Kal Hotel renovation could take another year

Mar 28, 2023 | 5:00 AM

The Kalamalka Hotel (The Kal), one of the first hotels built in Vernon, opening in 1892, is part way through a multi-million dollar renovation.

It was the same year the City of Vernon was incorporated and the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway reached Vernon and Okanagan Landing and connecting them to the transcontinental railway.

Kalamalka Hotel ca. 1910 (Image courtesy of Greater Vernon Museum and Archives)

The hotel and pub on the corner of 30th Avenue and 30th Street, has undergone numerous renovations over the past several decades, with the latest renovation starting in fall 2022.

Gem Quality Homes took over the renovation in October from another contractor.

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The building exterior is getting a complete redo with hardy plank, brick, additional windows for light and fresh air, and a large living suite and patio being constructed on the second floor.

The space to the right of the original 30th Avenue entrance is also undergoing an interior make-over.

“Along 30th Ave., you have probably noticed there all those garage doors. We are going to be adding five more of those along 30th Ave.,” project manager Mike Yullyot told Vernon Matters. “When we do that we will be demoing the existing structural masonry wall and framing it with lumber, with the structural engineers advice.”

The area will eventually be a family restaurant and arcade.

Kal Hotel 30th Avenue view (Vernon Matters photo)

“I would say we are a year away, or so, from completion. We are doing things in phases,” Yullyot said.

Given the number of previous renovations, and the age of the existing building, there have been numerous challenges.

“You have absolutely no idea how many hours of sleep I have lost. It has been an extremely challenging project having been original and renovated who knows how many times over the years,” Yullyot added.

Backside of The Kal showing the new exterior finish. (Vernon Matters photo)

Working on such a historic building, while challenging, has also yielded some interesting surprises.

“One of the cool things was we were able to save some of the original 130 year old fir beams. We have had them cut down to use as rough cut timber accents in the living suite upstairs,” Yullyot stated.

Working on one of the city’s oldest buildings has also brought a sense of responsibility in relation to the history of the hotel.

“One hundred per cent, we want to save as much of the original building as possible, but also ensure we construct it to today’s standards. We are working with the architect and the owner to preserve some of the heritage type looks,” Yullyot said.

The pub remains open for business during the renovation.

by Kevin Rothwell

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