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Category: Local Economic Development

COOLBOX Accommodations in the Community of Wemotaci

The project of the Atikamekw community of Wemotaci aimed to build an inn featuring 22 rooms on its territory for 2021. With all the changes caused by the pandemic and the sharp increase in the costs of wood materials, they had to rethink the project and develop a plan B for the acquisition of accommodations at a lower cost.

An important economic development project

COOLBOX accommodations in the community of WemotaciAdam Jourdain, currently the Director General of the Nikanik Economic Development Corporation and soon to be the Assistant General Director of the Wemotaci Band Council, explained that COOLBOXes provided an innovative and less expensive opportunity to meet the need for accommodations.

The community reacted quickly and was able to be proactive in making a decision rather than canceling its economic development project. The result of this entrepreneurial dynamism will see the light of day within a few months. Ten COOLBOX units will be built in the heart of the small community of around 1,200 residents and ready for rental by next October.

Four different types of COOLBOXes

These COOLBOXes will soon allow for accommodating up to 60 visitors, with each unit accommodating between one and six people. Four different format choices will be available by October 2021, which will make it possible to better assess visitor demand and preference.

The four different COOLBOX models:

  • Motel model
  • Small 14 x 20-foot model
  • Large 14 x 30- foot model
  • More luxurious model (gazebo, BBQ and picnic table)

Adam Jourdain explained that the community needed to provide attractive accommodations for tourists, but also for its professional clientele. He believes that accommodations are the foundation for solid and sustainable economic development. COOLBOXes are more than just a hotel room, they are like a mini house that provides comfort, amenities and tranquility.

COOLBOX accommodations in the community of Wemotaci     COOLBOX accommodations in the community of Wemotaci     COOLBOX accommodations in the community of Wemotaci

Where are the COOLBOXes located in the community?

In the heart of the Atikamekw community, the ten COOLBOXes are located near the Band Council, the Bonichoix grocery store, the new gas station and the restaurant. The construction site was chosen to ensure that there are no houses around the site so that visitors can enjoy increased privacy while being able to easily access the path that follows along the Saint-Maurice River. These accommodations could even be of interest to hunters and fishers who are close to their hunting and fishing grounds.

Two phases of the project

The first phase of the economic development project, set to begin in October, will create between three and five jobs for the next year. This COOLBOX project will make it possible to assess the supply of and demand for accommodations. Thereafter, the community will give itself until next winter to make a decision regarding the second phase, which consists of the construction of a 22-room inn.

How can a COOLBOX be booked?

A specific page for making COOLBOX reservations will be added to the Nikanik Economic Development Corporation website shortly.

In conclusion, we can say that the community of Wemotaci has been able to be proactive in its approach to economic development. We wish them a well-filled reservation calendar for this innovative project that will appeal to different categories of travelers.

Congratulations on the excellent idea of using COOLBOXes for accommodations!

Further information on the Nikanik Economic Development Corporation can be found at corporationnikanik.com.

To discover other local economic development projects and initiatives, we invite you to visit our local economic development section.

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