After years of planning and a devastating 2022 fire, the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw community has officially started rebuilding its landmark lakeside resort — and the new design promises more than just replacement rooms. The groundbreaking on October 23 signals a major step forward in a recovery effort that has been guided by a single principle: return stronger than before.
Rendering of the new 51-room wing at Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort in Squilax, BC, where every room will face Little Shuswap Lake. The wing broke ground on October 23 and is anticipated to open in 2028.
Leadership from Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw, Talking Rock Resort and SGL, along with project partners, break ground on the new 51-room wing at Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake on October 23.
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A new 51-room wing brings year-round wellness to Little Shuswap Lake
Our community has always believed in building back better, and this project reflects that commitment.”— Cody Bell, General Manager of Talking Rock Resort.SQUILAX, BC, CANADA, October 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — It has been a long road to this moment for the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw community, but on Friday, October 23, shovels finally hit the ground for the new Quaaout Lodge at Talking Rock Resort. The ceremony capped a journey marked by extensive planning, deep community consultation, and the challenge of rebuilding after the 2022 fire that destroyed the original lodge rooms.
The new structure, which replaces those lost rooms, is expected to welcome its first guests in 2028. Greyback Construction Ltd. has been tapped to lead the construction effort, chosen for its proven track record in delivering complex projects alongside Indigenous communities, as well as its dedication to fostering local and Indigenous economic growth throughout the build.
Friday’s groundbreaking event drew a gathering of community elders, leaders, and project partners to the resort’s grounds to witness the historic occasion.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents resilience. It represents our belief in the future. It represents our commitment to creating opportunities for our youth while honouring the vision of those who came before us,” said Kukpi7 Diane Francois at the ceremony.
The planned 51-room wing is designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing lodge, connecting directly to its restaurant, kitchen, and conference facilities. Guests can look forward to a significantly enhanced experience, with wellness at the forefront: an outdoor pool, hot tub, cold plunges, and a signature sauna experience will be complemented by dedicated relaxation and treatment rooms, creating new avenues for rest and rejuvenation.
The architectural vision, crafted by Reimagine Architects through a series of community workshops, draws inspiration from the natural environment. The design is organized by floor, with themes of water at the ground level, followed by earth, canopy, and sky, each level expressing its motif through distinct colour palettes and material choices.
Saturday’s groundbreaking represents the culmination of a rebuilding process that will have spanned roughly six years from initial discussions to the projected opening day. Throughout that time, the community’s guiding principle has remained unwavering: the lodge must return better than it was before, a standard that continues to shape every decision.
“This has been a long time coming, and we’re excited to finally see construction begin,” said Cody Bell, General Manager of Talking Rock Resort. “Our community has always believed in building back better, and this project reflects that commitment. We’re grateful to our partners Reimagine Architects and Greyback Construction for helping bring the vision to life. We look forward to welcoming guests back to an enhanced resort experience for generations to come.”
Additional renderings, photos and interview clips are available on request.
While the lodge rebuild moves forward, the resort’s other attractions are taking their seasonal pause. Talking Rock Golf Course and Jack Sam’s Restaurant have closed for the season, with golfers expected to return to the fairways in the spring of 2027.
About Talking Rock Resort
Located on the shores of Little Shuswap Lake in Squilax, British Columbia, Talking Rock Resort is fully owned and operated by Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (formerly the Little Shuswap Lake Band). The resort is home to the award-winning Talking Rock Golf Course and Jack Sam’s Restaurant. A new 51-room lodge wing with wellness facilities broke ground on October 23, with an anticipated opening in 2028. For more information, visit quaaoutlodge.com.
Ryan O'Donnell
CIPR Communications
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ryan@ciprcommunications.com
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Why it matters: This groundbreaking is more than a construction milestone; it represents a direct investment in Indigenous-led economic development and cultural preservation. By rebuilding with an expanded wellness focus and community-driven design, the project aims to create lasting opportunities for the Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw youth while securing the resort’s place as a premier destination for generations to come.
