Another One Bites the Dust

The following (sad) news was just released by the FCN (Federation of Canadian Naturists). This follows the closure of the Glen Echo (The Toronto Gymnosophical Society) just last year. Both clubs have been in operation for over 30 years and pioneered nudism in Canada. pre"The Four Seasons Nudist Resort, in Freelton, Ontario, has announced that they are going textile on May 1, 2011. In a letter dated December 10th, 2010, Paul Colvin who is the president of the Four Season's owner, Castle Vacations Parks, blamed some of the members for the change. The letter explains that clothing will be required starting on May 1st and that this new policy will be "strictly enforced". It is the resort owner's plan to change the zoning to allow for a residential community and a seasonal trailer park. On the fall of 2009, Hans and Lisa Steins sold the Four Seasons Nudist Resort to Castle Vacation Parks. It has been for sale since 1999. The new owners initially planned on continuing to operate the resort as clothing-optional. So the news of the sale was greeted with great anticipation since the purchaser had the financial resources to restore the facilities and expand the resort. Long-time nudists, Tom and Lynda Landers, were hired to run the resort. Tom had a great deal of experience having managed the Caliente Resort near Tampa, Florida. Unfortunately, the Landers resigned in the spring of 2010 for health reasons. The Four Seasons was founded in 1969 by Hans and Lisa Stein. It gained international attention with the tremendously successful Miss Nude World contests. In 1970, the first year the contest was held, twelve contestants vied for the title. The panel of distinguished judges included the famous Toronto radio and television broadcaster Gordon Sinclair. (making his own fashion statement in a fine kilt) Media coverage was so extensive that it preempted reports about Prime Minister Trudeau’s attendance at the reopening of the Welland Canal on the same weekend. The Four Seasons featured the most elaborate resort amenities of any nudist club in Canada with its nightclub, gazebo, 3 bars, restaurant, snack bar, indoor pool and outdoor pool with a waterfall. The clubhouse also contained a gym, motel rooms, a sauna and whirlpool. The resort was particularly famous for its 8 ton platform that was lowered from the ceiling onto the swimming pool to create a dance floor. " Just shows that good planning and lots of thought has to go into when deciding to sell an existing Naturist/Nudist facility to ensure that the new owners will continue to operate it as such. A whole lot of Canadian Naturist history is gone. We have spent lots of great times at the "4", especially enjoyed their fantastic dances. /pre