Gareth Houben had plenty of people to thank Tuesday evening as he addressed a crowd at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte.
Standing in the new chalet, built to replace the previous one that was destroyed by fire on Christmas Day in 2017, Houben, president and general manager of Hardwood, acknowledged the businesses and individuals that stepped up to offer help in the wake of the fire, the Friends of Hardwood, the board of directors, his “resilient” staff and, last but not least, his family.
“Thank you for being so patient. It’s been a crazy couple of years,” he said, promising his family there would be no more cancelled vacations or conference calls at the campground. “It’s time to take a breath.”
He also praised Normerica for building the new chalet “under a very strict budget and timeline.”
While an unfavourable experience with Hardwood’s insurance company delayed the project, once it got going, it came together quickly. A demolition permit was received Feb. 10, 2019, and construction began March 10. The chalet opened in November.
“We were under the gun, but we did it. We got there,” said Chris MacFarlane, general manager of Normerica. “We are absolutely delighted to be here and very proud of this beautiful chalet.”
Oro-Medonte Mayor Harry Hughes was on hand for Tuesday’s grand opening.
“When you walk into this building now, all you can say is, ‘Wow,’” he said. “This looks like the phoenix rising from the ashes.”
Houben had his own metaphor for the chalet.
“Tonight feels like our version of reaching Mount Everest … but we must remind ourselves that the descent down can be just as dangerous,” he said, noting the goal is to keep promoting Hardwood and ensure it remains a premier destination known locally and beyond.
Houben and staff are now focusing on Phase 2, which will include an elevator shaft and a food service area with a kitchen, as well as offices, more seating and storage space.
“This was very strategically built to allow it to expand,” he said.
