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Manitou Springs Resort at Watrous to open again on Friday

Oct 6, 2010 | 4:52 PM

Benson McCulloch

CKOM

The mineral spa at Manitou Springs Resort at Watrous is set to re-open Friday morning.
It's been closed since April. Inspectors from the Saskatoon Health Region decided the pool's clogged filtration system didn’t comply with provincial health regulations.
“Getting things up and running again has been a long process,” hotel CEO and part-owner Dwight Hayter said.
“But, we’re very happy about where we are and where we’re going in the future.”
The hotel laid off about 20 workers when the mineral spa was closed. Hayter says they will all be coming back to work soon.
On top of the fixed filtration system, Hayter says the hotel has been renovated “significantly”.
“We’ve given it a total face-lift with everything from carpeting to new TV’s and fridges in the rooms,” Hayter said.
Manitou Springs Resort is vital to the area's economy, according to Town of Watrous Community Development Officer Brendan Manz.
“Without a doubt, it’s our number one tourism draw in the area, it’s our flag-ship attraction, it’s our largest accommodation,” said Manz. “When the spa is full, all the other businesses in town do well.”
Manz didn’t have exact numbers, but said it was clear tourist have been shying away since the mineral spa closed in April.