"Rustic, but chic": major facelift for Fort Frances hotel.

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: CONFERENCE & CONVENTION

Bryce Campbell wants the Copper River Inn & Conference Centre to be the preferred place for meetings and conventions in the Rainy River district of northwestern Ontario.

"Without a doubt that's our goal," said Campbell, who acquired the former Adventure Inn in Fort Frances in February 2014. "When somebody comes to Fort Frances, we want to be the first place they think of."

Located on Stewart Street, just off Highway 11 and close to the town's restaurant strip, Campbell co-owns the 70-room property with his mother, Sheila.

In a year's time, he estimates they've poured $3 million into extensive renovations throughout the building.

It's their third hotel property, which includes the 18-room Walla Walla Inn, located in the nearby village of Rainy River.

The native of Reston, Man. happened upon the property while conducting a search for new opportunities.

"We always came to Fort Frances when we looking after the other hotel and really liked the area," said Campbell. "We'd always drive by this one and kind of thought it had potential."

He discovered that the owner wanted to retire and was looking for a successor.

"It was in rough shape and needed quite a bit of work," said Campbell, "lots of delayed maintenance and a very dated property."

The first order of business was a complete update of guest rooms on the west side with new bathroom tiles, sinks and fixtures, beds, furniture, lighting and sound-proofing.

The theme of the renovations is a tribute to northwestern Ontario, said Campbell.

"We really like the outdoors so tried to bring the outdoors in. All the rooms are defined after that."

Guest rooms feature pine-looking floors and pictures of the Northern Lights adorn the earth tone walls.

Public areas have natural stone tile, reflecting the Canadian Shield, the walls are lined with decorative birch logs. The revamped dining room is highlighted with moose antler chandeliers and stone fireplaces.

"We went rustic, but chic so we can have a modern feeling."

Under new ownership, room price points are slightly...