2.4 acre revenue generating commercially zoned oceanfront including Squirrel Cove General Store & The Cove Restaurant. Store operations include groceries & hardware, liquor sales, post office, fuel sales, video rentals, ATM and attached 9 bedroom accommodation. Separate buildings include restaurant, garden center, laundry & shower facilities. Large foreshore lease with dock, ramp, and boat launching facilities.
The Squirrel Cove General Store & Cove Restaurant are located on the East side of Cortes Island facing world renowned yachting destination Desolation Sound. The operations cater to the local community along with the endless supply of tourists and boaters visiting/mooring in the immediate area. The Squirrel Cove General Store has been a successful business since the 1970’s & is the only business of its type on the island and within this yachting area. It is a “true general store” offering a one stop shop for all. The location of the store is perfect for the yachting community as the government wharf is located next door to the property and within easy walking distance. The Government Dock provides all tide docking for big and small boats.
During the economic downturn the revenue for the various operations remained strong and have increased some in the past year. There are also additional revenue possibilities by further utilizing the property adding to the current viable business.
THE COVE RESTAURANT
The location of The Cove Restaurant is one of the most spectacular you'll find anywhere. It is right at water level and looks out to the glory of Desolation Sound. From the large patio, you can frequently see eagles soaring and fish leaping. If the day is chilly, you can sit inside around a fire and gaze through any window to astonishing beauty. Currently The Cove Restaurant is leased out from May to September. A capable new owner could increase revenue by operating the restaurant rather than leasing it out. It is licensed for 108 capacity accommodating large groups.
The current MENU is based on local seafood and fresh vegetables, comfort food and daily specials. There are often home made desserts and always homemade soup and organic salads. The Cove is licensed to serve alcohol, so you can enjoy a bottle of wine with your meal or a glass of draft beer with your appetizer.
CLICK HERE to view the current MENU The Squirrel Cove General Store Includes:
HOURS OF OPERATION
The General Store carries just about everything you'll ever need. Current hours of operation are: 9-6 every day and 9-9 in the summer. In the summer there are 7 full time employees and 5 part time employees and 4 full time employees and 3 part time employees in the off season. FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
There is a large walk-in cooler with fresh (organic and regular) fruit and vegetables, tofu, free-range eggs, and dairy. Often, when in season, produce is from local farmers. There is a variety of fresh and frozen meat, fish, oysters and prawns (local when possible), and a freezer full of ice cream and other frozen treats. Bread and baking goods arrive frequently. Both cube & block ice is available.
STAPLES AND DRY GOODS This is a great place for locals and boaters to stock up on dried goods, organic/fair trade coffee, soft drinks and treats. You can also find detergents and paper products; repair kits, fishing tackle, licences, and bait; maps, charts and tide tables; toiletries and medicine; baby food and diapers; water purifier tablets and bottled water; stamps and newspapers; chips and dips and soft ice-cream.
GOVERNMENT LIQUOR
Inside the General Store, there is a Government Liquor Agency in its own room. You'll be amazed at the vast selection of local and imported beer, wine, coolers, ciders, champagne, liqueurs and hard alcohol.
HARDWARE AND TOOLS
The Hardware Store is located in the lower level. Here, you will find areas designated for plumbing, electricity, auto, marine, oil, nails, screws, batteries, fuses, adhesives, etc.
CLICK HERE to view the general stores website Other Onsite Revenue Operations Include:
FUELS There are 4 types of fuel available: Propane for auto and cylinders. Marked gasoline for boats and farm vehicles. Diesel. Regular unleaded gas. They have jerry cans and a trusty wheelbarrow you can borrow if you need to replenish your fuel for your boat. The dock is directly in front of the pumps and is available for use at high tide.
LAUNDRY AND SHOWERS
There is a separate building housing coin operated commercial washers and dryers. There are also 2 coin-operated showers with plenty of hot water.
THE CRAFT STORE
Local artists and crafts people display their work in this charming shop. It is co-operatively operated and you can learn about each artist. Prices are reasonable and new work is arriving frequently. The Craft Store is open during late June to early September from 10 AM to 6 PM.
GARDEN CENTRE
Fertilizers, tools, bedding plants, garden hardware and fixtures, some in season, others year round.
THE BOAT LAUNCH RAMP
Added revenue is generated from many boaters and kayakers embarking on day trips. Kayak people find it a useful place to organize their gear before taking off. Seasonal residents utilize it for removing their boats for the season.
