While Harrison Hot Springs renovator plugs away at breathing new life into the former Breakwater Restaurant and Marina, he’s set his sights on a hidden gem on Echo Island.
Dan Clarke is working to restore and elevate Elfinlau, which was at one time an eco-resort four kilometres north of the village by boat. He and his crew have been working on the Echo Island project since March.
“I’m trying to make it feel like you’re at home,” Clarke said as he surveyed his handiwork. “I don’t want to hear ‘luxury camping.’ I’m building Harrison’s first boating community.”
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Marcella Kempf and Ray Paivarinta invited guests from all over the world to the secluded and quiet Elfinlau to rest and simply be. Kempf once characterized the resort as an act of spontaneity – something that was never planned or designed, but instead an organically grown creation. It was virtually carbon-neutral.
Kempf passed away in 2021, preceded by Paivarinta, who passed away in 2019.
Clarke hopes to keep that restful, easy-going spirit of the resort alive while modernizing the amenities and restoring what once was.
Progress has significantly moved forward on the dockside-service Breakwater Restaurant, located at 6069 Rockwell Drive just outside the village. The former Rockwell Marina is getting a new lease on life as not only a dockside restaurant but what Clarke hopes to be a nightlife hotspot for the community.
“As soon as we have drywall…there’s no stopping,” Clarke said.
The building now includes space for a deli, a stage and a private conference room.Clarke hopes to eventually host mystery nights, dinner and a movie, karaoke nights and more.
The two-storey former float house was once the largest floating structure on the continent and home to Raake Boating Services (formerly Harrison Lake Transport, founded by Frank Burns). Paul Raake headed the company, providing a number of marine services including tours, towing and deliveries.
Rivtow Marina bought Raake Boating Services in 1954, and the former float house was towed to shore in the 1970s.
