Loss of Canada Select Stars in 2008
We would like to take a brief opportunity to explain to our prospective guests why we will not have Canada Select stars in 2008. Canada Select is a program/marketing tool that rates B&Bs and other tourist accommodations. It is a voluntary program in Nova Scotia, although it is mandatory in some other provinces.
The Province of Nova Scotia licenses all types of tourist lodgings. An inspector determines if each property meets provincial safety standards and, if it does, a license is issued.
Canada Select also has inspectors that review a checklist of amenities to determine the “star” rating that an accommodation will receive. We invested considerable resources to achieve our 4 ½-star rating in 2006, but we learned at our June 2007 inspection that our rating would drop from 4 ½ to 2 ½ stars for 2008 because we have elected not to provide televisions and phones in each of our guest rooms.
We made that decision based not only on a guest survey we conducted in 2006 but also on extensive conversations with guests who have stayed with us. Of all the responses we received to our survey, only one person said that a TV would be nice—in order to get the weather report. A quiet, relaxing atmosphere is what 99% of our guests want, and we are happy to comply. Our common room has a large-screen TV, and there are three separate conveniently placed phones for our guests to use. We do everything we possibly can to provide a quiet oasis for our guests to enjoy. Our guests, very kindly, tell us that “we have thought of every detail.”
There are many accommodations in the Province of Nova Scotia that have chosen not to use Canada Select as a marketing tool; however, all accommodations that are listed in the Provincial Doers’ and Dreamers’ Guide are licensed. You should feel comfortable in knowing that a licensed establishment meets all required health and safety regulations. The Canada Select rating system serves as a useful guide, but it is not universally useful, as in our case. We believe that your stay with us will exceed your expectations of a safe, relaxing B&B experience in historic Lunenburg.
You may send comments (about this or any other issue) to the administrators of Canada Select and/or the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage:
Quality Visitor Services
1800 Argyle Street, Suite 603
P.O. Box 458
Halifax, NS B3J 2R5
902-424-8929
902-424-0723 Fax
novascotia@canadaselect.com
Mr. Doug Matthews
Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage
1800 Argyle Street, Suite 601
P.O. Box 456
Halifax, NS B3J 2R5
902-424-4510
902-424-0710 Fax
cultaffs@gov.ns.ca