Situated on a stunning stretch of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, White Point Beach Resort has been one of Atlantic Canada’s favorite destinations for more than 90 years. There’s a reason for that.

There is its magnificent setting, peerless amenities, and first-class dining facilities. But underlying all of that are its people; its 160 employees (growing to 225 in high season), in all. Says Andy Lee, White Point’s general manager: “We work to differentiate ourselves – making sure our people are properly trained and that they go above and beyond.”

For many places, that’s easier said than done. But at White Point, it all starts with a corporate culture that employees say makes them feel like family.

Take, for example, Johnny Fisher, the resort’s engineering manager who supervises 14 staff and is responsible for maintenance and landscaping. “I’ve been here for 33 years,” he says, “and I can tell you, from my heart, this is my home away from home. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Then there’s Lois Bowers, the accounting office manager, who started at the front desk 32 years ago. “It’s a family feel, for sure, but there’s also a sense that you’re supported to take time with your own family. Here, I’ve had the flexibility to attend my kids’ events and appointments, plus obtain my certificate for Payroll Compliance Practitioner.”

“It’s incredibly people-friendly here,” she says. “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, you’re welcomed with open arms.”

—Julie Thompson, reservations

And there’s Julie Thompson, who works in reservations. While she’s only been on the job for 10 months, she’s fitting right in. “It’s incredibly people-friendly here,” she says. “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, you’re welcomed with open arms.”

Adds Robert and Alicia Risley, owners of the Resort for 35 years: “Our people are not only our culture but also our community. This has become even more crucial with the addition of new staff members from all over the world who have come to Canada for a better life. We support them by providing accommodation in one of the three properties we have purchased in the community at rental rates they can afford, and we do everything we can to help them integrate into their new life and culture.”

In fact, White Point pulls out all stops to make their employees feel at home. It was one of the first hotel/resorts in Nova Scotia to receive the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age-Friendly Employer (CAFÉ) designation, the only program in North America that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees, aged 50+ years.

At White Point, employees – all of whom have access to on-site recreational activities and amenities – can stay at the resort at a special rate. The Staff Meal Program provides daily meals at a discount. There’s financial support for training, learning, and career planning, including a $1,000 staff scholarship. There’s a group medical and insurance benefit program, a smoking cessation incentive, and a referral program for recruitment.

Lee joined White Point in August 2023, after managing luxury boutique five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and private clubs. His vision is to develop and elevate the resort’s products and services, including a tighter focus on a more “service-centric” culture.

“Our iconic resort, with its high guest return rate, offers a stunning location and gracious Nova Scotia hospitality,” he says. “At the same time, we strive to improve each day not just by training but by restructuring what we do to pivot our culture for growth and future success.”

White Point Beach Resort—the go-to place for so many families, couples, and groups—truly believes in shaping dreams for their staff and guests.