Ingonish tree walk opening delayed

INGONISH — The businesscrushing tentacles of the ongoing global pandemic have put the squeeze on an ambitious development project in the highlands of Cape Breton.

The owners of Destination Cape Smokey have announced the delay of their much-anticipated tree walk attraction that had been forecast to open this summer.

Citing Covid-19-related factors for the postponement, project manager and Ski Cape Smokey Holdings chief executive officer Martin Kejval said the grand opening is now expected to be in 2022.

“We’ve had some delays, but we are continuing with the project,” said Kejval, a Czech Republic native and competitive skier, whose father is part of the Cape Smokey ownership group.

“The foundations of the tree walk are already in place but we’ve had some issues with getting supplies on time. This is all because of COVID. We couldn’t have foreseen a pandemic so all we can do is adjust and keep moving forward with the project. I am sure that is the story of the day all over.”

Kejval added that off-island manufacturing delays mean the resort hasn’t been able to take possession of certain specialty pieces needed for the $12-million attraction.

Meanwhile, the Cape Smokey facility, located 129 kilometres north of Sydney, is still expected to unveil its new gondola lift this summer. Kejval said that project is still on schedule, with the gondola infrastructure expected to be installed soon. The company constructing the gondola is Colorado aerial lift manufacturer Leitner-poma.

“We’re still hoping to open the gondola around Canada Day,” said Kejval.

“There will be some beautiful platforms at the top, and we’re working on some things at the bottom with the lodge.”

Originally slated to be part of the project’s second phase, the upper hill improvement includes a nature walk with educational signage and three viewpoint areas with food and beverage options. The resort is also working on making the area more accessible to the snowmobiling community.

“And we have a few exciting things in the works that we hope to share soon,” he said.

“We’re grateful for the support and understanding of the community as we navigate through COVID-19 guidelines and the manufacturing delays. Our goal is to make this summer, and seasons to come, more inclusive and enjoyable for all who venture out on the Cabot Trail.”

The hill has a new snowmaking system on order that is expected to be in operation next winter. Kejval also said the plethora of hill activities in NON-COVID-19 times included a microbrewery festival, heli-skiing, snowmobile races and concerts.

Ski Cape Smokey Holdings purchased the 162-hectare ski resort that includes the 320metre ski hill and hill base lodge from the province in 2019 for $370,000.

Kejval said he is looking forward to a loosening of public health restrictions that he believes will lead to an increase in business, especially from the Halifax area, which he confirmed makes up a large percentage of resort business.

This conceptual drawing shows what Destination Cape Smokey's planned tree walk might look like. The opening of the much-anticipated Ingonish-area attraction has been delayed until 2022 after the resort was unable to secure the necessary supplies.