Ryan Danberg has been the city manager for Melfort since January of 2019. (File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Elk Ridge Purchase

‘I’m going to enjoy it’: Melfort City Manager embarking on new venture at Elk Ridge Resort

Oct 13, 2020 | 5:00 PM

From city manager to managing partner.

That’s the case for Melfort’s city manager Ryan Danberg who is part of the eight-person group, Route2 SK Inc. that recently bought Elk Ridge Resort. Danberg is set to be the managing partner for the resort.

“We’re looking forward to slowly opening the place back up again,” he said. “Obviously, still in a COVID environment, but creating some outdoor activity, and slowly working our way toward next spring, which is the main launch.”

Elk Ridge Resort went into receivership in June after shutting its doors in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Danberg said the opportunity was something they were interested in because the resort and area mean so much to them. Danberg himself previously worked at the resort for 13 years, with some of that time being the director of operations.

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“We feel we know and understand and know that Lakeland area really good,” Danberg told northeastNOW. “And I think we’re a group that’s going to be a good fit for it, and see some opportunity as the years move forward.”

As for Danberg’s position as Managing Partner at the resort, he said his role will oversee the operations of the resort including the golf resort, weddings, and group outings.

Danberg said golf is his passion, and he’ll be able to enjoy that with the 27-hole golf course at Elk Ridge.

“It’s every golfers dream I think to say one day that you could own a golf course,” _{-Ryan Danberg}

“So, the fact that I get this opportunity at this stage of my life, is probably one of the dreams,” he said. “And I’m going to enjoy it.”

Danberg has also been the general manager of the Melfort Golf and Country Club before his time with the City of Melfort.

Starting in January 2019 he was the city manager. Prior to that role, Danberg was also the facilities manager and community services director for two-and-a-half years. He called Melfort a great community with a lot of support.

“I’d like to take I guess, a lot of those learning initiatives that I’ve been privy to here, up there,” Danberg said. “And continue developing the Elk Ridge community.”

He added he and his family plan to continue calling Melfort home.

As of Feb. 1, 2021, Danberg will no longer be with the City of Melfort. There’s no word yet on the city’s plan for a new city manager.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6