e-mail chat / October, 2007

The New Oak Bay Beach Hotel is expected to open in 2009. Some interesting facts about the demolition or more correctly, "dismantling," of the old hotel are: only five percent of materials ended up in the landfill. Metal went to Ellice Recycle, concrete was crushed for road base and wood was reused or ground up for pulp mill fuel. Greenery from the gardens was carefully removed and transported to the Saanich Peninsula and replanted. A 60 year old rhododendron was one of the original plants and will be replanted at the site when the new hotel is complete. Some 7500 bricks have been stored, the mortar carefully chipped off by Joe Smith, the Snug's bartender. Joe is expected back at the Snug when it is completed. The hotel is completely booked for the opening and many of us will look forward to once again visiting the Snug.