WEST POINT — It is being called an "opportunity of a lifetime."
The West Point Development Corporation has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from anyone interested in leasing and operating the West Point Lighthouse Inn.
The RFP, issued by Resources West Inc., on behalf of the development group, indicates the inn has a 4-star Canada Select rating and has 11 contemporary rooms with walk-out decks overlooking the Northumberland Strait. There are also two rooms, the Keeper's Quarters and Tower suites, located inside the lighthouse. The property includes the Lighthouse Museum which greets over 5,000 visitors a year.
The deadline for RFP submissions is March 28.
Bruce Smallman, chairman of the development corporation, said his agency would continue to operate the facility if an entrepreneur is not found or if a suitable entrepreneur is not ready to take over the facility this summer.
"It may even be something we look at for next year, too. We're just looking for options," Smallman acknowledged.
An inn has operated out of the lighthouse since 1987. An extensive renovation and expansion program was completed three years ago.
"As development corporations go, it's always been the idea that you should be moving stuff on, so that is sort of where we are at," Smallman said in regards to the RFP.
The RFP does not include the Development Corporation's Harbourside Centre beside West Point Harbour, but Smallman volunteered, "That's not off the table, either."
The Lighthouse property and the Harbourside Centre are connected by boardwalk and trails, which pass through Cedar Dunes Provincial Park.
Interesting story Mr. Yocius. The work you put into your property looks like a labour of love! May you have many summers of rest and recreation on Prince Edward Island. We need more people like yourself to help keep our Island authentically pristine for ourselves and our visitors. Many people, like yourself, have voiced their support for the Stop Plan B protests. I hope you would consider adding your experienced voice to this movement as well.