Quaaout Lodge breaks ground on 51-room rebuild at Talking Rock Resort

Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw has started construction on a new Quaaout Lodge wing at Talking Rock Resort in Squilax, B.C., replacing rooms lost in a 2022 fire. The 51-room expansion is slated to open in 2028 and adds year-round wellness amenities to the Little Shuswap Lake resort.

Why it matters: - The rebuild restores lodging capacity lost in the 2022 fire and moves Talking Rock Resort closer to a full reopening. - The project adds year-round wellness features that could expand the resort’s appeal beyond golf and seasonal travel. - The rebuild is tied to local and Indigenous economic opportunities during construction and after opening.

What happened: - Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw broke ground on the new Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort on Friday, Oct. 23. - The ceremony brought together community members, leadership and project partners at Quaaout Lodge. - The new lodge wing is expected to open in 2028. - Greyback Construction Ltd. is leading the build.

The details: - The new wing will add 51 rooms and connect to the existing lodge. - The expansion will include the restaurant, kitchen and conference rooms. - Planned wellness amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, cold plunges, a signature sauna experience, and relaxation and treatment rooms. - The design came out of community workshops led by Reimagine Architects. - The building is organized by floor with a water theme at ground level, followed by earth, canopy and sky. - Each floor will reflect its theme through color and materials. - Greyback Construction was chosen for its construction experience, its track record with Indigenous communities, and its commitment to local and Indigenous economic opportunities. - The rebuild is expected to take about six years from first conversation to opening day. - Talking Rock Golf Course and Jack Sam’s Restaurant have closed for the season and will reopen for golfers in spring 2027. - Talking Rock Resort sits on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake in Squilax, British Columbia. - Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw fully owns and operates the resort. - The resort also includes the award-winning Talking Rock Golf Course and Jack Sam’s Restaurant. - More information is available at the resort’s website.

Between the lines: - The rebuild is being framed as more than replacement construction; the community says the standard is to return the lodge “even better than before.” - The wellness programming signals a shift toward a broader guest experience, not just a restored hotel footprint. - The floor-by-floor design theme suggests the community wants the new lodge to reflect local values and place-based storytelling.

What's next: - Construction will continue toward the anticipated 2028 opening. - The golf course and restaurant are set to welcome guests back in spring 2027. - Additional renderings, photos and interview clips are available on request.

The bottom line: - Quaaout Lodge’s groundbreaking marks a turning point from recovery to a larger resort rebuild with new amenities, stronger community control and a longer-term tourism strategy.