Major investments into renovations at Moose Jaw’s historic and central Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa are now underway following the property’s acquisition by Peepeekisis Cree Nation (PCN), which took effect in September 2022.
PCN-owned Sparrow Hawk Developments fully acquired the hotel, the mineral spa, the walkway connecting the building to Casino Moose Jaw, part of the Casino building, and three associated parking lots last year on Aug. 31 at 5 p.m.
“Our goal as a corporation is to create community and economic benefits for Peepeekisis Cree Nation that will last for generations,” said Alex Fallon, recently appointed president and CEO of Sparrow Hawk Developments. “Owning and investing in Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa helps us do just that, all while operating and investing in an iconic Saskatchewan hotel that is the source of local and provincial pride.”
Fallon was formerly CEO of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA), while Saskatoon-based Globex Property Management, headed by CEO Jaret Waddell, has been hired to oversee the property’s day-to-day operations.
“We’re excited to give the interior a more luxurious, premium look and feel,” Fallon added. “Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa has the potential to be a world-class resort, and our investment is about realizing that potential. This is the first of many investments in Saskatchewan Sparrow Hawk Developments plan to make.”
The ambitious multi-million-dollar investment and renovation project at Temple Gardens will see all 181 rooms, along with hallways, change rooms, and other high-traffic areas of the building “reimagined in a contemporary style that pays tribute to the building’s history and heritage,” according to a July 5 press release from Sparrow Hawk Developments (SHD).
The release is the first major information from PCN, SHD, Globex, or Temple Gardens employees since the sale went through, although Waddell had informed the Moose Jaw Express in previous communications that good things were on the way. Repeated requests for updates in the interim have received no response.
To minimize disruptions for hotel and spa guests, renovations will be carried out in phases, the Sparrow Hawk media release noted. The first block of fully renovated rooms opened in July, and work has started on the next block of rooms. The current plan is to complete all renovations by the end of 2025.
David Wood, the general manager of Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa, said renovations were already improving conditions at the hotel. The RFID card lock systems, ice machines, and a complete replacement of all computer systems had been noted by Waddell in September as being immediate priorities.
“Thanks to this investment by Peepeekisis Cree Nation and Sparrow Hawk Developments, we’re already seeing significant upgrades to the hotel. We take pride in delivering an exceptional guest experience, and this renovation plan will help us make good on that promise to the thousands who visit us each year,” Wood said.
“Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa was built with the vision of the people of Moose Jaw and the City Council of the day,” said Clive Tolley, Mayor of Moose Jaw. “We welcome Sparrow Hawk Developments to Moose Jaw and greatly appreciate their commitment to re-energizing one of Canada’s most #NotoriouslyRelaxing tourist attractions.”
SHD is developing a website at www.sparrowhawkdevelopments.com. The site has artist’s renderings of completed suite renovations.
