Naomi Nicholson at CHIMS Motel
Advertising Feature
PORT ALBERNI – CHIMS Motel is thrilled to announce its Grand Opening on Friday March 1st from11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Port Alberni.
We invite the public and honoured guests to tour the accommodations nestled conveniently on Highway 4. Owners Ed and Naomi Nicholson are excited to showcase their vision, “Showcasing what’s Possible” which has come to fruition with two Guest Houses and three Mint Tiny Homes in recreational vehicle sites.
The journey from inception to realization has been filled with dedication and passion, reflecting in the carefully curated property that awaits visitors.
“We just want to show anyone and Government decisions makers what is possible if they’re looking for accommodations or to reduce the housing barriers that outdated policy prohibits these solutions,” says Naomi. “We have several options to show people what can be done in terms of space on an acre of land.”
At CHIMS Motel, guests will discover a unique experience unlike any other, with the promise of privacy and amenities.
“Each Unit has views of Mount Arrowsmith and experience people will get here are far different from other accommodations,” adds Naomi. “They will have their own space. Nobody is beside them, above them, or below them because they have their own private space to decompress.”
Recognizing the increasing demand for RV sites and the growing popularity of the Tiny House concept, CHIMS Motel provided innovative solutions to address accommodation shortfalls and housing challenges.
Representatives from Mint Tiny House Company who built CHIMS Motel’s three custom designed units will be present during the Grand Opening to answer your building and financing questions.
“Our three tiny houses are each 340 square feet, which is bigger than most hotel/motel rooms,” explains Naomi. “Our park models are 10 feet wide and 34 feet long. You would never know they are built on a trailer being skirted in. These are definitely solutions for some for housing challenges, and we’re inviting people from the Regional District, City, First Nation Governments and the public to come and see our accommodations”
The Grand Opening event offers guided tours of all the units. Acknowledgements will commence at 12:15 p.m., marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
Naomi has undergone First Host customer service training, focusing on Indigenizing the business, including incorporating Indigenous names and artwork.
“Čims, pronounced CHIMS, means bear in the Nuu-chah-nulth language,” she explains. The motel was honoured with an Award of Merit in the 2022 Vancouver Island Commercial Building Awards and was named Hospitality & Tourism Business of the Year in the 2023 MNP LLP Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.
“We were the trailblazers,” Naomi recalls proudly. “Ed and I were general contractors. Ed is an electrician at Catalyst Paper, and I run the business. I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was 19, and together we did everything here.”
CHIMS Motel is now officially listed on the B.C. Provincial Accommodation list, ensuring accessibility for government workers seeking accommodations. Despite facing challenges, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the motel has flourished.
“We have had some growing pains for sure,” acknowledges Naomi, “everything is really set up quite nice now.”
Join us in celebrating the Grand Opening of CHIMS Motel and embark on a journey of discovery and comfort unlike any other.
