Cedar Lodge

Secluded lodge offers respite

Posted on 26. May, 2006 by mjo in Media

It’s Just a Matter of Faith

by ML Whittles
Posted in The Outlook, Kenaston News
Monday March 1, 2004

If you are very lucky, every once in awhile throughout life’s journey you will encounter something or someone which will truly give you pause. I have just had such an experience and I wish to share it with you.

Cedar Lodge Hotel and Convention Center, situated on 67 acres overlooking Blackstrap Lake is just moments from a provincial park and only 37 kilometers south of Saskatoon. With 60 rooms and abundant space, Cedar Lodge can accommodate up to 240 overnight guests.

To date the Lodge has catered to national and international events, including the 2001 World Ice and Snow Sailing Championships (WISSA), private bookings, weddings, banquets, reunions, retreats and dinners.

Walking into the large dining room, one is first drawn to the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Cozy nooks are dotted throughout with couches and chairs for that added bit of privacy. In one corner of the large cathedral-style room a wood burning stove is suspended in place by chains from the ceiling adding to the ambience for those cold winter evenings.

In the past, Cedar Lodge has limited its ‘hotel/convention/dining’ business, but are now in the process of opening its doors to the public. Notwithstanding the catering, specialty bakery and home cooking provided to guests, a large indoor wading and swimming pool, two hot tubs, a gymnasium and theatre room with large screen with surround sound is available. A Sunday smorg is now available upon reservation and nothing leaves the kitchen without a taste test by administrator, Suzanne Claire, to ensure the quality of excellence.

Cedar Lodge is run strictly by volunteers and at present there are 15 full time residents. Their mandate is to generate sufficient profits to enable them to continue running several programs. One of these is a food distribution program and the other is to provide assistance to those suffering from co-dependency issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, family and spousal relationship problems.

Cedar Lodge originally housed those in treatment but the increased demand for these services has necessitated the formation of two separate entities. Treatment will now take the form of group homes off-site in local communities and on farms within the rural municipality.