Killarney Mountain Lodge owners sell business, set to move south

The owners of the biggest employer in Killarney are saying farewell to their business.

The East family has sold the Killarney Mountain Lodge to a new owner, marking the end of an era for the couple, who hasbeen a mainstay in the community for half a century.

Killarney mayor Ginny Rook said the East family has played a vital role in the town.

"They've been very big proponents of keeping the community alive."

The lodge was originally built in the late 1950s as a wilderness corporate resort by a large American corporation, the Fruehauf Trailer Corporation.

Maury and Annabelle East opened the Killarney Mountain Lodge in 1962, the same time as the only highway was built into town.

Maury said he didn't know much about Killarney when he made the purchase. But he said he was captivated by the pristine wilderness and the white caps of the La Cloche Mountains.

"We fell in love with the place and bought it, whether we needed it or not."

Visitors from all over the world

Killarney became a provincial park in 1964, two years after the Killarney Mountain Lodge opened.

Probably the best thing that happened was the creation of the Killarney Provincial Park because it became immediately the crown jewel of provincial maps and it still is to this day, Maury said.

It did more to put us on the map than anything that we could've done."

The business operates seasonally, from May until October, and the Easts livethere all year long.

The business employs about 50 people some for as long as 40 years.

Annabelle said the business was challenging because of its remote location. But it attracted visitors from all over the world who were drawn to nature.

It seems to be in their minds what they think that raw Canada should be like. They're just thrilled with the scenery, the environment, the peace and quiet, she said.

The Easts are staying at the Killarney Mountain Lodge for two more months, as they house hunt.

Though they're leaving, Annabelle said they'll always come back to visit.

"People come here because it's a little corner that doesn't change. It would be my wish that it remains similar to what it is."

The Easts say the new owner promises to keep the lodge in the same rustic style and tradition as they did. They are currently helping the new owner settle in, who pledges to maintain the traditional rustic feel of the resort.