Falcon Trails Resort

Background
Falcon Trails Resort is a family owned business that provides a high quality lakeside experience in conjunction with the Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area. The land on which the resort is situated is under the jurisdiction of the Manitoba Provincial Parks Ministry.

Ownership and Management is focused on offering a diverse tourism experience while balancing environmental and community interests. Both construction techniques and ongoing operating methods ensure the highest possible standards in this regard.

Falcon Trails has been awarded with various distinctions over the years:

2009 - Manitoba Top 50 Fastest Growing Businesses
2008 - Travel Manitoba Award of Distinction
2003 - Travel Manitoba Sustainable Tourism Award

Falcon Trails Resort has also been instrumental in various community initiatives including keeping the local ski and recreation area operational and organizing fundraising campaigns for local biathlete and Canadian Olympian, Megan Imrie.

The Challenge
Falcon Trails Resort and Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area have each been faced with unique challenges since their inception:

Falcon Trails Resort
When a small group of Falcon Lake residents recognized the opportunity to develop a world-class resort at the east end of Falcon Lake, many others from the area were concerned about the impact the development would have on this pristine environment rich in indigenous vegetation, wildlife and fisheries.

Falcon Ridge Ski & Recreation Area
In 1986, the provincial government decided to discontinue operating the local ski hill and recreation centre. Local residents and sports groups viewed these assets as essential to the area's youth and to the general health and wellbeing of the community.

The Response and the Result
Falcon Trails Resort
As landlord for the property on which the resort was planned, the provincial government required stringent environmental restrictions to be addressed. The knowledge base of the ownership team positioned them well to meet and exceed these standards. The initial family based ownership team brought a background in construction and agricultural science, and as the family grew, formal education in environmental sustainability.

Minimal impact construction:

Bulldozers were not used to clear the site, mitigating flow of silt into the lake
Walkways of natural wood chips were installed rather than concrete or asphalt which helps control run off and erosion
Docks were built on wooden posts as opposed to concrete "crib docks" which are disruptive to fisheries

Three engineer-designed septic systems manage outflow
Cabins are built to a fairly low density compared to the rest of lake minimizing leaching
Local materials were used in construction

Falcon Trails Resort built two "eco-cabins" on neighbouring High Lake, raising sustainability standards to greater heights. These cabins feature solar power, composting toilets and a low-density layout perfect for wildlife viewing.

Over the years management introduced sustainable practices to business operations:

No grass cutting. This brings the following benefits:

Natural environment for frogs, snakes, wildlife
Filters phosphorous, effluent, pesticides and preserves littoral zone shoreline, riparian and upland zone
Controls erosion, preserving spawning areas and habitat for aquatic animals

Gardens of indigenous flowers have been planted which attracts birds and butterflies
A composting system for kitchen waste was introduced
Compostable utensils and plates are provided for cabins as are cups for the ski hill kitchen
A tree planting program was introduced to remove trees killed by the spruce bud worm
The Resort and Ski Hill used only environmentally friendly cleaning products - 100%
Firewood is harvested from dead wood
Guests are encouraged to participate in the resort's recycling program
Management buys local merchandise and renewable products

Falcon Ridge Ski and Recreation Area In 1986, news of the facility's pending termination prompted the owners of the Resort to initiate a fundraising campaign to secure its ongoing operation and promotion. The result is a vibrant ski hill and recreation centre (downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, national class cross-country skiing and exceptional food featuring a gourmet cook who offers vegetarian, organic and local food options).

To this day, Falcon Trails Ski & Recreation Centre serves as a centre for area's youth and is their main employer. The facility also provides the means for Falcon Trails Resort to host national and provincial events (e.g. biathlon events, the Swamp Donkey Adventure Race featuring 75 teams from across Canada).