Meet our Members! Jake Murfitt of the Ainsworth Hotsprings
How long has your business been in the Balfour/Harrop area? The Ainsworth Hot Springs were first considered a vacation spot as early as 1929 when Mr. John Burns II of Nelson purchased and began developing the property. The present hotel was built in 1987 by Norm and Joyce Mackie, and the Resort as we know it became a successful family operation. In 2015, the Resort was sold to the Lower Kootenay Band (Yaqan Nukiy) of Creston, reconnecting them to a significant cultural site of the Ktunaxa people. With the addition of the Yaqan Nukiy Suites, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort will continue to grow and strengthen the local tourism economy. What services do you provide? What makes your business special? The Resort provides year-round employment to 50-60 people in the operation and management of the business. Services include Hot Springs pool and cave, Accommodation, Food & Beverage, and Gift Shop. The Hot Springs is what people come to enjoy. The warm mineral water was first referred to by the Ktunaxa people as nupika wu’u, meaning spirit water. It is…
