontists that restaurant opened for extra meals. They bought handcrafts. The orthodontists also took boat tours with Cline Marine. That's dollars for Charlotte County.
Then there was transport. guest have required transport to and from airports, and Holmes Multiservice has efficiently met their needs. That's more dollars for St. Andrews and Charlotte County. On this Cameron has nothing to say.
The Algonquin Hotel plays an absolutely vital role in the economy of south-western New Brunswick. The dollar spin-off to the rest of St. Andrews and the province is astronomical.
Cameron missed another major point about the Algonquin Hotel. The province has received a great bang for its buck in terms of promotion. The Algonquin Sells New Brunswick in ads. It works. On this Cameron has nothing to say.
There are the taxes paid by the hotel to St. Andrews, no small sum. While Cameron did not say the hotel should be closed, he did say it should be dumped. Would Cameron also affect that tax base—at a time when St. Andrews is just coming out of the financial crisis over the arena?
CoR party's Cameron needs to sharpen his pencil, and pay attention to real world finances.
Come Mr. Cameron. You can do better.
—Tom Moffatt
St. Croix Courier
Aug 4/1992
Province reaffirms support for hotel. (stats on economic benefit of hotel to town an province) See A-2. See also remarks by guests.
The Mayor of St. Andrews says to lose the Algonquin Hotel would be devastating to the area. "The Algonquin means St. Andrews to me and to many people," says Ray Peterson. "I think it provides a focus for the tourism industry here and through New Brunswick. More people know more about the hotel than anything else in St. Andrews or Charlotte County." Peterson was commenting on a statement by provincial Supply and Services Minister Laureen Jarrett the government's support of the Algonquin is unwavering and plans for the 50-room expansion will proceed.
This follows recent remarks by Confederation of Regions Party Leader Danny Cameron the hotel is a "white elephant" and the expansion was a misuse of taxpayer dollars. He also felt the province should sell the hotel to private interests immediately.
"Private ownership of the hotel is an option," says Peterson, "but I don't know if the hotel would be the drawing card to the area and province it is if that were to happen. It needs the support of the province to make the whole thing work."
On Friday, Jarrett said she expects the contract to build the expansion will be awarded in the near future and construction will begin within the next few weeks. "I want to assure any organization considering a conference at the hotel for the next year, the expanded facility will be open for business by May 15, 1993 as planned."
The Minister noted the government recognizes the fundamental importance of the facility to St. Andrews and to New Brunswick. A staff of 230 employees operate the property from may through October, total payroll for being $2.2 million in 1991. Purchases of goods and services within the Province by the hotel amount to nearly $2 million annually and the hotel pays about $260,000 in property taxes in St. Andrews and this will escalate with the expansion. Jarrett says the Algonquin generates in excess of $750,000 annually in direct revenues for the Province, through various taxes, a figure which does not include additional business and associated taxes generated by the expenditures of hotel guests on such things as souvenirs, transportation, entertainment and meals in other establishments.
In 1991 the Algonquin received the Resort of the Year Award.
"In addition, expanded conference capabilities at the hotel will mean new business for tourism in New Brunswick, and additional tax revenue to provincial coffers," Jarrett said.
The expansion is being made possible by a loan, to be repaid with interest, from the provincial government to the Crown Corporation that owns the hotel.
"I have been asked why the Province doesn't get out of the hotel businss," Jarrett said. "The government would consider selling the Algonquin to a buyer with sufficient financial resources to operate it properly and make the necessary investments. We would also have to be assured that he buyer had an established track record in the resort management field.
"We have not come this far in making the Algonquin a thriving business to run it over to someone with neither the means nor the commitment to ensure its continuing operation. The Algonquin Hotel is in business to stay."
St. Croix Courier
August 4/1992
What do you think of the Algonquin Hotel?
Grace Hair: If it weren't for the Algonquin, we'd be just another boring town. It's our best seller."
Eileen Gleason: Look at it. The Hotel is beautiful, whether or not it is in some sort of debt. But it's also not used in the winter."
St. Croix Courier
Aug 25/1992
Algonquin Hotel begins Phase II construction. See A-2.
The second phase of expansion to the Algonquin Hotel began last week and Manager Jim Frise says the addition is greatly needed. "We are all caught in a recession but in the long haul, the expansion will add to our business. This year along we have had to turn away business because of the lack of room for approximately 30 nights of the season. With such a short season of operating, it's important to take the business when we have it," explains Frise. The addition of 54 guest rooms will also decrease the break even point, says Frise. Presently, the hotel needs 75 per cent occupancy to break even, according to Frise but with the extra rooms the percentage will drop to between 60 and 65 percent. "We have requests from convention groups that require nearly 200 to 250 rooms. Next year is looking strong for conventions as we already have bookings for the 1993 season," says Frise. The hotel is taking advantage of the expansion to offer larger rooms to patrons. Frise says the demand for more space in hotel rooms is increasing. "We're using the opportunity in the new wing to put in larger rooms as there is an increase in demand for this type of space," says Frise. The new room will contain junior suites which will have a kitchenette, two double beds, a larger bathroom and changing room space and a sitting room. Frise says with the expansion, the room base will increase from 184 to 238. The cost for total expansion including Phase I (already completed) and Phase II is $10 million with the guest room addition at $6.5 million. Construction money for the expansion is supplied by the Department of Supply and Services by borrowing finances on the open market, says Frise. The loan is to be repaid through operating profits of the hotel over the next 12 years. Melanson Enterprise Ltd. of Scoodic is the general contractor with the architects of Gerald J. Gaudet Architect Ltd. from Moncton.
