Nov 07, 2013


With the goal of “ramping up” public exposure for the business he opened in 2003, Paul Scott, owner of the Sumac Centre, is hoping to attract the attention of businesses, groups and individuals looking for a place to hold any kind of event in what can only be described as a very special place.

Located on a 586 acre property between Parham and Mountain Grove, on the shores of a private pristine lake, the center's two-storey, 6000 square foot lodge took Scott and his design team eight years to plan. Their meticulous attention to detail has created a center that places its natural surroundings front and centre while simultaneously offering up a fully functioning indoor space equipped and furnished with all of the modern conveniences that any small and large group may require.

Scott, who up until now was running the center on his own and entertaining usually one or two groups a month, recently hired on a co-director, Victor Heese, and business partner, David Campbell, with the hopes of increasing his business.

“We are now entering a new phase at the center and have made many changes to it. Now we want the public at large to know that we are here and open for business”, Scott said when I interviewed him and Heese on November 2.

The lodge's main floor, which is100% wheelchair accessible, boasts a series of huge passive solar windows that offer a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding woodlands. Outside, just 30 meters away, a dock protrudes into the lake, and a few canoes and a rowboat are beached close by. Just beyond, a fire pit stands lined with benches. The center's “great room” functions as the central hub of the building and it includes ample living and dining space. The room encompasses a fully equipped kitchen, a large gas stove, a large central island with three built-in sinks, and cupboards and cabinets filled with utensils and dishes for groups keen on cooking for themselves. A large, screened-in porch equipped with a barbeque invites outdoor cooking.

sumac centre-2Photo:  l-r, Victor Heese with his daughter Natsuki and Paul Scott in the kitchen at the Sumac Centre

For those who prefer to have some or all of their meals provided, Heese and his wife Naomi offer a diverse catered menu with dishes that include locally sourced ingredients and much of their own home-grown veggies and herbs. Equipped with audio/visual equipment, the great room is perfect for businesses and or corporations, groups or individuals wanting to hold conferences, seminars or workshops. Also on the main floor is the center's largest guest room, complete with an office area and an ensuite bathroom.

The remaining seven guest rooms are located on the second floor. They are all simple, clean, bright rooms each with a twin bed, their own sink, and with adjoining washrooms between them that offer up shampoo, soaps, hair dryers and even an iron and board, for those needing a last final pressing. A large conference room on the second floor can easily accommodate 15-20 and it houses folding chairs and tables and a handy kitchenette. It connects to a second storey deck where guests can lounge. The center offers a high-speed wireless connection, and last but not least is the “quiet room”, a cozy second-storey hideaway for guests who want to get away from the crowd. This room is windowed on three sides and seemingly hangs amongst the tall pine trees that surround it.

Scott and his team are transforming the center's 2000 square foot basement into a multi-purpose room perfect for yoga retreats and art or craft workshops. There are also plans for a whirlpool and sauna. Scott says he hopes to host a wide array of clients for events that may include weddings, family reunions, church groups, corporate retreats and workshops, high school and university groups, couples and individuals just looking to get away from it all.

Sumac Centre is located on a private lane. It has ample parking and is open throughout the year. Anyone wanting more information can visitwww.sumaccentre.ca or call Paul Scott at 613-335-3417.

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