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Ready for a new G8
Deerhurst Resort Picked to Host World Leaders in 2010
Huntsville, ON, June 23, 2008 – After the photo calls and communiqués are finished, G8 Summits of the world’s leaders are often best remembered for their settings, from the stately white halls of Germany’s Heiligendamm to the dramatic Canadian Rockies peaks of Kananaskis.
This week, Huntsville’s Deerhurst Resort proudly became the latest entry on that list of historic meeting places, when the Government of Canada announced the host venue for the 36th annual G8 Summit in 2010.
MEETING LIKE A HEAD OF STATE
Two hours north of Toronto and a landmark of Ontario’s popular Muskoka “cottage country” since 1896, modern-day Deerhurst Resort was chosen as the site for the summit based on its accessible location, expertise in hosting large-scale events and extensive conference facilities. These encompass 40,000 square feet of interior meeting space with two ballrooms and the newly designed Lakeview Room, plus 400 guest rooms, easily accommodating up to a 1,000 people.
Known for year-round happenings like the Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships and managed by national hospitality leader Atlific Hotels, the 780-acre lakeside property also includes an extensive waterfront, two 18-hole golf courses, a private airstrip, four restaurants and a freshly updated spa.
"We are delighted that the Government of Canada has recognized the extraordinary splendour of the region and chosen to showcase Deerhurst and Huntsville to the world," said Philippe Gadbois, Senior Vice President, Atlific Hotels. "The next two years will be a true community effort, involving the entire town of Huntsville and much of the Muskoka region."
A CLEARLY CANADIAN PLACE
While packed with modern technology, Deerhurst captures the same unspoiled sense of place found at Rambouillet, home to the very first G8 Summit, a similarity that’s only underscored by this Canadian resort’s proximity to world-famous Algonquin Provincial Park. But Deerhurst’s woods are filled with classic Canadian adventures, like canoeing, snowmobiling and a thriving maple syrup-making operation.
Ingredients like mushrooms and honey for the resort’s Savour Muskoka menus are harvested around the grounds. And two decades ago Deerhurst landed firmly on the entertainment map when the singer who became superstar Shania Twain performed in Deerhurst’s live stage shows. Today that centre stage legacy continues with group drumming workshops, dance classes and two productions directed by Dave Campbell, the choreographer for Canadian Idol.
While it remains to be seen if the Japanese Prime Minister will feast on Deerhurst’s homegrown shiitake mushrooms, the resort is ready for the challenges that these VIP guests and the eyes of the world will bring.
"There’s more than one reason they call it a summit," Klein noted. "It takes a real team effort to complete the mountain of preparations and make it easy for the most powerful people on the planet to relax with each other, and get down to business. We’re looking forward to working with the entire Deerhurst staff and our neighbours across the region to showcase Muskoka around the globe."
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If you would like to obtain more information or reproduction quality photographs, please contact:
Anne White
Director Public Relations
T 416.566.9297
F 416.883.8975
awhite@deerhurstresort.com
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