Powell River, British Columbia
Kelly Belanger: Vacation Rental Owner in British Columbia
Kelly Belanger
“This is a dream,” says Kelly Belanger as he shows off The Old Courthouse Inn that he purchased. “I wake up every day and can’t believe this is my business and new home.”
Kelly had been living in Cold Lake, Alberta. Came to Powell River at the end of July 2012 for a visit. “I picked up The Georgia Straight and saw an ad in there that said The Old Courthouse Inn was for sale.”
Kelly has always loved antiques and heritage homes. “Ever since I was a little boy I always wanted to own a Tudor style house.” It has also been a dream of Kelly’s to own a B & B one day .
Kelly came for coffee at The Old Courthouse Inn and Lilia Cardoso Gould gave him a tour. The rest is history.
After finishing coffee with Lilia, Kelly went to see realtor Jason Zroback about purchasing the inn. He got his financing in place. “In less than one week my offer was accepted and everything was in order,“ Kelly says “It was mine.” He packed up his house in Cold Lake, put it on the market and took possession of The Old Courthouse Inn on September 1. Meanwhile Lilia and her family have embarked on a new adventure after purchasing a farm in the Paradise Valley. “This place is such an amazing local iconic building,” says Kelly. “Everyone used to come here to get their wedding licenses, drivers’ licenses, and sign legal papers. Lots of people have stories about spending the night in jail,” he laughs.
Despite the fact that The Old Courthouse Inn was once the provincial courthouse, there are some locals who’ve lived here a long time who have never set foot inside the place. So that everyone can see the historic building, Kelly will be offering tours for locals and tourists alike during Sundays in November.
Kelly lives in the Innkeepers suite, a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, apartment. The Old Courthouse Inn has eight guest rooms and is furnished with antiques and collectables, but the beds are modern and super comfy. “I’ve had dozens repeat guests so far because of the beds!” says Kelly. And maybe because of the super hospitality guests can expect. Although tourists enjoy this heritage hotel, locals do too.
Local born and bred Powell Riverites, Tracey Price Carto and Kendra Thompson , are working at The Old Courthouse Inn as The Keepers of the Inn, helping out with all aspects of running the inn; recycling, composting, cleaning, etc. Already, Kelly has plans to use the huge upper parking lot behind the old Courthouse. He’d like to turn it into a garden and use the produce in the restaurant, with a gazebo for functions surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, inviting guests to relax and enjoy their stay in a place full of heritage — a reminder of a time when life’s pace was slower and less hectic.
We look forward to meeting you.
Kelly Belanger and his amazing staff
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