HOTEL KENNEY TO OPEN THIS SEASON

TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES HAS A GEM ALONG THE UNESCO HERITAGE WATERWAY

There's something about getting your hands dirty, shedding tears, and breathing dust and paint fumes that gets the blood pumping, especially when injecting new life into an old gem.

For Jeff Day and Core Lee, stepping onto the grounds of the historic Hotel

Kenney in Jones Falls, built in 1877, it has been a lifelong journey to get to this place in life.

"There's nothing like coming home. I'm not a city guy," said Day on Saturday, April 30, during a tour of the grounds with the Record News.

Day grew up in Rideau

Lakes and worked in Banff Springs, and then Toronto, after attending St. Lawrence College for hotel and restaurant management. He worked his way up through management at various hotels in the city before he and Lee purchased the Holiday Country Manor (the Manor) in Battersea.

They put their hearts and souls into the Manor, and grew their business with special events and cultured dining experiences. Then COVID-19 hit, but they were busier than ever with takeout options.

Hotel Kenney had been for sale for some time. They booked a viewing to explore it. After their initial walk-through, they knew it was for them and didn't look back. They said they were saddened at the thought of selling the Manor, but knew they had to to move forward with Hotel Kenney.

Now, as they settle into their new resort "with endless potential," plans are unfolding quicker than the linen tablecloths

"We wanted to expand the business to weddings, conferences and retreats," said Lee, whose family comes from Guyana and were in the restaurant business. In Toronto, Lee's family also owned a large dining establishment that seated 1,000 people.

"I grew up learning and loving to cook," Lee said. "It's something I've always done and enjoyed."

They will be hiring a number of staff, Day said. "We're looking forward to positive changes and contributing to being an anchor destination along the Rideau Canal."

But he also had time to earn a degree in construction science and management from George Brown College.

This partnership is a perfect complement - hotel

management, culinary , and currently, the construction piece of this puzzle is at the forefront as the duo plans to open this summer. There is much work to be done, as the buildings have sat empty for more than three years. Nothing a good scrub can't cure, Day said, as they have been tidying up the grounds, trimming trees and hauling brush. There are also some structural aspects to tend to, as well as landscaping that will include outdoor patios and a fire pit.

They will be hiring a number of staff, Day said. "We're looking forward to positive changes and contributing to being an anchor destination along the Rideau Canal."

This hidden gem consists of main hotel rooms, motel- and cottage-style, and lakeside accommodations on 26 acres with more than 900 feet of waterfront along the Rideau Canal.

With great fishing and hiking trails, Lee said they are working with tourism partners, including Rideau Lakes Township and Parks Canada, to make Hotel Kenney Rideau (new twist to the iconic name) a destination

vacation.

They are aiming to first open for scoops of ice cream this season in their '50s-vibe diner, which will feature all the regular staples on the menu.

Something unique will be their cookie business, Nut Free Gourmet — gourmet frozen cookie dough and freshly baked cookies in a variety of flavours, and possibly ice cream sandwiches.

"We can take bookings for next year's weddings now," Day said; and, they're working on refurbishing the banquet hall to get it rolling for musical entertainment and more during the 2023 party season.

Once the canal opens, they will have Boat Box lunches and picnic packages. Food orders will be available online, using debit or credit cards. They aim to be a cashless resort.

Visit www.hotelkenneyrideau.com, phone 613-3595500 or email info@hotelekenneyrideau.com.