The owners of the former Talisman resort property in Kimberley have announced plans to convert the former ski lodge into a resort and Nordic spa.
In a news release dated August 7, 2024, Brian Ellis and Phil Calvano – the owners of the Talisman property that contains the former hotel and resort buildings – announced plans to invest $400 million on the property to “revitalize the former Talisman to become the province’s premier health and wellness hotel and Nordic spa.”
“After 10 years of working hard and listening to many within the community with various ideas and thoughts for the former Talisman site, we are moving closer towards bringing the vision of a state-of-the-art health and wellness community to the beautiful Beaver Valley,” Ellis and Calvano said in the release. “We are pleased to advise that the zoning bylaw amendment application for 150 Talisman Mountain Drive (the former Talisman Resort site) in the Municipality of Grey Highlands has been submitted to the town.”
Plans for the project include: restaurants, convention space, treatment areas, a gym, a large tropical indoor pool and solarium and parking for 900 vehicles that will be hidden from view.
The proposal involves the former ski resort portion of the property and is not part of the recent development application Beaver Valley Development Group made to Grey County.
Ellis and Calvano own the property containing the former Talisman hotel and resort buildings. Beaver Valley Development Group owns the former golf course area of the property, as well as land on top of the escarpment. Beaver Valley Development Group has proposed a block plan for its property that would include green and environmentally sensitive areas, as well as residential components. The proposal has generated significant opposition in the local community.
“With this over $400 million development, Beaver Valley will become the premier health and wellness destination for Ontario and beyond,” the release states.
The news release states that well-known architect Paul Raff is involved in the project and that the owners have engaged KLM Planning Partners to work on the proposal.
“This community will allow thousands of visitors, both local and international, each year to enjoy the scenic and serene Beaver Valley to improve their health, both physically and mentally while they stay and play in nature,” the news release states.
Ellis and Calvano also said they plan to consult the public on the proposal in the near future.
“Our plan is to bring our team together to review and present our shared vision to you and the entire community. This effort will ensure that we continue with the inclusive approach to responsible and sustainable development which we believe will greatly enhance the incredible Beaver Valley by reinvigorating a now dormant development site in a way that is sensitive to the environment and to the future of the residents of Grey highlands,” they said in the news release.
Grey Highlands CAO Karen Govan confirmed that the municipality has received a zoning bylaw amendment application for the proposal.