SUNDAY MARKET
Each Sunday between May 24 and Labour Day a craft/farmer market is held on site at Squirrel Cove between the Laundromat and the Cove Restaurant. Local artists, crafts, musicians, farmers, bakers, etc. will sell or perform between 11:00-3:00. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the diversity of Cortes culture and sample the wonderful local flavours.
ONSITE ACCOMMODATION
Owners accommodations are attached directly behind the general store and include a kitchen and bathroom on the ground level and nine bedrooms above. This would be very suitable for large families or could be converted easily into a Hostel adding to the revenue.
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
ADDITIONAL REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous other revenue generation opportunities that could be added by a new owner. This could include a untapped eco-tourism operation, construction of rental cabins, converting current 9 bedroom living quarters into a Hostel or operating a small campsite and boat storage in the off season.
Eco-Tourism
Given the properties location and surrounding natural attributes a eco-tourism business could flourish. Kayak tours & rentals would be ideal given the protected waters of Squirrel Cove and the surrounding marine Park. Cabins
The construction of small cabins would be ideal given the amount of tourist in the area as it would go hand in hand with a eco-tourism business. Hostel
The current nine bedroom living accommodation attached to the general store could easily be converted into a hostel business with minimal cost. Camping
Currently there are 3-4 campsites on the property that are not being utilized to there full potential. All it would take is a little marketing to generate more revenue Boat Storage
In the offseason a portion of the property could be used to store boats for the neighbouring water access seasonal residence. Foreshore Lease
The foreshore lease was extended in size in 2008 to approximately .54 of a hectare reaching out to deeper waters as the current dock in place is tidal. The term of the lease was also extended in 2008 for another 30 years. A new owner might be able to extend the dock and create a marine fuel sales business. It is imperative that any potential purchaser independently check the likelihood of adding a fuel dock with the various governing departments including (ILMB) integrated land and management bureau now the ministry of natural resources.
|
|||
Location : | Cortes Island is situated in the Discovery Islands' group just east of Quadra Island across Sutil Channel and west across Desolation Sound from British Columbia's mainland near Lund. Cortes Island is around 25 km (16 miles) long, 13 km (8 miles) wide and has an area of 13,000 hectares (32,124 acres). To reach Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island, take the regularly scheduled ferry service on BC Ferries from Campbell River (Vancouver Island) to Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island, approximately a 10 minute sailing. Then take a short drive from Quathiaski Cove to Heriot Bay. From Heriot Bay take a BC Ferries scheduled sailing to Whaletown on Cortes Island, approximately a 40 minute sailing. Then drive a short distance across Cortes Island from Whaletown to Squirrel Cove. |
||
Access : | (Contact Listing Agent) | ||
Services : | Hydro, Internet, Telephone, Septic, Water (Dug & Drilled Wells) | ||
Recreation : |
Salmon Fishing in the region is legendary. The waters around Quadra and Cortes Islands have yielded some of the largest salmon ever caught on BC's west coast. Although much of the activity is centred in nearby Campbell River on Vancouver Island, there's plenty of action around Quadra and Cortes Islands. Spring salmon migrate from April through to September. Bluejacks and Coho salmon arrive in May, followed by Tyee in July, August and September. Charter boat operators are available for fishing or wildlife viewing excursions. |
||
Area Data : | Cortes Island Nestled at the entrance to enchanting Desolation Sound, tranquil and friendly Cortes Island is one of the most impressive of the Discovery Islands, with its placid lakes, beaches, and rugged gorges. Located between Campbell River on central Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of British Columbia, the Discovery Islands dot the intricate waterways in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
|
||
Zoning : | SC - 1 (Service Commercial One)
Please CLICK HERE tofollow the link to the Comox Strathcona Regional district for zoning descriptions and information |
||
Legal : | Lot 4 District Lot 391 Cortes Island Sayward District Plan 3148 PID 006-306-586 |
||
Taxes : | $10,018.61 (2009) | ||
Listing # : | 10500 Disclaimer: Buyers should verify any information provided that is important to them to their sole satisfaction. Our best efforts have been made to provide the most current and accurate information from sources believed to be reliable. |
||
#101-313 Sixth Street, New Westminster, BC, V3L 3A7, Canada
JAMIE: 1.604.483.1605 | JASON: 1.604.414.5577
F: 1.604.485.4046 | E: sales@bclandpro.com