Digby Pines, Liscombe Lodge bids still under Nova Scotia government review

The Nova Scotia government continues to review bids for a pair of government-owned resorts more than six weeks after the deadline for submissions ended.

The amount of financial information involved requires careful review, Business Minister Mark Furey said Thursday.

"The process is diligent, it's thorough and it's transparent," he told reporters.

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The province is seeking buyers for the Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre and Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa.

The minister could not say if any of the submissions will result in the resorts continuing to operate as tourist destinations.

"We'll see how this process unfolds. If we're successful, obviously we won't have to have the discussion," Furey said.

"If we're not, we'll have to look at that what options and opportunities lie ahead, particularly the next tourist season."

He said the Nova Scotia government still wants to see the facilities continue to function as resorts, but selling the land is something that may have to be considered.

"I think all options are on the table," said Furey.

Digby Pines and Liscombe Lodge, along with the Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa in Ingonish Beach, were once a profitable part of Nova Scotia's triple crown of government-owned tourist hotels.

Between 2003 and 2006, the province spent $7.7 million on the resorts in golf course improvements, air conditioning, new spa and meeting facilities.