Howard Johnson hotels is attempting to lure Chieftain owners into joining its franchise, but owners are being evasive about their plans.
"We have been approved by Howard Johnson for a franchise," said manager Raj Gounder.
"We've been approved by other franchises as well. That doesn't mean we'll necessarily join any franchise."
Whatever decision is made, however, preserving the building's historical value, including that of the Chieftain's sign, will be a top priority.
According to Gounder there are a number of factors that will play into the decision, such as franchise fees and how it will reflect on the building's character.
"It is something the ownership group will have to decide," he said. "We need to decide if something is going to be the right fit."The Chieftain's sign along Cleveland Avenue is considered a Squamish landmark.
It most recently gained increased notoriety last year after appearing in the television show Men In Trees.
In the show, The Chieftain stands in for the only bar in the fictional Alaskan community Elmo.
Gounder has noted that it is not uncommon to see tourists regularly stop and take pictures of the sign.
The Chieftain is currently undergoing other changes as well.
The hotel's nightclub, has been undergoing extensive renovations over the last three months and is expected to open under a new name later this summer.