The interior and exterior design of the new addition will be similar to that of the hotel. CP hotel and resorts are furnishing the rooms and interior. Frise says completion of the expansion is expected May 1 of 1993.
St. Croix Courier
Aug 25/1992
Welcome Center Opens Doors. Photo. See A-2.
The new St. Andrews Welcome Centre opened Sunday with Mayor Ray Peterson cutting the ribbon. The building, known as the MacLem House or the "white house," is also the new home of the St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce office, which operates the Welcome Center. Chamber of Commerce Administrative Secretary Sue Corbyn said they moved to the new location because of the larger space available at the new location—and partly because eth town decided it would be building public washrooms downtown.
Corbyn said despite the fact that there aren't as many tourist in the town from October to May, the welcome centre will be open year-round and the Chamber can operate it full-time. Jeff Holmes of Holmes Multiservice in St. Andrews is the president of the Chamber of Commerce. What sort of welcome do tourist receive at the Centre? Assistant Manager Rick O'Kane has a variety of information to show the visitors—region maps, walking guides of the town's historic homes, and a guide for the Quoddy Loop, running from Machias, Maine to the islands like Grand Manan. there is also GST rebate in formation available for Americans and maps of Maine. . . . O'Kane said changes and restorations were made to the building in preparation for the tourists: painting, new floors, a new washroom, lighting fixtures, rugs and a restored operating fireplace. An entire new wood deck was put on the face of the building, and the area in front that stretches to the road has been re-done. Little changes to the inside and outside of the building have yet to come, such as a possible display case of what downtown shops have to offer, as seen at the Algonquin Hotel. As well, a new rooftop will be put over the windows of the second floor to shad the front deck area.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 13/1992
Algonquin staff helps W. C. O'Neill ($500.00 cheque from fund raiser). 70 percent of staff at Hotel from New Brunswick but most from outside of St. Andrews. 1.9 million payroll.
Canada goes to sea to promote tourism. (Down eastern seaboard)
St. Croix Courier
August 23/1992
Arena renamed W. C. O'Neill Arena.
St. Croix Courier
Oct 27/1992
St. Andrews likes ferry idea. (Robbinston)
St. Croix Courier
Nov 3/1992
Hatfield biography published. Power and Disobedience. Michael Cormier and Achille Michaud. English translation.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 1/1992
Tourism numbers same as last year. (New Brunswick stats; also other provinces)
Visitation levels for the 1992 tourism season are virtually unchanged over 1991 figures, Economic Development and Tourism Minister Denis Losier said. "Tourism traffic in New Brunswick has not changed from 1991 despite poor weather, a slower than anticipated economic recovery and a general decline in travel throughout Eastern Canada," Losier explained. "We did suffer a three per cent decline in non-resident visitation to the province, but this was offset by a four per cent increase in travel by residents from within New Brunswick." The Quebec market was the only area to show growth in 1992, with a three per cent increase in the number of visitors bringing the total of 259,000. The increase was offset by an 11 per cent reduction in the number of American visitors, which decreased to 139,000.
"I am pleased New Brunswick was able to hold its own despite the recession," Loser said. "Our promotional efforts were more focused this year, which enabled us to zero in on niche markets to soften the effects of the general showdown of the tourism industry throughout eastern Canada." For example, Loser noted the department's first packaging initiative, Getaway and Stay in New Brunswick, was a significant factor in generating additional travel within the province. "More than 1,700 packages were sold via this new program launched in the spring of '92," he said. Another indication of industry performance is the number of motel and hotel rooms rented during the tourism season. Sales in the province totalled 1,26 million to the end of September, a slight increase of 1991. A 5.8 per cent increase in September room sales boosted overall performance. To the end of July, restaurant receipts were running 1.5 per cent above last year. In 1991, restaurant receipts totalled just over $280 million.
St. Croix Courier
Dec 22/1992
Photo of McAdam railway station stamp. Handsome front view.
William Jefferson Clinton
42nd President of the United States (January 20, 1993 to January 20, 2001)
Nicknames: "Bill"
Born: August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas
St. Andrews Rural Cemetery
SECTION A-1 Row 22 [group of 3]
[masonic symbol] / CLARKE / Nelson M. CLARKE / 1860 - 1932 / His wife Maude H. CLARKE / 1864 - 1932
[back] William D. HARTT / 1831 - 1903 / 1898 Marjorie Vernon 1993/ Daughter of / Nelson & Maude CLARKE
Mother [footstone]
Father [footstone]