News Releases
Gitxaała Enterprises
May 25, 2026
GECO – Newsletter, Spring / Summer 2026
Gitxaała Enterprises Corporation’s (GECO) Spring / Summer 2026 Newsletter is here to provide community members insights and updates on what is happening at GECO.
Contact:
May 19, 2026
Gitxaała Enterprises Welcomes Sean Martin as General Manager of the Crest Hotel
Prince Rupert, BC, May 19, 2026 — Gitxaała Enterprises Corporation (GECO), the owners of the Crest Hotel, are pleased to welcome Sean Martin as the newest addition to the team. Sean officially joined the Crest as General Manager on May 4, 2026, supporting the continued growth and operations of the property.
“We are excited to welcome Sean to the Crest Hotel. His hospitality experience, education, and professional track record make him a valuable addition to our team. With his prior experience in Northern BC, along with family connections to Prince Rupert, we look forward to the long-term stability that he will bring to the Crest Hotel,”
– Michael Uehara, CEO of Gitxaała Enterprises.
“It is a genuine honour to join the Gitxaała Enterprises team and lead the historic Crest Hotel into its next chapter of modernization and excellence. My family and I are excited for our new life in Prince Rupert, and I look forward to ensuring the Crest continues to set the gold standard for hospitality on the North Coast.”
– Sean Martin, General Manager, The Crest Hotel
About Sean Martin
Sean is an experienced hospitality leader, having served most recently as the General Manager for the Pangea Pod Hotel in Whistler for the past eight years. Previously, he was the General Manager of the Stonebridge Hotel in Fort St. John and a Relief General Manager for the Sandman chain throughout British Columbia, including assignments in Williams Lake and the Okanagan, where he was deployed as a turnaround specialist.
Having served as the first and only General Manager for Pangea from pre-opening in 2018, Sean has deep operational expertise, having led the full build-out and launch of the property. Under his leadership, the hotel became an award-winning hospitality product and achieved a 4.8 out of 5 guest rating on TripAdvisor, demonstrating his commitment to providing a positive and memorable guest experience.
Sean holds a Master’s Degree in International Hotel Management and brings a wealth of relevant experience that will be of benefit to the Crest, including harnessing modern technological systems, managing workers housing, and a proven ability to build a cohesive team in an independent boutique hotel.
Sean also has a personal connection to Prince Rupert, having married a former Rupertite. His wife’s family is rooted in the region, and they are fully committed to building their long-term future in Prince Rupert.
Gitxaała Enterprises and the Crest Hotel are excited about the opportunities and growth that Sean Martin will bring to our organization and to our community.
Contact:
May 11, 2026
A Release from Gitxaała Enterprises Corporation and BC Lottery Corporation
Gitxaała Enterprises Announces Plan to Transform Chances Prince Rupert and the Crest Hotel into Northern BC’s Premier Resort Destination
Grand reopening marks over $2 million in first-year investments and introduces a long-term vision, supported by strategic land agreements, to establish Northern BC’s only fully integrated Indigenous-owned resort destination.
PRINCE RUPERT, BC, May 11, 2026 — Gitxaała Enterprises Corporation (GECO) will mark the grand reopening of Chances Prince Rupert on May 14, the only Indigenous-owned casino in Northern BC, alongside the Crest Convention Centre. The announcement will also introduce a long-term plan to unite the properties with the neighbouring Crest Hotel into a combined resort destination.
Situated along the coastline overlooking Prince Rupert Harbour, the properties are located in a place of deep historical and cultural significance to the Gitxaała People, where land, water, and identity are deeply interconnected. Known as Git Lax M’oon, the People of the Saltwater, Gitxaała have lived in relationship with these coastal environments since time immemorial. This setting, defined by expansive ocean views and the natural rhythm of the harbour, will play a central role in shaping the future resort experience.
In partnership with BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and in close collaboration with the City of Prince Rupert, Gitxaała Enterprises is advancing a new chapter not only for Chances Prince Rupert and the Crest Hotel, but for the Nation’s continued leadership in economic development grounded in place, culture, and community.
A Vision for Northern BC
Working in close partnership with the City of Prince Rupert, GECO has finalized two land agreements that form the foundation of its long-term plan to bring together Chances and the Crest Hotel into one cohesive resort. These agreements include the purchase of the laneway between the two properties, and the purchase of the casino parking lot, a portion of which was municipally owned.
These agreements reflect a shared commitment between Gitxaała Enterprises and the City to support long-term economic development in Prince Rupert and unlock the full potential of this waterfront location.
When complete, the combined development will bring together the Crest Hotel, including its restaurant, lounge, convention centre, and planned spa, with Chances casino and sports bar to create a united resort destination. This offering will deliver an elevated guest experience not currently available anywhere north of the Okanagan, establishing the property as one of Northern BC’s premier hospitality and event destinations. Positioned above the harbour with unmatched views of Prince Rupert’s waterfront, the property will be defined by its connection to place, thoughtful design, and the surrounding coastal landscape.
