Amherst Shore Country Inn
"It's awesome. If we weren't able to get this, it would be harder and harder for us to compete for business," says Amherst Shore Country Inn operator Rob Laceby. He's describing what the arrival of high-speed Internet means to businesses like his in Cumberland County.
A cluster of communities along the Northumberland Strait from Tidnish to Port Howe was selected as the pilot area for the expansion of high-speed Internet service to all areas of Nova Scotia by 2009. The business model developed will be used to expand broadband access across the province. Nova Scotia Economic Development is providing $400,000 to cover project expenses. The department is leading the pilot, and has partnered with community representatives and the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA).
When Seaside Communications of Sydney began rolling out state-of-the-art broadband in the area this spring, Laceby's Lorneville property was among the first customers connected.
The Amherst Shore Country Inn features eight rooms; three cottages; 1,000 feet of private beach, and gourmet dining. But despite all its attributes, Laceby says the inn was unable to compete with its dial-up Internet service, especially in the corporate market. He explained that the availability of high-speed Internet is becoming a critical factor in where people choose to stay.
"If a business traveler can't communicate with the office properly, they probably won't stay with us," he said. "Even people on vacation are still connected to the office. Not having high-speed Internet is like not having a telephone or TV years ago."
On an administrative level, Laceby says the arrival of broadband has made life much easier. "Our communications, reservations, and marketing were very difficult before, because of the time delays with dial up. There were certain functions we just couldn't do." It was difficult for the inn to exchange larger files with their sister property, the Blomidon Inn in Wolfville, where a lot of the advertising and marketing materials for both properties are developed.
In terms of service, Laceby says it's what customers expect. "Our online reservation system is more efficient; we can get back to people faster. It also allows us to drive more people to our website because we can provide them with more specific information related to our property."
Laceby says he's very excited about getting the next stage of high-speed Internet for their guests. His goal is to have it available throughout the entire property, including the beach.
"Ideally we would like to make it Wi-Fi so our guests could use their laptop while sitting in the gazebo at the beach."
He also believes that the expansion of broadband will benefit the entire pilot area, particularly the thousands of tourists and cottage owners who flock to the shore each summer.
"A lot of people who have cottages will be able to stay longer. There are a lot of professional people who, if they're connected to the office, can work from their cottage," Laceby says. "The longer people are in the area, the greater the chance they might come to the inn for dinner."