Together, the Crest Hotel and Chances Prince Rupert currently support approximately 150 employees, making the properties a significant local employer. As Gitxaała Enterprises continues to invest in the future resort destination, the long-term vision is expected to create additional employment opportunities in hospitality, food and beverage, gaming, events, wellness, and guest services, while strengthening Prince Rupert’s role as a destination for tourism, conferences, and major events.
“This work reflects our responsibility as Gitxaała people to create opportunities for our Nation while remaining grounded in who we are and where we come from. The investments we are making here are about building a strong future for our people, creating opportunities for our youth, and ensuring our presence and leadership are reflected throughout our territory.” — GECO Board Chair & Elected Chief Lou Ga Gwelks (Linda Innes), Gitxaała Nation
$2 Million in First-Year Improvements
Since acquiring Chances Prince Rupert in February 2025, GECO and BCLC have jointly invested in more than $2 million worth of improvements to the property.
Enhancements to the gaming floor include new slot machines and electronic tables, along with updated seating and finishes. The Crest Convention Centre has also been upgraded with a new commercial kitchen, polished concrete floors inspired by the surrounding cliffside landscape, and cedar columns and trim that reflect Gitxaała culture and connection to territory. Exterior siding and gutter repairs, along with a fresh coat of paint, complete the transformation.
“This grand re-opening is more than a one-day celebration, it’s a demonstration of Gitxaała Enterprises’ commitment to building the premier hospitality destination for Northern BC. The investment we are making in bringing together the Crest Hotel, convention centre, and casino will further position Prince Rupert as a hub for tourism, conferences, and major events.”
— Michael Uehara, CEO, Gitxaała Enterprises Corporation
“BCLC is proud to partner with GECO in continuing to improve the guest experience at Chances Prince Rupert and to support the delivery of critical gambling revenue for the city. Since 2007, almost $8 million in provincial gambling revenue has been shared with the City of Prince Rupert for hosting Chances Prince Rupert. Last year alone, the city used more than $500,000 of this funding to support local initiatives for arts and culture, recreation, community programs and infrastructure. We are pleased to see how these contributions help strengthen the community of Prince Rupert for residents and visitors alike.”
— Pat Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, BC Lottery Corporation
“Gitxaała is breathing life into Prince Rupert through its many Indigenous-owned and operated enterprises. They invest locally. They hire locally. Profits are reinvested locally to the benefit of all. That’s worth celebrating!”
— Mayor Herb Pond, City of Prince Rupert
Contact:
April 9, 2026
Notice to Gitxaała Citizens Re: Alpha River – Blasting and Safety Plan
Gitxaała Forestry will begin road construction at Alpha River on or around April 12. This work will include regular drilling and controlled blasting. For everyone’s safety, please review the following information and guidelines if you are in the area.
Work Schedule
- Lemare Construction will be working daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Blasting Activities
- Due to heavy rock conditions, controlled blasting will take place 4–5 times per day
- Blasting will occur at random times between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM
- Controlled blasting uses small, carefully measured charges to break rock safely for removal
Safety Area
- A 600-metre safety zone will be in place around the blasting area
- Please refer to the Alpha River Blasting Map for the exact location
- During work hours, avoid traveling by boat or aircraft within this area
Safety Procedures Before Blasting
- Crews will use a barge and boat to check and clear the area
- Once the area is clear:
- A warning will be broadcast on:
- Air band radio (123.200)
- Marine Channel 6
- You will hear twelve short (1-second) whistles
- After a 2-minute wait, the blast will occur
- A 5-second long whistle will sound after the blast to confirm the area is safe
- A warning will be broadcast on:
Duration of Work
- These safety procedures will be in place for approximately 2–3 months, or until the road has progressed further up the valley and the safety area can be reduced
If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out.
T’oyaxsut nüün,
Contact:
March 11, 2026
Notice: Lax Klan Community Members and Gitxaała Citizens
Re: Gitxaała Forestry Operations Update – Captain’s Cove Helicopter Logging
Gitxaała Forestry would like to provide a community update regarding the upcoming helicopter logging operations at Captain’s Cove.
We expect to begin setting up helicopter water drop zones next week, with helicopter logging scheduled to begin during the week of March 16, weather permitting. Two S61 helicopters will be used for the operation, with the second helicopter expected to start approximately one week to ten days after the first.
Community members are welcome to observe the helicopter logging activity. However, for safety reasons, please stay at least 400 metres away and well clear of all active drop zones and operational areas.
An attached map shows the locations of the helicopter drop zones.
Once operations begin, helicopter logging is expected to continue for approximately two months, depending on weather conditions and operational needs.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out.
T’oyaxsut nüün.
